Green tea has numerous benefits to health, including being great for the skin.
But First, an Introduction to the Plant
Green tea is derived from Camellia sinensis, a tea plant native to Asia. Fun fact-- this same plant produces black tea. The difference in processing gives two types of tea. To get green tea, the leaves are picked, rapidly heated or steamed (this prevents fermentation), then rolled and heated again. As for black tea, the leaves are picked, allowed to lose a little moisture, rolled, and left to ferment a bit. After this, they're heated again.
Apart from these two kinds of tea, the Camellia sinensis plant also produces oolong, white, and other types of tea. It's cultivated in subtropical and tropical regions. The shrub is evergreen and is usually trimmed to about 6 ½ feet. Its flowers are yellow-white with 7–8 petals.
Green Tea's Internal Health Benefits
This tea contains potent antioxidants called catechins. These agents protect cells and DNA from damage by free radicals, which speed up aging. Some scientific studies show that green tea helps reduce the severity of heart diseases, lowers blood pressure, encourages weight loss, and lowers LDL (bad cholesterol) levels. Other smaller studies have indicated that this tea may help in balancing blood sugar levels. Also, green tea's caffeine content is considered a factor in increasing mental alertness.
Green Tea's Wonders For the Skin
Recent studies have focused on the potential benefits of topical application of green tea to the skin.
- Protection: Due to high levels of antioxidants, this tea helps protect your skin from environmental stressors.
- Anti-aging: These same antioxidants aid in keeping your skin looking youthful for longer. Some evidence also suggests that green tea firms and tightens your skin's look.
To get started, you’ll need the following:
- 1 tbsp. of green tea
- 1 tbsp. baking soda
- 1 tbsp. honey
- water (optional)
- a mixing bowl
- a measuring spoon
- towel
Once you have all the items you need, follow these steps:
- Brew a cup of green tea, allowing the tea bag to soak for about an hour. Let the tea bag cool, and then break the tea bag open and separate the green tea leaves.
- Place the leaves in a mixing bowl, and add the baking soda and honey to create a paste. If the mixture is too thick, add a few drops of water.
- To help the mask penetrate your pores, cleanse your face before applying.
- Once your face is clean, apply the mask evenly over your face, and gently massage to remove dead skin cells and dirt from your pores.
- Leave the mask on your skin for 10 to 15 minutes, and then rinse off with warm water.
- For best results, you can apply the mask one to three times a week.
You can use other variations of the mask, too. For example, you can use:
- 1 tbsp. of granulated sugar instead of baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. of lemon juice instead of honey
- 1 tsp. of green tea powder instead of green tea leaves
- safe for all skin types
- contains 100 percent green tea
- free of dyes, fragrances, and parabens
That's all for today!
With love,
The Sole Toscana Beauty Team