While there are innumerable over the counter acne medications or prescription ointments, recent years has seen a major shift to more natural supplements, which can in fact have more lasting and better results than traditional medicines. One of the best treatments for acne is green tea which can help reduce, prevent and treat existing acne and acne scars. So how does it all work?
How to use Green tea for acne
Green tea is therefore, an amazing treatment for reducing and controlling different types of acne. So how can you reap the benefits of green tea? Well, green tea can provide benefits through consumption as well as through a topical application.
The recommended dosage for consuming green tea is 2-3 cups daily which can help the body gain around 240-320 mg polyphenols. You can also streamline the process and take some supplements for green tea extract, anywhere between 100-750 mg daily.
Consuming green tea has the added benefit of stress relief, and you can supplement the internal consumption with these amazing packs for your skin.
Green tea spray
This is a simple recipe for a green tea based spray for treating acne. To make the spray you will need:
- A gentle, oil free facial cleanser
- Prepared green tea, cooled to room temperature
- A spray bottle
- A non-comedogenic moisturizer for follow up
- A soft towel
Method
Brew the green tea as per instructions and keep aside 2-3 tbsp to cool completely for this treatment, the rest can be consumed. Pour the 2-3 tbsp cooled green tea into the spray bottle. Wash any impurities from your face with the cleanser. Spray the green tea on your face, let it dry completely before rinsing your face with cold water and patting the skin dry with a soft towel and following up with moisturizer.
Use this spray twice daily for the best results.
Apple cider vinegar and green tea
This is an easy prep recipe you can prepare ahead.
- Quarter cup of good quality apple cider vinegar
- ¾th cup of brewed green tea
- Moisturizer
- Cleanser
- Towel
- A cotton pad
- A glass jar for storing
Method
Brew the tea and let cool. Combine with apple cider vinegar and pour into jar, store in fridge. Wash your face with the cleanser, pat dry, apply the mixture with a cotton pad in a dabbing motion. Let dry and moisturize.
Apply twice daily.
How does this work?
The apple cider vinegar helps balance out the pH level of the skin. The mixture helps kill bacterial growth and clarifies skin of dirt, grime, dead skin cells and makeup.
Honey and green tea pack
This is a simple and easy pack using honey and green tea to get the most results. For this pack, you will need:
- 1 teabag of green tea
- A tablespoon of organic honey
- A pot of hot water
- A gentle, alcohol free facial cleanser
- A mortar and pestle
- A soft towel
Method
Prepare the tea by steeping the bag in hot/boiling water for 3 minutes(and consume said tea for added benefits). Remove the bag from the hot water and let it cool completely before cutting it open and extracting the leaves. Add the honey and turn into a paste with a mortar and pestle. Wash your face with the cleanser and pat dry. Apply the paste on your face and leave on for 20 minutes before rinsing off with cool water and patting dry.
Use this remedy 3-4 times weekly.
How does this work?
Green tea has antibacterial properties to help fight acne. Honey is a humectant that can help moisturize the face without making it too oily. The mild bleaching properties of honey can also help in fading any acne marks on your face.
Aloe Vera and green tea
- 2 units of green tea bags
- A cup of water
- A tablespoon of aloe vera gel
- A cotton pad
- Cleanser
- Moisturizer
- Towel
Method
Steep the tea in one cup boiling water for a strong solution and let cool. Combine with aloe vera gel and store in the fridge. Wash your face with a cleanser and dry off with a towel. Apply the mixture in a dabbing motion on your face with a cotton pad and allow it to dry completely before following up with a moisturizer.
Use the solution twice daily for best results.
How does this work?
Aloe vera gel has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and the mix helps in soothing aggravated skin, reducing redness and inflammation while gently moisturizing the skin as well.
Tea tree oil and green tea
- A half cup of green tea
- 3-4 drops of tea tree oil
- A cotton pad
- Cleanser
- Moisturizer
- Towel
Method
Brew the tea and let cool, combine with tea tree oil and pour into a glass jar to store in fridge. Apply after cleansing and drying with cotton pad. Let it dry and follow up with moisturizer.
Apply twice daily.
How does this work?
The tea tree oil produces antimicrobial benefits to fight acne. The mix clarifies and purifies skin and clogged pores.
A word of caution
Before you start using green tea to help reduce and treat acne scars, it is imperative to discuss the usage of the herb with your doctor or physician. This is very crucial if you are using any form of acne medications or ointments or if you have any sensitivity to caffeine.
Some of the common side effects associated with the consumption of green tea can be linked to the presence of caffeine which may induce insomnia, appetite loss, dizziness and irritability.
Why green tea?
The topical application of green tea as a toner can help to provide astringent properties and helps in refining the pore size of your skin, protecting the skin with the help of antioxidants, removing any buildup of excess dirt or grime and prepping the skin for the hydration from the moisturizer.
The tea can also help in soothing the face, minimizing any redness of the skin and treating the existing acne. Supplement the treatment with oral consumption of green tea for best results.
The medicinal properties that are found in green tea are linked to the presence of polyphenols or catechins. Green tea has 6 active catechins, including epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, gallocatechin, catechin and epicatechin.
These all contain a high concentration of antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that can eliminate free radicals or uneven atoms that are linked to cellular damage.
One of the main side effects that presents with acne is skin inflammations. These may cause the presence if sores that can form scars.
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate(EGCG) is a chemical which is one of the most potent compounds found in green tea is linked to reducing skin inflammation and the internal consumption and topical application can help in reducing acne related inflammation and can help eliminate scarification by reducing the extent of your acne sores.
Green tea also has antibacterial properties and can help fight against Propionibacterium acnes. Green tea contains an acidic polysaccharide (CS-F2) as well as flavor compounds like caryophyllene formed from camellia sinensis extracts that can help provide antibacterial benefits against bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes and can be a natural antibiotic to help reduce skin inflammations.
EGCG can also help to boost cell division on the upper layer of the epidermis and can help to reactivate and rejuvenate any dying skin cells. This can help in reducing and healing any acne scars on your face or body.
The regular intake of green tea can also help to reduce and heal any blemish scars and can prevent the formation of scar tissues.
The catechins can help destroy acne-causing bacteria and provide anti-microbial action.
The anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation and redness.
It can help regulate hormonal imbalances.
The antioxidants can help neutralize free radicals and prevent and neutralize damage caused to protect and keep your skin cells healthy.
It acts as a toner to help unclog and refine the texture of your pores to prevent clogging and pimple formation.
It inhibits sebum production.
Consuming green tea triggers cortisol release that is the key to reducing stress and stress-related acne.
It protects skin from sun damage which can enhance the appearance of scars.
