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I’m not even gonna front like I did it for the health benefits. I mean prevention of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, protection from harmful UV rays (oh, and did I mention weight loss?) are cool and what not. But to be perfectly honest, I recently switched from drinking coffee to green tea because, well, studies suggest that green tea could make skin good and pretty.
In Green Tea Polyphenols Induce Differentiation and Proliferation in Epidermal Keratinocytes, the study reveals that EGCG polyphenols, compounds found in green tea, reactivate dying skin cells.
If we can energize dying skin cells, we can probably improve the skin condition. ~Dr. Stephen Hsu
Oh, but the fun doesn’t stop there. Studies have also suggested that when applied topically, green tea and all of its free radical-fighting awesomeness could also delay signs of aging. But before you run out and buy that $100 green tea moisturizer, understand that green tea polyphenols lose their magic powers when exposed to air. It’s still unclear whether commercial products containing green tea polyphenols don’t go fizzle while sitting on the store shelf waiting to be purchased.
Instead you can cut out the middle-man and freeze freshly brewed green tea into ice cubes. Thaw a cube as needed and use as facial toner. You could also add green tea extract directly to your current moisturizer for a boost of antioxidants.
Sooo, as much as I love my Joe—and I drink a really strong Ethiopian blend—I know I am doing myself a favor by swapping it out here and there for something better. The physical and mental withdrawal from coffee is a beast—I truly sympathize with those with hardcore substance addiction. But when I think about how kick @$$ it would feel to be 200% confident without a trace of foundation, it’s all good. Between the green tea and the zillion ounces of water I’ve been downing, I hope to be there in the near future.
For the perfect cup of tea
Add green tea leaves or tea bag to a cup of boiling hot water and steep for 5 minutes. Don’t boil the water with the tea leaves/bag in, or the polyphenols may become oxidized and weakened. Sweeten with honey or agave nectar (optional).
Don’t do caffeine?
Try taking (orally) green tea extract. Whether or not it will provide the same benefits as freshly brewed tea, however, is unknown.
Do you drink green tea regularly? Have you seen a noticeable difference in your skin? Have you ever applied it externally?
We bought green tea thinking we’d actually drink it. It’s so horrible. I will say this, because the taste of the green tea is so offensive, I drink more water to cleanse my palate of that demon juice. As a result of the increased water my skin looks brighter, hydrated. Now, if only I can cut out the dairy, then I’ll be fine!
Haaa at “demon juice”! Too funny. I prefer the taste of black tea, but I’m ok with green tea as long as there’s enough honey. As for dairy, yeah I’ve thought about giving up that too, but ain’t gonna happen any time soon. I love milk and cheese too much
Hi Lola I love your blog! I am an avid tea drinker and a fellow mixtress. I usually stay away from green tea b/c of the caffeine but I stumbled across this really awesome tea called “skin detox” it is a combination of teas, including just a smidgen of green tea and ayuruvedic herbs and ROSE PETALS(said to have cooling effect to skin)!! I love this tea, the rose petels are aromatic and tasty! You can drink it stright no chaser(sweetner). I started drinking it when I had an acne break out it help clear the cystic acne, and left a dewing glow to my skin. Its made by yogiteas.
Hey Jerusha, thx so much for the love! Ohemgee, I am going to stop by the market and pick up some of the tea you recommended–the brand of green tea I drink is also Yogi. How long before you saw a difference in your skin? Thx again, seriously, I’m on a mission…
OK, so I stopped by the market and they were all out of the Skin Detox flavor. I’ll have to try another location. I did by the Bedtime tea—it is so delish! We’ll see if it actually helps with my sometimes insomnia, but that a whole ‘nother topic…
ok, i think i’m buying the wrong green tea—the one i buy is from LIPTON and it has 21 grams of sugar in a bottle [way too much sugar]—which green tea should i be buying minus all that dang sugah’?—i’m thinking its adding pounds on me instead of losing them—help!!!
Hey sis! I’ve been using the Yogi teas brand (tea bag) and brewing with hot water and then sweetening it with honey. So far I’m liking it:)
I will admit, green tea doesn’t have the best taste in the world but the benefits out weigh that of taste. I add lemon and honey and keep it movin. I drink like two or three cups a day. Didn’t know about making your skin good and pretty!! As much as I drink, I should be QUITE beautiful by now.
See I’m thinking a little cinnamon or nutmeg may help. Or maybe something spicy like a pinch cayenne could be a winner…
I lovvveee Yogi brand teas! My other fav besides the green tea is the Kava Stress Relief mmm. Tazo Thrive Green Tea is quite good as well, and I have a cup every morning.