Green Tea: is it really worth the hype?

It turns out that there are so many benefits to drinking tea, especially green tea. It’s considered to be one of the healthiest beverages we can drink thanks to its high antioxidant content and ability to help with everything from weight loss, to better immunity and even improved brain function. Not only is green tea beneficial when you drink it, but there are huge benefits to applying it topically.

Green tea has been proven to have significant anti-inflammatory properties, making it especially ideal for sensitive skin types.

If you experience rosacea or acne you may find the cooling, calming benefits of green tea helpful.

Green tea is also used in many eye products for it’s de-puffing properties – Vitamin K, antioxidants and tannins in green tea assist in reducing the appearance of dark circles and puffiness in the eye area.

Anti-bacterial properties:

Catechins, a natural antioxidant found in green tea, possess anti-bacterial benefits that help to fight acne-causing bacteria, while anti-inflammatory properties also help to reduce the redness and inflammation associated with acne.

Tannins in Green Tea act as an astringent, helping to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. Research has also shown Green Tea is effective in treating the production of excess oil.

Anti-ageing properties:

The components of green tea have been widely researched for their ongoing benefits. Green tea was subsequently found to have effective anti-ageing properties, due to it’s antioxidant content, which fights free radical damage (a known contributor to accelerated ageing).

Antioxidants also encourage the healing of damaged skin cells, reducing the effects of environmental damage.

So which products contain green tea?

ASAP’s Soothing Gel helps to reduce inflammation and soothes damaged skin. It has a water-based gel formulation that hydrates the skin without adding oil, making it an ideal moisturiser for oily skin types.

The Skincare Company’s Eye Treatment contains a unique blend of potent antioxidants that retexturise and protect the delicate eye area.

Synergie’s Uberzinc is a hydrating moisturiser formulated with 21% zinc oxide offering broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. It has a non-comedogenic formulation, so doesn’t block pores and has added pure green tea for its potent antioxidant properties.

Felicity West, RN.