Tea has long been one of the go-to drinks for anyone who wants to stay fit and healthy.

Tea & SkinGreen tea in particular is packed with antioxidants and minerals as it retains the maximum amount of catechins and poly-phenols (or natural plant compounds) during production. Unlike black tea, green tea does not undergo the fermentation process that can remove these compounds.

As a result, green tea is associated with a long list of health benefits, from improving brain functions to prevention of cancer formation. You’ve probably heard about these impressive health benefits, but did you know that it also improves skin complexion and maintains that ‘glowing’ effect?

The catechins, especially one known as EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate) can act as antibacterial agents that detoxify the skin and eliminate acne-causing bacteria. Offering naturally astringent properties, green tea decreases excess sebum (oil) production and reduces the inflammation of pores, leaving the skin with natural tone and glow.

glowing skin

Some scientific studies that evaluated the EGCG components of green tea have shown promising effects in the reduction of tumors, as it has the ability to repair DNA, protect against free radical damage and boost the immune system.

A study performed in 2003 by Dr. Stephen Hsu of the Medical College of Georgia’s Department of Oral Biology found that green tea aids skin rejuvenation. It can be used to treat skin diseases and wounds and its rich amount of polyphenols can help to slow the aging process and maintain the vitality of skin.

Green Tea antioxidantsOffering potent anti-inflammatory qualities, green tea also helps to calm skin disorders such as rosacea and psoriasis. As our skin is frequently exposed to variety of environmental agents, especially ultraviolet light rays from the sun, we are in need of daily protection.

The tannic acid, theobromine and polyphenols in green tea can protect your skin from the UVR and help soothe and heal sunburned skin by neutralizing the damage from exposure.

In addition to its remarkable skin benefits, green tea is helpful in stimulating hair growth and softening hair. It is also rich in Vitamin C and E that stimulate hair follicles and have been proven to boost the lustrous appearance of hair. Similarly, it helps remove dry flakes on the scalp that are caused by dandruff while improving the scalp condition.

On the other hand, this amazing drink also contains tannins, which can decrease the absorption of iron and folic acid. So if you are pregnant or trying to conceive, then green tea may not be ideal for you.

Glowing From Within: Tea & Skin
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Protective Mechanisms of Green Tea Polyphenols in Skin Patricia OyetakinWhite,1 Heather Tribout,1 and Elma Baron1,2 . Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity Volume 2012, Article ID 560682, 8 pages. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2012/560682. Retrieved (29 August 2018) from https://www.hindawi.com/journals/omcl/2012/560682/