Although most acne sufferers are rid of their blemishes by age 30, some people continue to struggle with frequent outbreaks. Finding an effective treatment or preventative is sometimes difficult, when so many products are marketed for teens. Using these products on your adult skin might lead to excessive peeling, redness and irritation, particularly if your skin is sensitive. Natural remedies, such as green tea are sometimes helpful. Talk to your doctor about your options.
Adult Acne
The same hormones that cause teen acne -- androgen hormones -- may also be the cause of adult acne. Women who have low levels of estrogen may have higher levels of testosterone, which can lead to acne. Additionally, estrogen levels fluctuate at certain times in a woman's life, such as around ovulation and menstruation, in pregnancy and menopause. If you see a pattern in your breakouts, you might start treating acne before it arises.
Green Tea
Green tea contains the highest levels of antioxidants in a tea, as it is the only tea that is not fermented. Its potent polyphenols help protect the skin by fighting against skin-damaging molecules, or free radicals. In fact, the antioxidant effects are so great, they exceed the healthful benefits in vitamin C. As a beverage, green tea helps to keep skin healthy and reduces inflammation. Some people apply the tea bags directly to the skin as a soothing compress, says Medline Plus. Use it to calm redness and swelling that arises with a blemish.
Green Tea Products
Green tea is most commonly brewed and sipped in beverage form, although green tea capsules -- made with green tea extracts -- and skin products are available at pharmacies and health food stores. A safe dosage for tea drinkers is around 3 cups daily, which provides around 240 mg to 320 mg of polyphenols. As a supplement, standardized extracts are ideal. Talk to your doctor about the right dosages.
Safety and Cautions
Green tea should not be used as an adult acne treatment without the advice of your doctor. The caffeine content may cause bothersome effects with excessive consumption. Potential effects include rapid heartbeat, upset stomach, headache, insomnia, vomiting, tremors and ringing in the ears. Additionally, green tea may not be safe for people who use certain medications or have underlying health conditions. Talk to your doctor.
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