Green tea is rich in polyphenols, a type of potent antioxidant. According to a study, topical tea polyphenols may soothe and heal mild to moderate acne (1). Moreover, there are other beneficial compounds in green tea, which may help reduce inflammation and acne. While you can consume green tea, you can also use it topically to soothe mild to moderate acne. Scroll down to learn the ways green tea may work for your acne and DIY remedies you may try.
Does Green Tea Help Acne? What Are The Benefits?
Yes, green tea may help you deal with acne vulgaris because of the following benefits:
1. It Helps Reduce Inflammation
Green tea is rich in catechins. Out of the four major catechins identified in green tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has been found to be beneficial in treating acne and rosacea. It works by reducing inflammation. In a study, the application of 2% green tea lotion was found to reduce inflammatory acne (1). EGCG is a powerful antioxidant and has immunomodulatory and photoprotective properties. It also has antiangiogenic (meaning, it reduces the growth of new blood vessels needed by the tumors for growth) and anti-inflammatory effects (2).
2. It Helps Reduce Sebum Production
Excess production of sebumi XThe natural oils produced by sebaceous glands that keep your skin hydrated. is one of the main causes of acne. The topical application of green tea can help in reducing sebum secretion and treating acne. A study involving 22 non-smoking, healthy men examined the effect of a 5% topical green tea extract for 60 days. The researchers found a significant reduction in sebum secretion (1). Drinking green tea may also help in reducing sebum production and control acne.
3. The Polyphenols In Green Tea Help Reduce Acne
Green tea polyphenols are potent antioxidants. A clinical trial examined the effect of 2% tea lotion on 47 subjects with mild to moderate acne. After two weeks, the researchers observed a therapeutic effect on acne lesions (1).
4. It Helps Reduce Acne-causing Bacteria
An 8-week study found that EGCG, one of the four major catechins in green tea, could help reduce acne by inhibiting the growth of P. acnes bacteria (3). These studies are not conclusive, and further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness and benefits of green tea on acne. Also, note that green tea or any other home remedy may not work for cystic and hormonal acne. You need to consult a doctor for proper treatment. However, if you have mild to moderate acne, you may try using (or consuming) green tea at home to manage your condition. Here are a few recipes that you may try at home.
How To Use Green Tea For Acne: Easy Home Remedies
1. Honey And Green Tea For Acne
Honey has antimicrobiali XPreventing the spread of microorganisms like viruses, bacteria, and fungi that cause infections and diseases. and wound-healing properties. It can inhibit the growth of P. acnes bacteria and help reduce acne (4). You Will Need
1 green tea bag 1 tablespoon organic honey Hot water Facial cleanser Towel
Method How Often?
3-4 times a week.
2. Green Tea Face Mist For Acne
This facial mist will help soothe your skin. It helps minimizes redness and treats existing acne. The EGCG in green tea helps manage acne. This treatment can be more effective if you also consume green tea regularly. You Will Need
Facial cleanser Green tea Spray bottle Non-comedogenici XA product or ingredient that does not clog skin pores. moisturizer Towel
Method How Often?
2 times a day.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar And Green Tea For Acne
There is no study proving the acne-fighting abilities of ACV. However, ACV is a popular home remedy for various skin issues. It is thought to help tone the skin and minimize skin pores. It may also balance the pH levels of your skin. You can use this concoction as a facial toner after cleansing your face. You Will Need
¼ cup apple cider vinegar ¾ cup brewed green tea Non-comedogenic moisturizer Facial cleanser Towel Cotton pad Glass jar
Method How Often?
2 times a day.
4. Tea Tree Oil And Green Tea For Acne
Topical tea tree oil (5%) is known to be an effective treatment for mild to moderate acne (5). It has strong antimicrobial properties that are effective against acne. You Will Need
½ cup green tea 3-4 drops tea tree essential oil Cotton pad Facial cleanser Non-comedogenic moisturizer Towel
Method How Often?
2 times a day.
5. Aloe Vera And Green Tea For Acne
Aloe vera has an anti-acne effect on the skin. The mucopolysaccharidesi XSugar molecule chains present throughout the body, especially in the mucus and fluids around the joints. present in it help to keep your skin hydrated by binding moisture to the skin and stimulate the fibroblastsi XCells that form connective tissues and produce collagen proteins that uphold the tissue connectivity framework. that produce collagen and elastin to keep your skin young and plump (6). You Will Need
2 green tea bags 1 cup water 1 tablespoon fresh aloe vera gel Cotton pad Facial cleanser Non-comedogenic moisturizer Towel
Method How Often?
2 times a day.
6. Lemon And Green Tea For Acne
Lemon juice contains vitamin C and citric acid. It is part of many popular home remedies and is used for its astringent properties. It is said to tighten the skin pores and have mild bleaching properties. Together with green tea, lemon juice can help keep your skin free from acne. However, it can make your skin photosensitive, so apply sunscreen whenever you go out. You Will Need
¼ cup green tea Juice of 1 lemon Cotton pad Facial cleanser Non-comedogenic moisturizer Towel
Method How Often?
2 times a day.
7. Olive Oil And Green Tea For Acne
Olive oil is one of the best options for oil cleansing. Oil cleansing helps to clean traces of makeup and dirt without upsetting the natural balance of your skin. Applying green tea brew on your face helps to calm it down and reduce inflammation. You Will Need
Facial cleanser Green tea Spray bottle 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil Towel
Method How Often?
Every day.
Apart from the home remedies, there is another way to use green tea for acne. You can buy powdered or liquid green tea extract with EGCG, mix it with your favorite cream, and apply it to your skin. These extracts are easily available online.
Green Tea For Acne: Tips To Pick The Best Quality Green Tea
Picking the right green tea with the highest levels of antioxidants (especially EGCG) is tricky. The content of antioxidants varies from brand to brand. You need to be careful before you choose your brew. Whether it is for drinking or topical application, selecting the right green tea is essential to reap the maximum benefits. Here are some tips to keep in mind while picking your brew: Do a bit of research. Check the label of the brand and see the amount of EGCG it has per serving. Browse their website and find out the EGCG levels. Choose the one with the highest EGCG content. Loose leaves have a higher antioxidant content than tea bags. However, if you cannot find loose leaves, you may pick tea bags with the highest EGCG content. Green tea has a shelf life of only 6 months. Make sure you are picking a fresh batch of green tea. As time passes, the freshness of green tea and its benefits diminish fast. Look at the harvest time. The first harvest of green tea is always the best than the second one. The first harvest has the highest quality leaves, and they are picked during the early months of the year (between March and April). Always buy first harvest green tea. Pick organic green tea. This ensures that the green tea is harvested without any pesticides and other chemicals.
Which is the best green tea brand for acne? Pick any organic brand and check the label for its antioxidant content. Usually, Japanese brands are considered the best. You will easily get them online. What are the other best teas for acne? All teas may not have the same effect on acne as green tea. However, drinking herbal teas may boost your antioxidant levels. You may try other teas, such as rooibos tea, chamomile tea, spearmint tea, dandelion tea, and ginger tea. Can green tea clear dark spots? Possibly. In fact, in a study, green tea had demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of melasma (7).
