Makeup
Green Tea: A Potent Beauty Drink
- Posted by Kamala on August 30, 2011 at 12:08PM
I've been a Diet Coke addict for most of my life, but there came a day when I made that life-changing decision: I wanted to quit. And let me tell you, it was a lot harder than I expected it to be. I was suffering from major caffeine withdrawals, which no amount of coconut water could ease.
It was then that I went on the ravenous search for Diet Coke's replacement in my life, and I found it in green tea. The caffeine in green tea satisfies my cravings for soda, making it a lot easier to get through the day without snapping at my co-workers or falling asleep on a stack of Post-its. After some additional research, I discovered that there are a lot of benefits associated with my new caffeine fix, from healthy skin to a better smile. Here they are:
Better Skin. Green tea is filled with antioxidants that cleanse your body from the inside out, eliminating toxins that damage your skin. Not only can green tea help prevent those unsightly sunspots and wrinkles, but it also helps to fight blemishes and reduce redness -- and puffiness -- causing inflammation. Oh, and for all you eczema sufferers out there, skin specialists say that sipping on green tea daily will help reduce your symptoms and is 20 times more powerful than vitamin E.
Here are a few tips to get even more from that cup of green tea:
1. Use it as a toner. After you've finished cleansing your skin, take your leftover tea bag and gently wipe it across your face. For a more refreshing approach, refrigerate a cup of green tea then dip a cotton ball in it and apply to your face and neck. Green tea is less harsh on your skin than most alcohol-based toners and is a natural astringent, so it helps close up your pores and gives your skin a more toned look.
2. Swap it for your exfoliator. Cut open your tea bag and spread the tealeaves all over your face. Gently massage your skin in a circular motion. I do this frequently and have noticed a brighter and smoother complexion.
3. Apply it to a blemish. Place a hot tea bag on your pimple and hold it against the area for one to two minutes. Repeat this for several days until your zit is gone. I find this really helps my pimples disappear fast.
Whiter Teeth. I was pleased to find out that green tea is a natural source of fluoride that not only protects your teeth from tooth decay and plaque build-up, but also helps fight bad breath. I won't feel so guilty next time I forget to brush after that cup of tea.
Weight Loss. According to dietitian Wendy A. Albovias, RD the polyphenols (an antioxidant) in green tea help you burn more fat. Albovias also says that green tea may be helpful in treating health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease thanks to its high antioxidant content.
Not convinced green tea tastes good enough to swap it for that can of cola? Choose a tea that's flavored (I love fruity green teas) or stir in some honey. And if you're trying to steer clear of caffeine, there are decaffeinated options out there too.
So, are you up for making green tea your new go-to?
Next: Best (and Worst) Beauty-Boosting Supplements and Drinks
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You've really opened my eye to the benefits of green tea. Thanks!
by EricaC123 Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at 06:24PM Report as inappropriate
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I love green tea and make sure to have at least 2 cups a day! Didn't know it could help with pimples...thanks for the tip!
by BeautyTidbits Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 11:10AM Report as inappropriate
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I've been trying to get back into drinking green tea every day. These tips constantly remind me and motivate me to actually do it! I didn't realize it was able to be used as a toner and exfoliator. That's a really unique (and natural!) way to improve my complexion!
by heather_hejna Friday, October 26, 2012 at 09:34AM Report as inappropriate
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I didnt know green tea did all of this! Its just been sitting in my pantry with its great wonders unoticed. Thank you! I'm going to go drink some now.
by Perla_Paris Monday, October 1, 2012 at 11:02AM Report as inappropriate
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I knew about the weight loss benefit so I drink it every morning. But never knew that I can use it as toner. Hence forth I wont throw the used bag. Daily toner................
by Pinky5 Friday, September 28, 2012 at 08:12AM Report as inappropriate
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I try to drink green tea instead of coffee everyday. It gives me energy to get through the afternoon
by yahdieprincess Friday, September 28, 2012 at 07:21AM Report as inappropriate
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I have also been trying to switch my bad caffeine habit (iced coffees for me) with green tea! One thing you didn't mention is that to get a lot of those benefits you really need to drink quite a lot, I believe 5 cups a day.
by Chris213 Friday, September 28, 2012 at 06:26AM Report as inappropriate
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Hi Kamela, I would LOVE to quit diet Pepsi. One thing about green tea though - it has a lot of fluoride. There is some controversy over how this affects people with thyroid disorders. (Fluoride replaces iodine in the body at times...) It's a topic worth researching if one may have a thyroid condition (and these are woefully under-diagnosed and under-treated in the US.) Mary Shommon and Janie Bowethorpe are important thyroid patient activists.
by SensitiveRoszel Saturday, September 1, 2012 at 09:56PM Report as inappropriate
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I know green tea is so good for you, but I really have to force myself to drink it. Am I the only one who thinks it really doesn't taste good?
by marzi Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at 07:55PM Report as inappropriate
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I love green tea, but had no idea it was such a versatile beauty ingredient. I am going to have to stock up! Thanx...
by gerrsbabe Monday, January 27, 2014 at 01:56AM Report as inappropriate