Amazing ways to use green tea for skincare

At the beginning of this year, we talked about how we wanted to look good for less, considering the economic situation of the country is not too encouraging. In light of that, we are putting together for you our wonderful readers, several natural ways to attain fabulous skincare and looks that wouldn’t make you purse bleed and still leave you looking like a million Naira.

Some of us might have heard of the benefits of green tea for weight loss and all that but good news for all you aspiring for beautiful skin as the benefits don’t just stop there.

Green tea isn’t only good for drinking but also perfect to add to your skincare routine. Nutritious and refreshing, it’s one of the home recipes you should definitely start practicing this year and here are the reasons.

Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Green tea is loaded with antioxidants and other properties, which can fight inflammation and bacteria. Against the backdrop of several studies, ‘green teas possess anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic potential, which can be exploited against a variety of skin disorders’.

Fight the Signs of Aging
No one really likes to age and antioxidants are our most powerful weapon in the fight against aging, with a certain class of antioxidants – known as catechins, being especially potent. EGCG has been found in research to reactivate dying skin cells. While these benefits are limited to the outer layer of skin (as the tea’s properties aren’t absorbed beyond that), the research suggests that these benefits are significant.
Other antioxidants in the tea help prevent free radical damage, and encourage healing of cells – all of which fight signs of premature aging like age spots, wrinkles, and sun damage.

Treats Oily Skin
Tannins in green tea act as an astringent, which shrink pores. The tea also reduces the production of sebum (the skin’s natural oil) by the glands in each pore. This makes it a much better solution than harsh conventional treatments for those with oily skin, which just work by removing excess oil, rather than by reducing production.

Eliminates Acne and Blackheads
Green tea used topically can treat mild to moderate acne. Of course, the tea’s antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and astringent properties all help to fight both acne and blackheads when applied topically, making it a safe and cost-effective alternative to other skin treatments. Green tea is good for all skin type from dry to oily and combination. All you need is two tablespoons of green tea infusion, mixed with honey then massage all over your face and rinse.

For acne-prone skin, add your 30 seconds infused green tea to two tablespoons of honey and apply, then leave for twenty minutes

Exfoliator/Toner
Remove dead skin cells (and rejuvenate the dying ones) by utilizing the slightly abrasive texture of dry green tea leaves. This fantastic exfoliator will also help to remove excess oil and pollutants, exposing the cleansed and renewed skin underneath. For your regular toner, pour your green tea into a clean spray bottle and mist all over your face.

Eye care
Take two infused green tea bags, keep in the fridge for about 30 minutes, then apply on eyelids and leave for fifteen minutes. This would help in fighting bags under the eyes and black eyes. You can also use it as a facial steam by simply boiling water, adding your green tea leaves then use a towel to cover up your face/head in it.