Supporting Glowing Skin with Green Tea
Green tea has long been hailed for its health benefits, antioxidant activity, prebiotic effects in supporting a healthy microbiome, helping beta brain waves for a healthy mind, and numerous health-promoting effects. However, more needs to be discussed regarding the tea's distinguishable effects in supporting glowing and healthy skin function. In recent years, research has yielded promising results for skin health when applying green tea and a prominent polyphenol (plant chemical exclusive to green tea) - epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) - topically to the face, neck and décolletage.
In an article published in The American Journal of Dermatology, Stephen Hsu explored the mechanisms of the benefits of green tea applied topically to the skin. Focussing on the prevention and correction of UV ray damage to the skin cells and DNA, he noted the ability of EGCG to act as an anti-oxidant and clean up inflammatory threats to skin cells. Specifically, the compound's ability to aid in the destruction of UV-damaged cells, lessening the domino effect of disordered and inflamed skin cell creation thereafter. This shows promising effects of green tea supporting healthy ageing, reducing pigmentation and promoting that healthy, bright skin glow we all chase.
But the effects of green tea and EGCG go beyond repairing the skin cells and DNA and are even shown to have benefits in regulating growth factors for the skin, supporting keratinocytes (the skin cells that aid your skin barrier) and regulating filaggrin (which supports an ordered and strong skin barrier, often down-regulated and lacking in conditions such as eczema, rosacea and dermatitis). This indicates great benefits for anyone experiencing skin barrier inflammation and a disordered skin barrier.
Green tea and EGCG have also been shown to improve conditions of bacterial imbalance such as acne, peri-oral dermatitis, peri-nasal dermatitis and peri-ocular dermatitis. The polyphenols in the tea decrease and restrict the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Cutibacterium acnes and other opportunistic bacteria that contribute to these skin conditions. Several studies have also attributed a balancing sebum effect and both reduced severity and number of acne pustules within acne management. Though the mechanisms aren’t entirely clear, there is a clear link between the topical use of green tea and the balancing of the skin’s microbiome to resolve and reduce flares of skin conditions associated with a bacterial imbalance and balance sebum levels.
Green tea’s polyphenols are poorly absorbed at the gut level, so as much as you drink it, it’s debatable whether it will reach your skin with its vast benefits. Though green tea is a fantastic prebiotic (food for the good bacteria in your gut microbiome) and shows beautiful effects in decreasing inflammation at the gut level as well as some proposed benefits to your wider body - it’s best to choose a topical product to help you achieve your skin goals.
Who can benefit from a topical green tea and EGCG? Anyone experiencing:
Skin barrier inflammation
Eczema
Dermatitis
Acne
Psoriasis
Rosacea
Products we love at The Bright Side for green tea and EGCG topical application:
Dermaviduals Green Tea extract
A straight Green Tea serum designed to support skin cell health. We love the results this has for acne, supporting radiant skin and preventing skin damage when subject to UV rays; perfect for during the warmer months.
Dermaviduals EGCG Liposomes
An enhanced delivery of green tea’s most notable polyphenol, EGCG. Liposomes deliver EGCG straight into the skin cell, ensuring a potent action where the skin needs it most. We love to recommend this product for inflamed skin types needing some extra TLC such as dermatitis, rosacea flares, eczema and psoriasis.
Dermaviduals Sussmoon Lotion P and Sussmoon Lotion N
The Dermaviduals Sussmoon Lotions are much more than they appear! Adding Sussmoon Lotions into your routine can be a game changer to ensure effective delivery of your serums into your skin cells, containing lipids and fatty acids to support a strong skin barrier and retain hydration. For psoriasis and acneic skin, we love the Sussmoon Lotion P to balance sebum levels and break up congested skin. We love Sussumoon lotion N to support healthy skin barrier repair and locking in hydration for rosacea, skin barrier-disordered skin and eczema.
If your skin is in need of some care or you would like to discuss a personalised skincare routine for your individual skin needs, book a corneotherapy consultation online today.
- Nagaraju Umashankar, B.P., Gopkumar, P., Hemalatha, A.J., Sundar, P.K. and Prashanth, H.V., 2018. Effectiveness of topical green tea against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in cases of primary pyoderma: An open controlled trial. Indian journal of dermatology, venereology and leprology, 84, p.163.
- Kim, S., Park, T.H., Kim, W.I., Park, S., Kim, J.H. and Cho, M.K. (2020). The effects of green tea on acne vulgaris: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials. Phytotherapy Research. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6809.
- Mahmood, T., Akhtar, N. and Moldovan, C. (2013). A comparison of the effects of topical green tea and lotus on facial sebum control in healthy humans. PubMed.
