Green Tea Extract: A Breakthrough in Skin Care

You may have heard numerous accounts of the benefits of green tea (camellia sinensis) for your general health - but did you know that it can also do wonders for your skin? This isn't just another overhyped fad. New research has revealed that green tea extract, known as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), can actually reverse sun damage and prevent skin cancer. Sounds ambitious enough to pique anyone's curiosity...

How does this ingredient accomplish such a feat? Both animal and human studies have found that, in the same way green tea acts against free radicals in your body, it has a similar effect on your skin cells. It also provides sun damage protection by reducing inflammation rather than by blocking UV rays. As a result, green tea extract works by enhancing sun protection when used in addition to suncreen.

What about wrinkles and skin sagging? Green tea helps reverse the signs of aging due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In a 2005 study, topical green tea polyphenols were shown to slow down the development of certain signs of aging by increasing elastin content, a substance that provides elasticity to the skin and reduces wrinkles.

How can you use green tea in your skin care? There is more and more evidence that it is worthwhile to incorporate this powerful ingredient into your skin care regimen. Start with consistent application of products that contain green tea extract, such as Beau-t-fi nourishing body mist from KiwiFox. You can also use it under a zinc-oxide based sunscreen, since zinc-oxide is chemically inert and should not react with green-tea extract.

Take it one step further. You can even use green tea leaves as a gentle scrub to give your skin a healthy glow!