Benefits Of Green Tea For Your Skin
Applying green tea on your face has multiple benefits.
1. It May Protect Your Skin From Cancer
A study done on different animal models found that both topical application and oral consumption of green tea could prevent UV-induced carcinogenesis (cancer formation). Green tea polyphenols (GTP) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) prevent inflammatory responses triggered by UV exposure, oxidative stress, and immunosuppression (suppression of immune responses) (1).
2. It Prevents UV-induced Skin Issues
The polyphenols in green tea have skin protective properties. They can help prevent skin issues caused by UV rays, such as photoaging (wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation), melanoma, and non-melanoma cancers (1). However, more research is required on human models to validate these findings.
3. It Reduces Inflammation
EGCG is one of the four catechins found in green tea that helps in soothing inflammatory conditions, such as rosacea and acne. A study evaluated the effect of a topical gel containing 2% green tea extracts and found that it helped improve mild to moderate acne (2).
4. It Helps Reduce Excessive Sebum
The topical application of green tea can help control excessive sebum secretion. A study involving 22 non-smoker, healthy men found that 5% green tea extract reduced their sebum secretion significantly in 60 days (3). This can be a boon for oily and acne-prone skin types, as excessive sebum is one of the main reasons for acne.
5. It May Prevent Premature Aging
The EGCG in green tea protects and rejuvenates the cells in the epidermis, the topmost layer of the skin. A study conducted in the Medical College of Georgia found that it energized the dying cells, which could help in improving skin conditions (4). This property may also help prevent dullness of the skin and premature signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. Now that you know how green tea can help keep your skin healthy, scroll down to discover easy green tea face packs and mask recipes for all skin types that you can try at home.
Green Tea Face Pack For Different Skin Types
For Normal And Combination Skin
1. Turmeric And Green Tea
Turmeric has therapeutic effects on the skin. It helps in keeping skin issues (like acne) at bay (5). Chickpea flour is a common ingredient in DIY face packs and is an excellent base for any face mask. It has an exfoliating effect because of its texture and can help remove excess dirt and sebum from your skin. You Will Need
1 teaspoon chickpea flour ¼ teaspoon turmeric 2 teaspoons freshly brewed green tea
Combine the ingredients until you get a smooth mixture. How Often?
1-2 times a week.
2. Orange Peel And Green Tea
An orange peel may have anti-aging effects and can boost collagen and elastin production. A study evaluated extracts of Mandarin orange and found that its antioxidants and anti-enzymatic activity could make it a potent anti-wrinkle agent (6). Honey can keep your skin moisturized (7). You Will Need
1 tablespoon green tea 1 tablespoon orange peel powder ½ teaspoon honey
Combine the ingredients until you get a coarse mixture.
3. Mint And Green Tea
Peppermint oil (extracted from the leaves) can help manage pruritus (itching caused by any medical condition) (8). Mint leaves may also have the same effect and help soothe your skin. Honey can keep the skin hydrated and moisturized. You Will Need
2 tablespoons green tea 2 tablespoons mint leaves paste 1 tablespoon raw honey
Method How Often?
1-2 times a week.
For Oily Skin
4. Rice Flour And Green Tea
Lemon is rich in vitamin C. Topical Vitamin C was found to reduce photoaging, inflammation, and hyperpigmentation (9). Rice flour has a coarse texture and may aid exfoliation. Also, rice flour is a source of vitamin B that may help improve the skin (10). You Will Need
2 tablespoons rice flour 1 tablespoon green tea 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Method How Often?
1-2 times a week.
5. Lemon And Green Tea
This is not exactly a face pack but more like a toner and is extremely beneficial for oily skin. The vitamin C in lemon helps manage UV induced signs of aging along with hyperpigmentation and makes the skin bright (9). Green tea soothes the skin. You Will Need
1 tablespoon freshly brewed green tea 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Method How Often?
Once a day.
6. Multani Mitti And Green Tea
Multani mitti helps to remove dead skin cells and excess oil, calm irritation, and keep the skin bright and glowing (11). You Will Need
1 tablespoon Multani mitti 2-3 tablespoons green tea
Method How Often?
1-2 times a week.
For Dry Skin
7. Honey And Green Tea
This is not exactly a face pack. However, it is an excellent remedy for dry skin. Honey is an emollient and helps to keep the skin hydrated and nourished (7). Green tea reduces inflammation and keeps your skin healthy. You Will Need
2 tablespoons raw honey 1 tablespoon green tea
Method How Often?
Once a week.
8. Cream And Green Tea
Milk cream contains lactic acid. This acid can help manage fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin firmness (12). The texture of the sugar may assist in exfoliating dead skin cells. You Will Need
2 teaspoons green tea 1 teaspoon milk cream 1 teaspoon fine sugar
Method How Often?
1-2 times a week.
9. Avocado And Green Tea
Avocado is often used in DIY face masks because it serves as an excellent base for mixing other ingredients. Moreover, anecdotal evidence states that it keeps the skin extremely smooth and plump. You Will Need
1 ripe avocado – mashed 2 teaspoons green tea
Method How Often?
1-2 times a week.
Other Green Tea Face Packs
10. Rejuvenating Green Tea And Banana Face Pack
Banana is a common ingredient in homemade face masks and has excellent hydrating and moisturizing properties. It keeps the skin smooth, plump, and soft. You Will Need
1 ripe banana – mashed 2 teaspoons green tea
Method How Often?
1-2 times a week.
11. Green Tea Face Pack For Skin Whitening
The coarse texture of chickpea flour helps exfoliate the skin and remove all dead skin cells and dirt. The vitamin C in lemon helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and spots (9). This face pack can brighten the skin and restore your original skin tone. You Will Need
1 tablespoon green tea 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon chickpea flour
Method How Often?
1-2 times a week.
12. Yogurt And Green Tea
Yogurt contains lactic acid that may help in gentle exfoliation and brighten your skin (12). Lemon juice can help reduce hyperpigmentation. You Will Need
1 teaspoon yogurt 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon green tea
Method How Often?
1-2 times a week.
Although home remedies are touted as safe and without side effects, it is far from the truth. If you use ingredients that don’t suit your skin, you may experience side effects.
Side Effects Of Green Tea Face Masks: Tips To Follow
You may experience side effects if you are allergic to any ingredients used in the face mask. Hence, keep a few points in mind:
Ingredients like lemon and raw honey may cause skin irritation if you are allergic to them. In case you are allergic to pollen, avoid using raw honey. Lemon juice makes the skin photosensitive. Hence, when you go out after applying lemon juice, apply sunscreen. Otherwise, the UV rays may damage the skin. Use the right ingredient for your skin type, or you may get breakouts. For instance, if you use milk cream or malai on oily skin, it may further clog your skin pores. Always do a patch test before using any ingredients on your skin. Do not mix the ingredients unless you have patch-tested them separately. Also, do not use homemade masks more than 1-2 times a week. Overusing the masks may harm the natural barrier of the skin.
Can we apply green tea overnight? Yes, you can. However, make sure you are using just green tea extracts or any green tea skin care product. Can we use green tea bags for puffy eyes? Yes. Brewed and chilled green tea bags can soothe tired and puffy eyes. How do you use green tea leaves for face packs? Generally, it is recommended to brew green tea leaves and then use the tea in your face packs. However, you can also mix used green tea leaves with honey to make a face mask. Leave the mask on for 15 minutes, then wash it off. Can I directly apply green tea to my face? Yes, you can apply cooled or chilled green tea to your face as a toner.
