Posted by on 1/23/2021 to
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This is Ex"tractly" What I was Looking for. Green Tea Extract Benefits for the Skin
Many of us have had a good steaming cup of green tea, right, or at least you know someone who is an avid drinker of it. Green tea itself contains polyphenols, like flavanols, which are commonly known as catechins.
Research in 2004, using animal models has linked catechins to providing protection against degenerative diseases, and have linked them to the prevention of cancer(s), as well as studies (2005) concluding that they may act as antitumorigenic agent.
However, probably the most notable linkages of green tea and health is to that of stress relief. One article from the Journal of the American Collège of Nutrition (2005) of human studies have suggested benefits also include; oral health, body weight control and antibacterial activity.
A more recent study to note in 2019 which looked at a specific compound epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), (found in green tea), to have specific therapeutic properties. This includes; acting as an antioxidant, anti-atherosclerotic, and as an anti-inflammatory agent.
It has also been shown to improve patients cholesterol profiles, according to a 2011 meta analysis in serum total and LDL cholesterol in adults.
Is there another way to enjoy the potential immense benefits of green tea, though?
In this post we'll be talking about green tea extract for the skin and the data/information out there.
What is Green Tea Extract?
Usually, people steep green tea leaves in hot water and drink their tea this way, and many may think this is the only way to potentially gain some of the advantages of green tea.
Green tea extract comes from dried leaves of green tea. This is a concentrated form of green tea leaves in which a substantial amount of leaves are crushed up and turned into a powder that can be put in beauty and skincare products.
It contains caffeine as well as compounds like EGCG and catechins discussed briefly above.
Top Green Tea Extract Benefits For The Skin:
1. Reduces Acne and Oily Skin
Green tea has active compounds, like ECCG, that help reduce oil production in the skin. Oil and sebum can clog your pores and create acne, along with a host of others skin issues.
Excess sebum can simulate bacterial growth, and compounds such as ECGC can help to reduce or decrease the sebum excretions, and in turn have a positive effect on acne.
Some of the other linkages made with green tea extract and skin besides acne reducing, are support for atopic dermatitis, rosacea and candidiasis.
Now remember, much of this is through oral supplementation consumption, as this one in 2016, which saw a reduction in acne in women with post adolescents acne. There was a significant reduction in lesions on the nose, perioral area and chin.
2. Minimizes the Effects of Aging
Green tea is full of antioxidants that may prove to reduce aging and keep your skin looking healthy. A small study in 2013, assessed green tea extracts in cosmetic formulations. The conclusions showed improvements in sun reduction after 30 days of applications, as well as skin microrelief, and decrease in "skin roughness".
Another 2013 study suggested green tea extract has the ability to delay collagen aging by an "antioxidant mechanism".
3. Can Lower The Risk of Skin Cancer
In addition to halting the aging process, antioxidants in green tea may also help prevent skin cancer. Research is still being conducted on this particular effect, but research has shown green tea's ability to help maintain cell health.
There is evidence of both oral and topical treatment of green tea polyphenols inhibiting chemicals carcinogen or UV radiation induced skin carcinogenesis.
4. Smooths Your Skin
Finally, green tea extract may work well for people who want to smooth out their skin, most likely from it's anti-inflammatory effects. This itself can help with skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dandruff.
Green tea infused moisturizers have even been seen to potentially improve skin hydration in elderly populations.
Final Thoughts!
Like with any ingredient, or other type of potentially skin altering product, it's important to number one, know your body and skin type.
Number two, do your research, see what's out there, see what other people are saying about it. Look at the ingredients, know what else in the cosmetic, soap, or creams you're using.
As always, share your experience with green tea extract and how it has helped you in your journey for more beautiful skin on our blog. Help out the community learn, and become more informed.
Resources:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-green-tea-for-skin
- https://www.katesomerville.com/us/en/blog/why-green-tea-extract-is-one-of-the-best-ingredients-for-skin-care.html
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15570050/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15965275/
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07315724.2006.10719518
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874117309893?via%3Dihub
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21715508/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23742288/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3561737/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12871030/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27062963/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324702422_Green_tea_moisturizer_improves_skin_hydration_in_elderly