Upon visiting your pharmacy, you'll find countless topical acne treatments. Many washes, masks, creams and even makeup products containing acne medications, which typically include benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, clutter the shelves and make it difficult to choose one. These are not your only options, however. Herbs like green tea are also contenders. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks associated with herbs.
Teen Acne
Although acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, it often emerges in teen years when hormones surge. This increase in hormone levels causes excess sebum, or oil, to clog the hair follicle as it collects dirt, bacteria, and debris. Keeping your skin clean helps reduce the occurrence of breakouts, but this typically is not enough to completely eliminate acne.
Topical Green Tea
Green tea is a potentially helpful treatment for skin inflammation. As a topical remedy, green tea helps decrease irritation and redness that results from sunburn. Green tea bags also serve as a compress for under-eye swelling and puffiness. In the same way, teens who suffer with bothersome blemishes can use green tea to soothe their acne-affected skin.
Green Tea Beverage
Internal remedies for teen acne work from within to clear outbreaks. Some teens find that attacking acne by simultaneously using internal and external acne remedies is more effective than a single method. Because green tea is not fermented like black or oolong types, it contains the highest levels of polyphenols -- natural chemicals or antioxidants that protect skin by hindering cellular damage. MedlinePlus notes that polyphenols might prevent inflammation and some types of infection. Sip tea hot or cold to acquire these benefits.
Considerations
Because green tea contains caffeine -- approximately 2 percent to 4 percent per cup -- it can cause harmful side effects for teens who are sensitive to caffeine or who consume excess amounts. Caffeine stimulates the nervous system, which can increase heart rate and cause nervousness, irritability, headaches or convulsions. Talk to your doctor about safe dosages of green tea for teen acne, and never consume it with energy drinks or other highly caffeinated beverages, as caffeine poisoning -- a potentially fatal side effect -- is possible.
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