People don’t often think of using green tea for skin and hair health, but it can be a powerful remedy in both of those areas.
What is Green Tea?
Green tea is one of the most beloved and widely consumed beverages around the world. Made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, just like black tea, green tea does not undergo the same oxidation process as other teas, resulting in a different flavor and a slightly different nutritional profile, one that includes a high level of epigallocatechin gallate and other catechins and antioxidants. While green tea is primarily praised as a beverage, it can also be topically applied once it has been allowed to cool. [1]
Green Tea Benefits for Skin and Hair
The top health benefits of green tea for skin and hair include anti-aging effects, a reduction in pimples and acne, and a stimulation of hair growth, among others.
Green tea, rich in antioxidants, helps in improving skin health. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Skin Complexion
The antioxidants present in green tea are able to stimulate circulation, which brings additional resources and oxygen to the skin, thus improving complexion and color of your face. [2]
Anti-Aging
Epigallocatechin gallate is a powerful antioxidant that can seek out and neutralize free radicals, which cause oxidative stress and can lead to the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, and blemishes. [3]
Skin Toner and Moisturizer
If you topically apply the green tea to areas of your face and skin that are dry or inflamed, the active ingredients can speed the healing process and suppress inflammation, leaving your skin soft and beautiful. [4]
Pimples and Acne
The antioxidants and antibacterial effects of green tea can help to relieve the itching and irritation of pimples and acne, eliminating many of the toxins in your skin and preventing flare-ups. [5]
Dark Circles
Applying green tea beneath your eyes is an excellent way to reduce the appearance of dark circles and give your appearance a fresh boost.
Dandruff
Rubbing green tea into your scalp, near the roots of your hair, will not only increase hair growth by stimulating follicles but will also reduce inflammatory issues, such as those that cause hair loss and dandruff.
