Initially, green tea was popular in China and used medicinally for centuries to treat everything from headaches to depression. Nowadays, people from different parts of the world consume green tea due to its numerous health benefits. It contains a high amount of antioxidants as well as enzymes, amino acids, and phytochemicals like polyphenols. It also has B vitamins, folate, manganese, potassium, magnesium and caffeine. In addition to its health benefits, green tea has an impressive list of skin and hair care benefits. Green tea also works superbly as a topical beauty ingredient, with skincare benefits that range from busting hormonal acne to warding off wrinkles and saggy skin. No wonder then that every major beauty brand, right from Estee Lauder to L’Occitane, is rushing to include this potent plant in their formulations.
1. Exfoliates Skin
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The slight rough texture of dry green tea leaves helps exfoliate your skin to get rid of dead skin cells, dirt and other impurities.
Mix together 1 tablespoon of dried green tea, few drops of extra-virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of raw honey. Apply it on your face and/or body and gently rub it in circular motions. Finally, rinse it off with warm water. Use this facial scrub once or twice a week.Another option is to brew 1 green tea bag in 1/3 cup of water. Allow it to cool. Put 1 tablespoon of this green tea into a bowl and add 2 tablespoons of sugar to it. If the mixture seems runny, add more sugar. Use this mixture as an exfoliating skin scrub once or twice a week.
2. Improves Skin Complexion
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Green tea improves your skin complexion and makes your skin healthy. It helps flush out toxins from the skin, heals blemishes and scars, and reduces inflammation. It even improves the skin’s elasticity. It aids skin rejuvenation and to treat skin diseases and wounds.
Mix 2 tablespoons of green tea with 2 teaspoons of raw honey and a little lemon juice. Apply it on your face and allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water. Use this face mask once or twice a week.
3. Treats Acne and Pimples
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The catechins in green tea are antibacterial agents that help fight acne-causing bacteria. Catechins even help regulate hormonal imbalances in the body, one of the key causes of acne. Also, anti-inflammatory property of green tea helps reduce the redness and inflammation brought about by acne.
Mix ¼ cup each of freshly brewed green tea and water. Use a cotton ball to apply this solution on the affected area. Allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water. Do this twice daily until you have acne-free skin.
4. Reduces Puffy Eyes and Dark Circles
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The antioxidants and tannins (an astringent) in green tea help treat puffy eyes as well as dark circles. They help shrink blood vessels underneath the delicate skin around the eyes. This in turn reduces swelling and puffiness. The vitamin K in green tea helps lighten dark circles under the eyes.
Simply chill 2 used green tea bags in the refrigerator for some time. Place the cold tea bags on your closed eyelids. Sit back and relax for 15 minutes. Use this remedy twice daily until you are satisfied with the results.
5. Defy Your Age
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Green tea has anti-aging and antioxidant benefits that can help delay signs of skin aging, such as sagging skin, sun damage, age spots, fine lines and wrinkles. The polyphenols in green tea help neutralize free radicals, which can accelerate the aging process.
Mix 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon of ground green tea leaves and a little turmeric powder. Apply it on your face and neck. Allow it to sit for 20 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water. Use this face mask once or twice a week.
6. Heals Sunburns
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Green tea can even protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. The tannic acid, theobromine and polyphenols in green tea can help soothe and heal sunburned skin by neutralizing the damage from exposure to UV rays.
Brew 2 to 3 cups of green tea and put it in the refrigerator for some time. Soak a soft cloth in the tea and gently apply it to the sunburned areas. Repeat 2 or 3 times a day to relieve pain and redness.
7. Stimulates Hair Growth and makes hair shiny
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Green tea contains a high amount of antioxidants that promote hair growth. The catechins in it have 5-alpha-reductase inhibiting properties that help block DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), one of the key causes of hair loss. It prevents common problems like dry scalp and dandruff. Along with making your hair strong and healthy, green tea makes your hair shiny and full of life. Plus, it protects your hair from damage due to pollution and harsh products.
After washing your hair, rinse it with cool, freshly brewed green tea. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse it out with cool water. Do this 2 or 3 times a week for a couple of months.
Also, drink 2 to 3 cups of green tea daily to enjoy strong and beautiful hair.
