Green Tea Improves Skin Health
Did you know that the secret to great skin may be hiding in your tea cup? A 2012 study published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity looked at the protective mechanisms of green tea on skin health. The researchers found that green tea polyphenols were highly protective against the mechanisms that cause aging skin and acne. Green tea contains health-promoting catechins – the most potent one is called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) – which acts as a strong antioxidant, protecting against free radical damage. EGCG also helps upregulate antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferase, which neutralize free radicals in the skin and the body.
Green tea appears to be beneficial when consumed internally and when used topically. Topical green tea appears to be beneficial in protecting against UVB radiation and in treating acne. When used topically, EGCG inhibits sebum production, reduces inflammation, and decreases the viability of the bacteria p.acnes, which has been linked to acne vulgaris.
Green tea benefits are more than just skin deep. It has also been shown to be cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, neuroprotective, and have anti-cancer properties.
