Green Tea and Acne

Can something as simple as green tea really help with reducing acne? Some swear by the skin clearing effects of green tea while others complain that it doesn't work. Discover the truth here.

Many scientists are finding that green tea may be a very effective way to clear up acne while preventing future breakouts. Besides being known for it's overall health benefits, it is also great for your skin!

One of the greatest benefits of green tea on the skin is that it fights inflammation from the inside out. This means that ugly red acne scars and pimples would look like obvious becuase of the reduction of inflammation of the skin.

Studies found that a catechin called Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) acts as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that naturally works with your body to combat acne.

In fact according to the findings found in the American Academy of Dermatology when EGCG was compounded into a cream with a content of 3% this powerful extract, the clear skin results were comparable or even better than using a topical solution containing 4% benzoyl peroxide.

And the best part is that it's all natural and doesn't come with the negative side-effects such as dry irritated skin as do synthetic chemicals do!

If you don't have a green tea creme or lotion handy, you can simply boil a bag of this powerful herb, let it cool down and let the liquids dry over your skin to gain results.

OR if you prefer, you can drink the tea and allow the nutrients to work it's magic inside your body instead. When you drink green tea or take a supplement, the EGCG works to prevent acne by reducing a powerful acne causing hormone called dihydro-testosterone.

However, don't expect the EGCG extract to work wonders overnight. You should drink at least 2 cups of green tea a day and wait for two to four weeks before noticing any difference.

Additionally, it might be a good idea to combine green tea with a healthy diet free of milk and refined carbohydrates. You should also make your life as less stressful as possible.

Beware of sugar filled versions that come in bottles or cans. There are a lot of products out there claiming their green tea is healthy but when it's loaded with sugar it will defeat green tea's purpose of being anti-acne because of it's excessive sugar content.

If you cannot drink green tea twice daily or just can't stand the taste, you can always use a high quality supplement containing EGCG. But make sure that the manufacturer who sells this EGCG does NOT use a process involving ethylene acetate to extract the green tea because it's a harsh chemical used to decaffeinate the green tea AND an insect poison!

Although some people may complain that they don't get any clear skin results from drinking green tea are those who don't take care of their food intake and stress levels. But if you combine green tea along with a stress free lifestyle and healthy eating habits and you have the secret recipe to clear acne free skin!