5 Ways to Brighten Skin Using Green Tea

Most of us know that a warming cup of green tea is good for our bodies and mind. But did you know that that green tea can benefit the skin too, leaving it looking brighter, healthier, and more glowing?

The main reason green tea is great for us is that it’s packed full of antioxidants and phytonutrients. The tea consists of the leaves from the evergreen shrub Camellia Sinensis, otherwise known as the ‘tea shrub.’

One of the powerful antioxidants found in green tea is called polyphenols. This ingredient works to protect skin from free radicals, defending it from damage. As a result, the skin is calmer, smoother, and brighter.

Nowadays, green tea isn’t just sipped before tucking into bed. The skin-boosting extract can be used in many ways to benefit the skin.

Not sure where to start? Here are five ways to incorporate green tea into your skincare routine for healthier and luscious-looking skin.

1. Drink Green Tea

We’ll start with a simple way to use green tea for skin that requires minimal effort.

Pop to your local shop, buy some green tea bags (if you haven’t already got a few in your cupboard), and pour yourself a calming cup of green tea to sip.

As many of us know, the health benefits of drinking green tea seem to be endless. Besides improving brain function and preventing a variety of chronic diseases, drinking green tea helps rebuild and repair your skin from the inside out.

Look for loose organic leaves for the best results. You can choose tea bags too, but if you do, you should seek those made of loose leaves instead of ‘dust.’ That way, you can enjoy green tea of a higher quality.

Though as delicious as green tea is, try not to over-do the tea-sipping. Due to the caffeine content, you should consume one to two cups a day maximum.

2. Use a Green Tea Toner

Using a toner infused with green tea following cleansing works wonderfully for those with oily and acne-prone skin.

Not only does a green tea toner prevent acne, but it also reduces inflammation and brightens up your complexion.

You can make a toner by infusing water with green tea. Pour it in a spray bottle and store it in the fridge so that it’s pleasant and refreshing when you’re ready to use it.

Then, spritz over your face after washing to give your skin a much-needed energy boost. You can also add a dash of tea tree oil for even better results. Another option is the June Jacobs Green Tea & Cucumber Toner. Enriched with soothing botanicals and antioxidants, the formula looks after the skin’s natural pH levels and leaves it looking and feeling gloriously glowing and refreshed.

3. Indulge in a Green Tea Steam Facial

Who says you need to head to the salon for a facial? Another great way to use green tea is by taking a steam facial. The hot air infused with green tea will refresh and rejuvenate your skin, giving it a healthy and fresh look within minutes.

To make your green tea steam facial, empty the contents of one green tea bag in a bowl of steaming hot water. Let it soak and infuse its goodness into the water for 30 to 60 seconds.

Then, hold your face over the water and relax into a refreshing facial. Don’t forget to cover your head with a snuggly towel so that the hot air can’t escape.

4. Place Green Tea Bags on Your Eyes

Elevate your pampering session by unwinding with a green tea eye mask to add a dose of life back to tired eyes.

Green tea bags are full of caffeine and anti-inflammatory properties that work to soothe and calm puffy or sleepy eyes.

Wet your green tea bags, then leave in the fridge to cool. When you’re ready, find somewhere comfy to lie and then gently place the cold green tea bags under your eyes. Then it’s time to relax for 10 minutes – bliss.

Once you remove the green tea bags, rinse your skin to avoid irritation.

5. Hydrate Skin With a Green Tea Moisturizer

As well as banishing free radical damage and keeping skin clear and smooth, green tea is also highly moisturizing. That’s because it helps your skin retain moisture.

Opt for a moisturizer that features green tea to reap the hydrating benefits of this wonder ingredient. We love the Tuel Daily Protect Oil Free SPF 30 Moisturizer, which features skin-loving ingredients including green tea, vitamin E, and cucumber.

The light moisturizer is fast absorbing and works to balance oil while protecting the skin from the harmful rays of the sun.

Want to learn more about trending skincare ingredients? Here’s everything you need to know about hyaluronic acid.