Green Tea & Your Skin- Larisa Lehmer, M.D.

Green tea may be one of the healthiest beverages around — drinking it has been found to reduce the risk of breast cancer by 30% as well as lower cholesterol, blood sugar, and body fat. In addition, those who drink green tea have smoother skin, and fewer wrinkles than those who do not. Research into the power of this ancient beverage continues to uncover more exciting discoveries. The following are a few common skin conditions for which green tea carries a specific benefit:
Acne is an inflammatory disease of the skin affecting 85% of US teens and many adults. Twice daily application of a 2% green tea lotion was shown to both significantly reduce the size, redness, and number of pimples. After only 6 weeks of daily use, participants had 50% fewer spots than at the start of the study. 1
Impetigo is a superficial skin infection most commonly caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Amazingly, researchers in Baghdad found that green tea ointment applied to culture-proven impetigo was as effective as either a topical or oral antibiotic with a cure-rate just below 80%. 2
Tinea corporis. Also known as “ringworm, jock itch, or athlete’s foot” is a general term for a superficial fungal infection of the skin. One study found that three months of a once daily 15-min foot-bath made from dilute green tea alone showed significant improvement in symptoms as compared with controls. To give this a try, steep 2 tea bags of sencha green tea in 2 quarts of hot water for 10 minutes. After the bath has become lukewarm, allow your feet to soak for 15 minutes. Repeat daily for 3 months for best results.
Other Health Benefits of Green Tea
Fights off the flu – by boosting immune function.
Anti-cancer – tumor growth suppression demonstrated for multiple tumor types.
Stroke prevention – 3 cups/day reduces risk by 18%.
Artery function – drinking green tea takes decades-off arterial ageing.
Favorite Products at NBDPS with Green Tea Polyphenols
M.D. Antioxidant Cleanser
M.D. Daily Antioxidant Cream
M.D. Advanced Sheer Mineral Sunscreen
M.D. Intensive Repair Night Cream
Alumier AHA Renewal Serum
1. Elsaie ML, Abdelhamid MF, Elsaaiee LT, Emam HM. The efficacy of topical 2% green tea lotion in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. J Drugs Dermatol. 2009 Apr;8(4):358-64. PMID: 19363854.
2. Sharquie KE, al-Turfi IA, al-Salloum SM. The antibacterial activity of tea in vitro and in vivo (in patients with impetigo contagiosa). J Dermatol. 2000 Nov;27(11):706-10. doi: 10.1111/j.1346-8138.2000.tb02263.x. PMID: 11138536.