We know that drinking green tea is widely practiced throughout the world, especially in East Asia. A cup of warm green tea with its light soothing taste and aromatic scent relaxes the body and calms the mind. But green tea leaves are not only great for brewing a cup of tea, green tea leaf extracts have excellent health and skincare benefits as well.
Green tea leaves are harvested from Camellia Sinensis, a shrubby evergreen plant widely cultivated in China, Japan, India, Southeast Asia and other parts of the world. Other types of tea such as black tea and oolong also come from the same tea plant but the leaves are processed differently to obtain their own unique aromatic flavours.
The health and skincare benefits of green tea leaf extracts are due to the composition of Camellia Sinensis tea leaves. Green tea leaves contain a high concentration of polyphenols (in particular catechins), caffeine, amino acids, vitamins and minerals.
Research studies have shown that potential health effects from green tea include its detoxifying properties, reducing cholesterol levels and hypertension, and weight loss. Similarly, the use of green tea leaf extracts as active ingredients in skincare products have many benefits for your skin
Skincare Benefits of Green Tea Leaf Extracts
In skincare topical applications, Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis) Leaf Extracts have numerous beneficial skincare properties. Here are 5 skincare benefits from Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis) Leaf Extracts you should know.
- Anti-oxidants
The anti-oxidant properties in green tea leaf extracts are due to the abundance of catechins found in green tea. Catechins are powerful natural anti-oxidants which neutralise free radicals to protect the skin cells and tissue from damage. Oxidative stress on the skin by free radicals is also a key cause of the skin aging process.
- UV protection
Green tea leaf extracts effectively protects the skin against damage caused by UV radiation which can have a major negative impact on the skin including photoaging and weakening of collagen and elastin fibers. Prolonged exposure to UV can also lead to more age spots, deeper wrinkles and fine lines.
- Anti-aging effects
The combined anti-oxidant and UV protection properties from green tea extracts provide mitigating factors against the accelerated aging process caused by oxidative stress and photoaging effects. The protective anti-aging effects help to reduce the signs of aging and maintain a smooth and supple complexion by evening out skin tone and reducing wrinkles. Green tea extracts prevent the breakdown of collagen to maintain skin elasticity.
- Anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial
Catechins in green tea leaf extracts have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. This can help to reduce facial inflammation and redness, and skin irritations. Studies show that green tea can also help to regulate sebum production. Therefore, it can be an effective ingredient in the treatment of acne conditions or oily skin.
- Improving overall skin conditions
Green tea leaf extracts help to improve overall skin conditions. Studies have shown that application led to improved skin texture, increased in skin moisture, reduced skin roughness, and improved skin smoothness.
Green tea leaf extracts are among the amazing active ingredients in Jill Lowe’s Fruit Lava moisturising and brightening cream and Fruit Essence serum. Their formulations include other botanical extracts which enhance the skincare benefits of Fruit Lava and Fruit Essence.
Check out these two highly popular skincare products from Jill Lowe – online at Jilllowe Shop