Acne is a condition commonly associated with teenagers, who undergo hormonal changes that impact the production of oil in their body. But more and more adults suffer from this affliction as stress, diet and exercise all impact the skin and its oil glands. Though there are many products on the market to help ease acne, a definitive cure does not exist. Green tea is sometimes purported to reduce inflammation and reduce oil production and, therefore, it may have an effect on acne production.
Identification
Acne is a common skin condition in which oil and debris get trapped in the pores of the skin. As a result, whiteheads or blackheads form and they can subsequently become inflamed or infected. This leads to the development of pimples or cysts, according to Dr. James Balch, M.D., in his book, "Prescription for Drug Alternatives." Acne is caused by several factors, including heredity, overactive oil glands, blocked skin pores, overgrowth of fungus, diet, hormones and inflammation.
Function
The way that green tea can have a positive effect on acne is through the reduction of sebum production according to Lydia Preston and Dr. Tina Alster in their book, "Breaking Out: A Woman's Guide to Coping with Acne at Any Age." Green tea may inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone into the hormone DHT, explains Preston and Alster. DHT stimulates sebaceous, or oil, glands. Conceivably, green tea could reduce sebum if you suffer from acne.
Studies
Preston and Alster reference a small 2001 study that compared a cream containing 2 percent green tea extract with a placebo cream used by acne sufferers. At the end of sixteen weeks, those who used the cream with green tea extract saw a 75 percent clearance of their lesions while the placebo group only saw a 7 percent reduction. Editor Ingrid Kohlstadt also notes in her book, "Food and Nutrients in Disease Management" that research on rats has shown decreased activation of sebaceous glands from green tea catechins.
Considerations
Green tea has not been proven to cure acne. Though dietary and exercise changes often help with skin conditions, check with your doctor before changing your regimen, as you may be suffering from another underlying condition. Green tea contains caffeine, and therefore should not be consumed by pregnant or nursing women. Also, if you suffer from adrenal or thyroid issues, the caffeine in green tea may negatively affect you. Work with a healthcare practitioner to determine the best course of action for you.
References
- "Prescription for Drug Alternatives"; James Balch, M.D.; 2008
- "Breaking Out: A Woman's Guide to Coping with Acne at Any Age"; Lydia Preston and Tina Alster, M.D.; 2004
- "Food and Nutrients in Disease Management"; Ingrid Kohlstadt; 2009
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