Spilling The (Green) Tea

There's a reason green tea has not been surpassed by any of the new and buzzing ingredients in skincare. Skincare experts decode this skin food, and guide you on how to make the best of it

- Sanika Achrekar

It is said that you should start your mornings with a warm cup of green tea for a quick wake-up, but if you're not already applying the natural ingredient topically, you're missing out. Yes, green tea is godsent for weight loss, but this superhero ingredient also comes with other fine properties that are beneficial for healthy, supple skin.

When it comes to green tea in skincare and grooming, we are referring to the extract derived from the leaves and buds of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis, which is a highly concentrated extract that is said to contain polyphenols or catechins that are beneficial due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Antara Kundu, deputy general manager, marketing brand relations and customer acquisition at The Body Shop India, explains, Green tea has been used for thousands of years in many cultures not just for mind and body, but for skincare too. It provides complete hydration and moisturisation to the skin. Its antioxidant properties rejuvenate the drying skin cells. Additionally, it has effective anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that make it an effective treatment for acne and oily skin. It is highly beneficial to reduce blemishes, and fight premature ageing due to stress. It also helps in calming irritated skin, reducing redness caused by chemicals in various products. It is also a powerful antibacterial that helps in unclogging the pores and controls bacterial infections and inflammation. All these are essential to keep the skin healthy and glowing naturally.

If you have already introduced two cups to your daily routine, adding them to your serums, moisturisers, masks, and face cleansers should be the next step. No doubt that oral consumption is great for the body, but it does not offer the same effect on human skin as topical products. Look at the ingredient list for any K-beauty products, and you will find green tea as a regular feature.