Well, we already know about the benefits of green tea on health. Every time we are motivated to start a clean diet, one of the first things that strike the mind is incorporating green tea and making it a replacement for our daily coffee and chai indulgence. But did you know that green tea is just as effective on acne? It whooshes in off without leaving a trace behind and no we're not kidding with you. You must be going like phew, another remedy for acne! Nah, this one you'd want to read and take notes of because it's one of the bests and we at BB take green tea and acne very seriously!
01Green Tea on acne
The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties of green tea make it an effective acne treatment. The polyphenols in green tea can fight infections by damaging bacterial membranes, which in turn help control acne. When applied to the skin, green tea also reduces blackheads, whiteheads and paves the way for calm and acne-free skin.
02How does green tea help?
Green tea contains substances called catechins. These plant compounds, or polyphenols, have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic properties. They also attack free radicals. Green tea is particularly rich in epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a type of polyphenol that research shows can improve acne and oily skin. In addition to having anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, EGCG reduces lipid levels and is anti-androgenic, making it effective in reducing sebum and oil secretions in the skin. Androgens are hormones that the body produces naturally. High or fluctuating androgen levels stimulate the sebaceous glands to secrete more sebum. Excess oil can clog pores and increase bacterial growth, causing hormonal breakouts. EGCG helps break this cycle.
03Green tea mask for acne-prone skin
- Step #1: Remove the leaves from one or two tea bags and moisten them with warm water.
- Step #2: Mix the leaves with honey or aloe vera gel.
- **Step #3: **Spread the mixture on the acne-prone areas of your face.
- **Step #4: **Rinse the mask off after 10 to 20 minutes. If you prefer your facial mask to have a more paste-like quality, add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to the mix, but be mindful that baking soda can strip the skin of its natural oils and may be very irritating. You can also try placing the tea leaves in a blender or food processor and blending them until they become powder-like. Apply the green tea mask two times a week.
04Green tea spray for skin
- Step #1: Prepare green tea, and let it cool completely.
- Step #2: Fill a spray bottle with cold tea.
- Step #3: Spray it gently onto clean skin.
- Step #4 : Let it dry on your face for 10 to 20 minutes and then rinse your face with cool water. **Pro tip: **If you prefer, you can use cotton pads to dab the green tea mixture onto your face. Use it about 2 times a week to reap benefits!
