Green tea, a staple for health conscious people, is the most popular health drink in the world. It contains antioxidants, which help fight free radicals in the body.
Green tea is richer in phenolic compounds and other nutrients and can be used to make skin care products like tea toner, face masks, cleanser and steam treatment to detoxify skin pores and keep skin hydrated. You can use the leaves of herbal teas to steam your face or add it in your regular face pack.
Green tea contains a powerful antioxidant called EGCG that fights DNA damage from UV rays to prevent skin cancer. It is a natural astringent, and so mops up the extra sebum or oil, solving the problem at its root. It helps remove all the dirt and grime from open pores, and then tightens the freshly cleansed pores to prevent pollutants from getting in.
Green tea also has several beauty benefits and can be used easily as home beauty treatments. In fact, it is a wonderful skin toner. Take half cup water and bring it to boil. Put tea leaves in a ceramic bowl. Pour hot water over it and keep for 2 minutes. Strain and cool the liquid. Apply on face with cotton wool to tone the skin. Leave on. Or, you can dip a tea bag in a cup of hot water. Cool and use it to tone the skin. Or make the tea-water and keep in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. Use the lotion to tone and refresh the skin.
It also nourishes the skin and delays visible ageing signs. Green tea contains Vitamin B2 and Vitamin E, both essential for refreshing and radiant skin. B2 plays an essential role in maintaining collagen levels for youthful and fairer skin. Vitamin E promotes new skin cell growth and also acts as an intense hydrator for soft and nourished skin.
Boil 2 to 3 cups of water and add 2 green tea bags. Let it soak for a few minutes. Cool and apply on the face with cotton wool pads. The remaining liquid may be kept in the fridge. Green tea liquid may also be mixed with a little honey and applied on face. Wash off with plain water after 20 minutes.
Green tea, in fact, can be used in many other ways in beauty care. Ground almonds, green tea leaves and curd will make a good facial and body scrub. It also has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to control an acne condition. Make a powder of green tea leaves and mix it with a little cinnamon powder and lemon juice into a paste. Apply this on the eruptions directly and wash off with plain water after 20 minutes.
Mix green tea, coconut oil, honey and lemon juice for brightening skin tone. Add a tablespoon of green tea leaves, 30 ml of honey, a teaspoon of coconut oil and 30 ml of lemon juice to a bowl. Mix them with a spoon and apply the paste on the face for 15 minutes and allow it to dry in natural atmosphere. Rinse off the mask with lukewarm water. Apply a moisturiser after you rinse off the mask. You can use this mask once in a week.
Green Tea helps you fight problem of dry and chapped lips. Apply green tea bag soaked in warm water over your lips. It will relieve burning sensation and hydrate the lips.
Drinking green tea benefits the teeth and freshens the breath. Green tea mouth washes are also available. You can make a cup of green tea with one tea bag and wash the mouth with it for a fresh feeling.
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