Green Tea In Your Skincare – Is it What It’s Brewed Up To Be?

We all know that anti-oxidants are very beneficial to us both internally and in our skincare products. One of the most commonly used and inexpensive anti-oxidants is green tea.

This ingredient has been used for centuries by the Chinese and Japanese cultures amongst many others. And they certainly knew what they were doing. Modern science has shed the light on what it is that makes this tea so beneficial.

The healthful properties of green tea lies in the fact it is rich in polyphenols, chemicals with potent antioxidant properties, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) In fact, the antioxidant effects of polyphenols appear to be greater than vitamin C. The polyphenols in green tea also give it that trademark bitter flavour.

EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant: besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots.
Some studies also indicate that green tea may help the body’s immune system fight off germs, and is also beneficial in helping to prevent breast cancer.

Recent results of a study presented to the American Academy of Dermatologists and conducted by Dr. Jennifer Gan-Wong of the Memorial Medical Center in the Phillipines found that green tea topically applied to the skin appears to work as well as benzoyl peroxide to control acne.

According to the book by Nadine Taylor, Green Tea: The Natural Secret for a Healthier Life, green tea has been used in China for its benefits for over 4,000 years as a medicine. Green tea effectively reduces inflammation and redness to the skin, detoxifies, speeds healing and even deters hormonal activity shifts to help prevent acne.

Most researchers agree that tea (black, green, or white) has potent anti-inflammatory properties and that it is a potent antioxidant. Current research also indicates that EGCG, an extract of tea, can prevent collagen breakdown and reduce UV damage to skin.

Many of my Asian friends use green tea daily not only as a beverage but also as a home made skin remedy. They make a cup of green tea, allow it to cool and use it as a toner on the skin after cleansing. Also they put it in a spray bottle and use it as a mist on the skin during hot weather and to hydrate during winter. This is an ingenious and inexpensive way of harnessing the benefits of this fantastic powerhouse of anti-oxidants.

So with all this research available to us indicating useful properties of green tea, I say Drink Up! And bring on the products with green tea in them!
Here are some of our favourite products containing Green Tea, from skincare products, personal care products to Nutritional products, there is plenty to choose from.

Y Natural Skincare
1: 501 PROTECT Anti-age Moisturiser Rose Otto and Green Tea $80.30, 40ml
This luscious day-moisturiser is more jam-packed with protective anti-oxidants
than any other moisturiser we’ve seen on the planet. Potent Ginkgo biloba,
rosemary leaf, olive leaf and green tea protect the skin from free radicals and
other environmental factors that can cause cell damage and premature ageing.
Additional antioxidant protection comes from Rosehips, Avocado and Carrot oils
plus additional non-synthetic, non-animal derived Vitamins C and E. Neroli hydrosol, Lavender essential oil and Calendula extract are soothing to skin, while also delivering other skin benefits such as regenerative, healing, anti-inflammatory,
antibacterial and antifungal actions. It is packaged in an airless dispenser to protect the product from the air and possible sources of contamination. It helps keep the product fresh and ensures no wastage.

2: 700 SOFT Hand & Body Lotion $52.80, 150ml
Most of the ingredients in this luscious lotion are not found in any other hand and body lotion on the market. The powerful antioxidants, skin hydrators, natural oils, invigorating herbal extracts and pure essential oils found in 700 SOFT will help smooth, nourish, revitalise and protect your skin.
This lotion contains potent antioxidants in ingredients such as Rosehip oil, green
tea extract and cocoa butter. This is because we recognise the need to counteract
the impact of the free radicals we are exposed to in the atmosphere, from the sun,
air conditioning, cigarette smoke and other general pollutants in the environment.

3: Ultraceuticals Antioxidant Tablets 150 Tablets $60.00
Skin Protection and Health – inside and out
The latest trend sweeping the beauty world is skincare from the inside.  The idea is simple – by keeping cells healthy and well-nourished from within, your skin will glow with healthy radiance. Ultraceuticals Antioxidant Tablets are high potency antioxidant vitamins for overall health and vitality. With an advanced formulation including Vitamin C & E, beta-carotene, green tea and grape seed extracts, Ultraceuticals Antioxidant Tablets will help absorb free radicals and minimise the damaging effects of environmental pollutants and toxins. Ultraceuticals Antioxidant Tablets are quickly and easily absorbed, assisting in wound healing and the formation of new collagen, vital to keeping a youthful appearance.
Oral supplements specially formulated for the health and vitality of the skin Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C) is essential for the production of procollagen, the precursor to collagen synthesis. Contains anti- ageing free radical scavengers, beta- carotene, vitamin E, grape seed and green tea extracts.

4: Nature’s Own Age Renewal RRP: $32.95 30 Capsules/ $59.95 60 Capsules
A clinical study conducted in 2008 by The Australian Photobiology Testing Facility (APTF) revealed that regular supplementation with Nature’s Own Age Renewal can improve skin resistance to sun damage by over 10% while decreasing skin redness after sun exposure by up to 55%. The skin renews itself from within, with new skin cells forming at the deeper levels of the skin before travelling to the surface. To keep cells healthy and to help decrease premature ageing, it is important to look after the skin from the inside out.
Nature’s Own Age Renewal capsules are loaded with powerful natural antioxidants to target the deeper layers of the skin where moisturisers can’t reach. The capsules work to support healthy skin tone, skin elasticity and flexibility, help protect from premature ageing caused by free radical damage , assist in the management of varicose veins and improve the appearance of spider veins and were shown in the clinical study to increase the skin’s resistance to sun damage .
Each Nature’s Own Age Renewal capsule contains the exclusive olive fruit extract, Opextan plus grapeseed, green tea, betacarotene, vitamin C, vitamin E and more. This potent antioxidant formulation assists skin defences and the body’s repair mechanisms, bonding collagen and increasing connective tissue strength.

John Masters Organics
5: French Green Clay & Green Tea Purifying Mask $47.60, 57g
French green clay has been used for centuries for its absorbency. It purifies and balances the skin. Green tea extract protects the skin from free radical damage, helping to reduce damage from UV rays. Oat beta glucan stimulates procollagen production and promotes cellular turnover, detoxifies the skin, protects against free radical damage and balances production of sebum. It is perfect for treating adult acne or teenage skin and great for oily skin. Apply to oily parts of combination skin.

6: Green Tea & Rose Hydrating Face Serum $43.95, 30ml
This penetrating serum provides an intense amount of moisture to skin. Green tea extract and liposomes of anti-oxidant vitamins help combination skin. Oat beta glucan stimulates procollagen production and promotes cellular turnover. And super-oxide dismutase fight free radicals allowing skin to replenish itself. This serum also treats stressed and environmentally damaged skin, penetrates instantly and contains green tea and liposomes to help cellular turnover. Use throughout the day to refresh and nourish the skin and use at night in place of heavy creams.

Pod Puraceuticals
7: Pod Liquid Eyelift 30ml $60.00
This intensive anti-ageing eye treatment dramatically reduces the appearance of puffiness, eye bags and dark under-eye circles. It nourishes skin and offers environmental protection from UV damage and ageing free radicals. Pod Liquid Eyelift contains cosmeceutical actives including a peptide and collagen complex, which reduces puffiness and strengthens skin’s connective tissues, helping to eliminate under-eye circles; and natural moisturising factor A, which is a cosmeceutical synergy of five nature-identical moisturisers that mimic healthy skin. It also contains antioxidants pomegranate, green tea and calendula, which help to reduce inflammation and fight free radicals; vitamins A, C and E and Australian Kakadu plum, which brighten and tone the skin; rosehip, evening primrose, shea and jojoba oils, which deliver omega 3, 6, 9 and vitamin A to skin; and nurturing aromatherapy fragrances including rose damask, Australian sandalwood, geranium bourbon, ylang ylang, benzoin, nag champa and Australian blue cypress.

8: Pod Liquid Facelift 50ml $70.00
This intensive anti-ageing face treatment smoothes fine lines and wrinkles and tightens, lifts and prevents sagging. As a result, skin is renewed, revealing a younger looking complexion. Pod Liquid Facelift nourishes the skin, offering environmental protection from UV damage and ageing free radicals. It contains cosmeceutical actives including a triple lift complex, which helps to tighten and strengthen skin’s connective tissues to reduce the appearance of sagging and wrinkles; antioxidants pomegranate and green tea, which help to reduce inflammation and fight free radicals; vitamins A and E, Australian Kakadu plum and glucosamine, which brighten and tone the skin; rosehip, evening primrose, shea and jojoba oils, which deliver omega 3,6, 9 and vitamin A to skin; and natural aromatherapy fragrances including rose damask, Australian sandalwood, geranium bourbon, ylang ylang, benzoin, nag champa and Australian blue cypress.
Register at: www.podpuraceuticals.com to receive free samples of these amazing products!

9: Ultraceuticals Ultra A Facial Cream 50ml $95.00
High Strength Retinol
Retinol is an excellent ingredient for combating photoageing as it lessens the appearance of fine lines, dryness and sun damage. It will help with hydration levels, leaving the skin smoother and younger looking. Retinol is also good for oily skin as it helps to reduce the appearance of breakouts. A specifically designed formula for all skin types showing signs of dullness, course texture, fine lines, uneven skin discolouration and to restore a smoother, softer, more youthful radiance. It visibly improves texture, tone and overall appearance of the skin, Offers protection against environmental and lifestyle influences and gives gentle exfoliation to improve skin appearance. Recommended for those with oily/acne prone skin or those who prefer a lighter textured cream and concerned with the visible effects of ageing, whether it be correction or prevention. Not suitable for the drier skin types.

USANA’s Natural Toothpaste $19.55 128g
Usana’s fluoride-free Natural Toothpaste provides key antioxidants including vitamin C and green tea extract to inhibit the enzyme that enables bacteria to stick to teeth.
Natural Toothpaste also contains baking soda from natural sodium carbonate, which helps neutralise plaque acids.  Vegetable glycerine from vegetable oils moisturise, soothe and protects gums. Available in a refreshing mint flavour, Natural Toothpaste does not contain artificial colours, artificial flavours or artificial sweeteners, making it the perfect alternative to everyday toothpaste choices. Available from www.usana.com