Acne and Green Tea

In a research study green tea cream was trailed against a 4% benzoyl peroxide solution on people suffering with moderate to severe acne. The results showed that green tea was just as good in treating acne as the benzoyl peroxide. However, benzoyl peroxide dries out skin causing itching or allergic reactions, unlike green tea that has the added advantages of natural anti-bacterial properties and antioxidants, particularly epigallocatechin gallate which is 200 times more powerful than vitamin E at fighting free radicals.

Green tea also helps to reduce inflammation, hormonal activity and aids in detoxification – which is all good news for acne sufferers.

Green tea extract is an extremely versatile herbal supplement – it can be administered topically, often being used in creams, taken orally in the form of a pill or incorporated into your diet and drunk as a tea.

This last method is very popular (Green Tea with Honeysuckle is often known as ‘Pimple Tea’ in many Chinatowns). When drunk after a meal it aids digestion and helps to detoxify your system, getting rid of the toxins that can cause acne.

Tip: Never drink green tea with sugar, this will neutralize the worthwhile effects of the tea.