Green tea is good for your health. But is it good for treating acne vulgaris? Maybe yes. This is because green tea (like any other tea) is rich in polyphenols.
A study found that topical tea polyphenols may help improve mild to moderate acne. If you’re looking for a natural way to deal with acne (rather than cystic acne), you might want to try this popular home remedy.
Research related to this remedy is very limited, but there are several studies that investigate how green tea can help your acne condition. In this article, we discussed how green tea can soothe your condition and how you can use it to treat acne.
Does green tea help acne?
Yes, green tea can help you manage acne vulgaris with the following benefits:
Helps reduce inflammation
Green tea is rich in catechins. Of the four major catechins found in green tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has proven to be beneficial in treating acne and rosacea. It works by reducing inflammation. A study found that applying 2% green tea lotion reduced inflammatory acne.
EGCG is a powerful antioxidant and has immunomodulatory and photoprotective properties. It also has anti-angiogenic (meaning it reduces the growth of new blood vessels needed for tumors to grow) and anti-inflammatory effects.
It helps reduce sebum production
Excess sebum production is one of the main causes of acne. Topical application of green tea can help reduce sebum secretion and treat acne.
A study in 22 healthy non-smokers examined the effects of 5% topical green tea extract for 60 days. The researchers found a significant reduction in sebum secretion.
Drinking green tea can also help reduce sebum production and fight acne.
Polyphenols in green tea help reduce acne
Green tea polyphenols are powerful antioxidants. A clinical study examined the effect of 2% tea lotion on 47 patients with mild to moderate acne. After two weeks, the researchers observed a therapeutic effect on acne lesions.
Helps reduce acne causing bacteria
An 8-week study found that EGCG, one of the four main catechins in green tea, may help reduce acne by inhibiting the growth of P. acnes bacteria.
However, if you have mild to moderate acne, you can try using (or consuming) green tea at home to help manage your condition. Here are some recipes you can try at home.
How to use green tea for acne?
Honey and green tea for acne
Honey has antimicrobial and wound healing properties. It can inhibit the growth of P. acnes bacteria and help reduce acne.
You will need:
- 1 green tea bag
- 1 st. l. organic honey
- Hot water
- Facial cleanser
- Towel
Method
- Soak green tea bag in hot water for about 3 minutes.
- Remove the bag and let it cool. Cut open the bag and remove the leaves.
- Add honey to the leaves.
- Wash your face with a facial cleanser and pat it dry.
- Apply the honey and green tea mixture on your face and leave it on for about 20 minutes.
- Rinse off with cool water and pat dry.
- Do the procedure 3-4 times a week.
Green tea spray for acne
This facial spray will help soothe your skin. It helps minimize redness and treats existing acne. EGCG in green tea helps with acne. This treatment may be more effective if you also regularly consume green tea.
You will need:
- Facial cleanser
- Green tea
- Spray
- Non-comedogenic moisturizer
- Towel
Method
- Brew some green tea and let it cool completely. (You can drink most of it and save 2-3 tablespoons for this treatment.)
- Pour cooled green tea into a spray bottle.
- Wash your face with cleanser and pat dry with a towel.
- Sprinkle green tea on your face and let it dry.
- Rinse with cold water and pat your skin dry with a towel.
- Apply moisturizer.
- Do this 2 times a day.
Apple cider vinegar and green tea for acne
There is not a single study that proves the ability of apple cider vinegar. However, apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy for a variety of skin problems. It is believed to help tone the skin and minimize skin pores. It can also balance your skin’s pH levels. You can use this mixture 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
- Brew some green tea and let it cool completely.
- Combine chilled green tea and apple cider vinegar and transfer it to a glass jar for storage. (Store the mixture in the refrigerator.)
- Wash your face with facial cleanser and pat it dry with a towel.
- Soak a cotton pad with this mixture and apply it on your face. Let it dry.
- Apply moisturizer.
- Use 2 times a day.
Tea tree oil and green tea for acne
Tea tree oil will be effective in curing acne. It has strong antimicrobial properties that are effective against acne.
You will need:
- ½ cup green tea
- 3-4 drops of tea tree essential oil
- Cotton pad
- Facial cleanser
- Non-comedogenic moisturizer
- Towel
Method
- Brew some green tea and let it cool completely.
- Mix chilled green tea and tea tree oil and transfer it to a glass jar for storage. (Store the mixture in the refrigerator.)
- Wash your face with cleanser and pat dry with a towel.
- Saturate a cotton pad with the mixture and dab it on your face. Let it dry. Shake well before use.
- Apply moisturizer.
- Do this 2 times a day.
Aloe vera and green tea for acne
Aloe vera has an anti-acne effect on the skin. The mucopolysaccharides present in it help keep your skin hydrated by binding moisture to the skin and stimulating fibroblasts that produce collagen and elastin to keep your skin looking young and plump.
You will need
- 2 green tea bags
- 1 glass of water
- 1 st. l. fresh aloe vera gel
- Cotton…
