In this blog post, I will be breaking down the truth about green tea for acne and if it can really help.
This post is for informational and educational purposes only. This post should not be taken as medical advice or used as a substitute for such. We do our best to present the best and most accurate information, however, we are not a licensed medical professional. All information on this Site is from personal experience or opinion, and we are not liable for risk and issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this Site. See Terms & Conditions for further information.
Disclaimer: This post includes product links. However, currently, none of the links below are affiliate links. I will NOT receive a commission if you purchase one of these products. They are simply here for your benefit! If I do become an affiliate you will be the first to know!
I’ve overheard multiple discussions about whether taking green tea for acne really works.
Anyone with complexion problems knows the struggle of constantly looking for a solution. Every time you look in the mirror, you’re picking apart the discolouring, bumps, and blackheads on your face.
You’re always self-conscious when talking to someone, thinking they’re staring at the imperfections on your face. You just wish there was something that could make it better.
Well, if something as simple as green tea for acne can really work, would you try it?
This post is all about the truth behind green tea for acne and whether it actually helps.
What Is Green Tea
Simply put, green tea is a beverage that people enjoy all around the world.
It originated in China around 2737 BC, and its discovery was accidental. Green tea came to be when a Chinese emperor accidentally drank warm water with a dead leaf inside. He found the flavour pleasant, and it soon became one of the most sought-after beverages.
Green tea was fairly expensive when it was first introduced. This resulted in only the upper class being privileged enough to drink it. It wasn’t until around the 14th century that it became accessible to the general public.
Green tea managed to find its way over to Great Britain around the 19th century by European travelers. Soon becoming Great Britain’s national beverage.
This flavourful tea is made from the Camellia Sinensis plant. This plant also produces the other popular black and white teas.
The amount of oxidation allowed during processing determines the colour of the tea. With green tea, the drying period is quite short to prevent further oxidation which helps to retain the beautiful green colour.
Is Green Tea Beneficial for Acne
This is the big question.
Does green tea actually help prevent or reduce acne?
There are a few things we need to look at to conclude whether it helps or not.
First off, we need to know that green tea contains substances called catechins. Catechins are plant-based compounds that have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. These are good things we want!
They also attack free radicals. Free radicals are unstable atoms that can damage our body’s cells. This can cause illness and aging.
A lot of time the issue causing acne is that there is an excess of sebum being produced. The body naturally produces sebum to help protect the skin and keep it moisturized.
However, when our faces produce too much sebum, that’s when our pores can become blogged causing acne breakouts and blackheads.
Green tea contains EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate), a type of catechin. EGCG can help improve oily and acne-prone skin.
The EGCG lowers lipid levels which helps to reduce sebum excretions through the skin. Which in turn will generally reduce acne.
With the basics stated above it looks as though green tea does have the possibility of helping to reduce or prevent acne.
However, with most health-related topics it can vary from person to person. You will have to try it out for yourself to see if it makes a difference for you.
I can say it has helped my skin over the years.
I notice a difference when I drink a cup of green tea every day, and if I drink two, I notice greater benefits in my skin.
Along with avoiding sugar, dairy, and greasy foods, green tea has personally been beneficial for my acne.
Ways to Use Green Tea for Acne
Drink It
The first and simplest way is to ingest it. You can do this by steeping green tea leaves in hot water and having warm tea. Or you can steep it in cool water for a longer period and enjoy it as iced green tea.
When steeping your tea with boiling water, let it cool for at least 1 minute before adding in the tea leaves. If you steep it in boiling water, it can create a bitter and unbalanced flavour. And there is a possibility that it can diminish the health benefits green tea provides.
Both options are great.
When you drink your green tea have it plain without any added sugar, milk, or cream. This will have the most health benefits.
Adding sugar, milk or cream reduces the benefits because they promote inflammation in the body, while green tea provides anti-inflammatory benefits.
So, for the greatest benefit drink your green tea black.
Make a Mask
You can buy facemasks that have green tea compounds in them, or you can even make your own.
I’ll give you an example of a simple DIY green tea mask you can make from green tea, honey, and or aloe.
First, you’ll want to steep your green tea leaves for about 10 minutes.
Once they have cooled transfer them to a bowl, add about 1 tablespoon of honey or aloe, and blend until smooth.
Apply to affected areas. Face, neck, back, etc. and let sit for 15-20 minutes.
Rise off with warm water and apply your moisturizer to help lock in good moisture after you’ve used the mask.
You can also add green clay to your mask if you desire the benefits that clay provides. However, it’s definitely not necessary if you don’t already have it at home.
Honey and aloe are great components to add to DIY masks because they both have anti-inflammatory properties.
Supplements
Another wonderful way to use green tea for acne is by taking supplements.
There are many different supplements on the market to choose from. You can buy EGCG supplements, so you still get the catechin benefits but directly in capsule form.
There are also EGCG powders if you prefer to mix them with water or another drink.
Keep in mind that EGCG can also go by the name of Green Tea Extract. So, if you’re shopping for EGCG products online or in stores keep an eye out for both variations.
Types of Green Tea to Buy
When going to buy green tea on your own I know there can be so many choices. First off there are either tea bags or loose-leaf tea.
When it comes to the actual quality of the green tea you are buying, generally loose-leaf tea will have higher quality tea leaves compared to bagged tea.
Having higher-quality leaves means that more of the antioxidants found in the tea plant remain, even after the leaves have been harvested. And us lucky consumers get to enjoy the benefits of those antioxidants.
One issue with using tea bags is that you don’t know where the tea company is buying their bags from.
A lot of tea bag companies will use pesticides in the mass production of their bags. And we don’t want to be soaking pesticide-covered bags in the water we’ll be drinking.
Also, a majority of tea bags are made of some not-so-great materials like bleached paper, nylon, and plastic. Tea bags also usually require some type of glue to seal the bags.
When you steep the bags in boiling water all the pesticides and chemicals from those materials can be released into the tea you’re drinking.
Another issue is that companies that produce bagged tea will sometimes add natural or artificial flavouring to their teas, without disclosing it on the packaging. So, if you’re concerned about additives stick with the loose-leaf tea.
Green Tea Recommendations
Disclaimer: Currently, none of the links below are affiliate links. I will NOT receive a commission if you purchase one of these products. They are simply here for your benefit! If I do become an affiliate you will be the first to know!
Now it’s time for some recommendations.
I’ve gathered a few companies below that offer higher-quality green tea products. If you aren’t sure where to buy good quality green tea in your area check out these awesome companies below.
Tea Leaves
Tea Leaves is a Vancouver Canada-based company that ships worldwide.
They strive to use only compostable or recyclable packaging and work every day at reducing their carbon footprint. They also work to select only the finest leaves and cleanest ingredients for their teas.
Tea Leaves also offers bagged tea if you’re thinking of going that route instead.
Shanti Tea
Shanti Tea is also a Canadian-owned company.
They started in 2009 and only source ingredients from organic farms. They also use refillable, recyclable, and compostable materials where possible.
Lake & Oak Tea Company
Lake & Oak Tea Company is a woman-owned and operated business. They work with purely organic and natural ingredients. Focusing on creating the best quality teas.
They offer all products in low-waste loose-leaf packaging and recyclable glass jars.
Also, they partner with low-waste refilleries all over Canada to help provide a waste-free tea option to consumers.
Tea Product Recommendations
Now that you are all set with what type of green tea you want to buy you might also need some other necessities.
If you’re buying loose-leaf tea, you’ll need to also buy infusers to steep your leaves.
I’ve linked a few good options I’ve found on Amazon below.
Health Benefits of Green Tea
Along with potentially being beneficial for acne-prone skin, many other health benefits come with drinking green tea.
Green tea is full of vitamins and antioxidants. Because of this a lot of people consider it a superfood.
The unoxidized feature of green tea creates an increased concentration of chlorophyll, which has anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidants, and neuroprotective effects.
The unoxidized feature also allows for increased polyphenols. Polyphenols help reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes.
There are also theories that the consumption of green tea can aid in the loss of fat and can increase metabolism.
Green tea contains caffeine, and it also contains an amino acid called L-theanine. When you combine those two compounds, it can help overall brain function and improve memory.
It may also help prevent the buildup of plaque in the brain which can cause dementia.
There are a lot of benefits to consuming green tea and if you enjoy a cup or two a day there really isn’t any downside. If you struggle with acne-prone skin, drinking green tea, using it topically, or taking supplements can benefit the complexion of your skin.
It’s all trial and error so grab a cup and try it out for yourself!
