Green Tea & Green Tea Extract:
Ahh, a yummy, steaming cup of green tea. Many of us have enjoyed a cup, right?! Green tea itself contains polyphenols, like flavanols, which are commonly known as catechins.
Research in 2004, using animal models has linked catechins to providing protection against degenerative diseases, and have linked them to the prevention of cancer(s). In fact, studies (2005) concluding that they may act as an antitumorigenic agent.
However, probably the most notable linkages of green tea and health is to that of stress relief. One article from the Journal of the American Collège of Nutrition (2005) suggests benefits also include;
- oral health,
- body weight control
- and antibacterial activity
A more recent study to note in 2019 looked at a specific compound epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), (found in green tea). The study was suggestive of this compound having specific therapeutic properties. For example, antioxidative properties, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory properties.
It has also been shown to aide in improving patients cholesterol profiles, this according to a 2011 meta analysis. For example, serum total and LDL cholesterol in adults.
However, are there other ways to enjoy the potential benefits of green tea?
Progressing forward we’ll discuss green tea extract for the skin.
What is Green Tea Extract?
Oftentimes, people steep green tea leaves in hot water and drink their tea this way. Some believe this is the only way to potentially gain some of the advantages of green tea.
Green tea extract comes from dried green tea leaves. Thus, the end results are from crushing the leaves, and turned into a powder that can be put in beauty and skincare products, or ingested. Moreover, green tea extract is concentrated.
It contains caffeine as well as compounds like EGCG and catechins, discussed briefly above.
Top Green Tea Extract Benefits For Skin:
Green tea itself is touted for aiding in many health benefits. Green tea extract can be used in a capsule form and ingested. In fact, a concentrated capsule of extract, contains as much active ingredients then what’s in your cup of green tea.
However, too much can also be bad for you. Thus, it’s important to always speak with a medical/health professional prior to consuming.
May Aide In Reducing Acne & Oily Skin:
Green tea has active compounds, like EGCG, that help reduce oil production in the skin. Oil and sebum can clog your pores and create acne, along with a host of others skin issues.
Excess sebum can simulate bacterial growth. Compounds such as EGCG can help to reduce or decrease the sebum excretions, and in-turn have a positive effect on acne.
Other linkages with green tea extract include, support for atopic dermatitis, rosacea and candidiasis.
Much of this is through oral supplementation consumption. One study in particular, saw a reduction in acne in women with post adolescents acne. There was a significant reduction in lesions on the nose, perioral area and chin.
May Help To Minimize Effects of Aging:
Green tea is full of antioxidants that may prove to reduce aging, helping keep skin looking young and healthy. A small study in 2013, assessed green tea extract in cosmetic formulations. Results showed improvements in sun reduction after 30 days of applications. Furthermore, skin microrelief, and a decrease in “skin roughness”.
Another study suggested green tea extract has the ability to delay collagen aging by an “antioxidant mechanism”.
May Help Lower The Risk of Skin Cancer:
In addition to potential positive effects on the aging process, antioxidants in green tea may also help prevent skin cancer. Research is still being conducted on this particular effect, but has shown green tea’s ability to help maintain cell health.
There is evidence of both oral and topical treatment of green tea polyphenols inhibiting chemicals carcinogen or UV radiation induced skin carcinogenesis.
Smooths Your Skin:
Finally, green tea extract may work well for people who want to smooth out their skin. Likely due to it’s anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, potentially helping aid in certain skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dandruff.
Green tea infused moisturizers may have the potential to improve skin hydration in elderly populations.
Final Thoughts!
Finally. With any new product, it’s important to do your due diligence, and research the product. Furthermore, consulting with a health professional, is always important.
Secondly, know your skin. Understanding your skin will help you choose the best available product. For example, oily vs. dry skin. Having one or the other can lead you in an entirely new direction.
As always, share your experience with green tea and/or green tea extract. How has it helped in the journey for more beautiful skin.
Resources:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-green-tea-for-skin
- https://www.katesomerville.com/us/en/blog/why-green-tea-extract-is-one-of-the-best-ingredients-for-skin-care.html
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15570050/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15965275/
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07315724.2006.10719518
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874117309893?via%3Dihub
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21715508/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23742288/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3561737/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12871030/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27062963/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324702422_Green_tea_moisturizer_improves_skin_hydration_in_elderly
