New Beau-Tea Secret

Green tea is best known as a healthy drink, a wise alternative to coffee, and a superb choice for the daily dieter. You know it as a “power tea.” What you may not know, however, is that green tea can be an effective beauty product, whether applied directly to the skin or enjoyed as a delicious drink. Clinical evidence has proven that green tea is full of health and beauty benefits. Consider green tea as your secret beauty weapon!

Drink It

By drinking green tea, you are helping the fight against free radicals in your body. Free radicals naturally occur through the process of metabolism, infections, and some chemicals. These oxygen radicals eventually cause damage to cells, proteins, and DNA in your body–key elements that keep you beautiful and healthy.

A number of nutrients are essential to protect against and repair damage from free radicals including vitamins C and E and carotene.

Good news! Green tea contains a high value of catechin polyphenols that have antioxidant properties known to fight free radicals. In addition, green tea provides vitamin C (there’s more vitamin C in one cup of green tea than in an orange) and vitamin E in its natural state. Green tea has also been known to aid in weight loss by speeding up metabolism. Way to go, green!

Apply It

Less commonly known is green tea’s positive benefits when applied directly to skin. Green tea has been observed to clear blemishes and other skin problems such as rashes. The leaves in green tea also act as an excellent exfoliant for the skin. Concentrated green tea extract can be applied directly to soothe, soften, and cool.

To make a homemade green tea spritzer that will help heal minor cuts and bruises (with green tea’s antiseptic properties), cool a sunburn, freshen skin, or revitalize tired eyes, steep
3.5 oz (100 g) of green tea in 1 cup (250 mL) of boiling water for at least one hour. Place the liquid in a small spray bottle. This spritzer is best used fresh, but you can also store it in an air-tight container in the fridge.

Green Tea Face Mask

This indulgent mask smoothes the skin and removes harmful toxins.*

• 3 Tbsp (45 mL) mayonnaise
• 1 heaping Tbsp (15 mL) green tea leaves

Mix together, apply to the face, and leave for 20 minutes. Rinse face thoroughly and experience the freshness!

*Use with caution if you were blessed with very sensitive or oily skin.