Green tea extract has found increased popularity in skin care products as more and more studies determine how beneficial this ingredient is in fighting the signs of aging. Green tea first became popular as a drinking tea, especially after studies demonstrated its weight loss and potentially cancer-fighting properties. As its antioxidant properties were proven, scientists turned to researching its use in skin care to determine if it could have similar effects on the external parts of our bodies as it does internally.
Green tea extract comes from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and is added to skin care formulations as an antioxidant. Antioxidants have been well proven to help protect the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals.
Studies have shown that low doses of green tea extract can be an effective sunscreen as a result of catechins.
Catechins reduce the inflammation and swelling of the skin that occurs as a result of ultraviolet (UV) exposure, and we’ve all been warned about how too much sun exposure leads to dry, wrinkled and damaged skin. The catechins in green tea extract can assist in protecting the skin from damaging sun exposure, halting skin damage from UV-induced free radicals, and have also been shown to reduce the size of pre-cancerous skin lesions. Green tea extract is even more effective when used in conjunction with other UV absorbing /sunscreen ingredients in skin care products.
Green tea extract’s main catechin is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which some scientists believe can reactivate dying skin cells. If additional studies back this theory, this could be a major breakthrough in the field of anti-aging – not only halting further skin damage from occurring, but even reversing aging by rejuvenating the dying or damaged skin cells.
EGCG is also responsible for green tea extract’s proven anti-aging properties. It helps to prevent the breakdown of collagen while at the same time boosting the thickness of the skin. This creates plumper, firmer skin that is less likely to sag and droop (sagging skin without support underneath from collagen leads to wrinkles).
Green tea extract is a well-documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredient used for good reason in skin care today.
Skin Defender: Benefits of Green Tea
It can certainly slow down the development of some of the visible signs of aging and should be used regularly to fend off free radical damage, help keep collagen levels high and increase the elasticity of skin.
Green tea is detoxifying and refreshing. This natural ingredient has wonderful stimulating, soothing and moisturizing properties.
The refreshing properties of Green Tea helps to tone the skin while relieving stress from tired complexion and promotes a feeling of well being.
Rich in antioxidants and vitamins C and E, it can fend off the aging free radicals.
