The Green Tea Acne Mask
Green tea is made from the lightly steamed fresh leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, and it has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years.
Even though it has been used medicinally for both the mind and the body, it is also an excellent ingredient to help keep your skin beautiful and combat acne. Here’s how:
- Protects against skin cancer
Green tea contains antioxidants called polyphenols and catechins, with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) having the most potency.
Antioxidants are molecules that have the ability to fight free radicals in the body. Free radicals are compounds that can harm your body, your health, and your skin if their levels get too high. They can cause cellular damage, and have been linked to many diseases, including cancer.
According to a 2010 studyTrusted Source, the antioxidant power of EGCG can help repair DNA damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. This, in turn, can help protect you from nonmelanoma skin cancer.
- Fights premature aging
A 2003 study showed that the antioxidant EGCG, which is abundant in green tea, has the ability to protect and repair your skin cells, which means it can combat signs of aging and make dull skin look healthier.
Vitamin B-2, which I abundant in green tea has the ability to maintain collagen levels, which can improve the firmness of your skin.
- Reduces redness and irritation
Green tea also anti-inflammatory properties due to the tea’s high content of polyphenols – it can help reduce skin irritation, skin redness, and swelling.
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, studies have also found topical green tea to be an effective remedy for many dermatological conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and rosacea.
- Treats acne
The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties in green tea makes it an effective treatment for acne and oily skin.
According to research, the polyphenols in green tea, when applied to the skin, help reduce sebum secretion, which can lead to acne. They polyphenols also have the ability to fight against infection by damaging bacteria membranes and controlling the growth of the bacteria that causes acne.
- Moisturizes skin
Green tea contains several vitamins, including vitamin E, which is known for its ability to nourish and hydrate the skin.
In one study, participants applied green tea extract to their forearm for 15 and 30 days. At the end of the study, the researchers found that the participants had increased skin moisture and a reduction in skin roughness.
How do you make a green tea mask?
Mixing up a DIY green tea face mask is easy to do. Chances are, you already have many of the necessary ingredients and items in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp. of green tea leaves
- 1 tbsp. honey
- Green tea
- a mixing bowl
- a measuring spoon
- towel
Directions:
- Brew a cup of green tea, allowing the tea bag to soak for about an hour. Let the tea bag cool, and then break the tea bag open and separate the green tea leaves.
- Place the leaves in a mixing bowl, and add the honey to create a paste. If the mixture is too thick, add a few drops of green tea liquid.
- To help the mask penetrate your pores, cleanse your face before applying.
- Once your face is clean, apply the mask evenly over your face, and gently massage to remove dead skin cells and dirt from your pores.
- Leave the mask on your skin for 10 to 15 minutes, and then rinse off with warm water.
- For best results, you can apply the mask one to three times a week.
