Green tea has been a key ingredient in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Its benefits include treating body aches, lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer. Unsurprisingly, green tea has also been linked to the treatment of acne.
Antibacterial
Green tea has proved to be effective in combating Staphylococcus aureus, which is the most common cause of staph infections and is also one cause of pimples. It also fights the bacteria responsible for Bacterium acne.
Antioxidants
Green tea extract contains Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), an antioxidant so potent that it is 200 times more powerful than vitamin E. This helps the body defend itself against free radicals that harm cells and tissues. It also reduces hormone activity, which helps to control acne, and reduces inflammation and redness of the skin.
Gentle Exfoliation
Many people find it soothing to wash their face with green tea solutions. The leaves of the plant, Camellia sinensis, contain a natural astringent that can minimize acne blemishes.
Little to No Side Effects
Unlike harsh chemical products, green tea consumers report few side effects. Researcher Gan Wong at the Memorial Medical Center in the Philippines, compared 3 percent green tea cream to 4 percent benzoyl peroxide on people with acne and found that those who used the green tea formula experienced less itching and dryness and fewer allergies. Mainly those with concerns regarding caffeine intake should consult a doctor, since green tea does contain caffeine.
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