Did you know that green tea has an incredibly wide range of effects? A delicious cup of your favorite beverage is incredibly relaxing just by enjoying it. But your skin in particular can also benefit wonderfully from it. Learn all about this cosmetic miracle weapon, where it originally comes from, and how you can use it yourself!
How the effects of green tea were discovered
When we talk about the effects of green tea, we first need to define how it even made it into our cups. In addition, it's quite interesting to know what it was used for back then and how it is used today, apart from being a beverage.
From the Middle Kingdom
Let's look back several thousand years, more precisely to China. Here, the processing of tea leaves was developed as early as the 6th century BC. They were pressed, pulverized, and then steeped with boiling water. A rather lengthy process, then.
The procedure was refined further and further over time. From 780 AD onwards, the leaves were steamed and dried before being ground in stone mills. However, until the 8th century, the Chinese kept this ingredient and preparation method to themselves. Then Buddhist monks brought it to Japan, where the art continued to develop. We now know this variant as the cult drink Matcha. More on that in a moment.
More than just a drink
Green tea has established itself as a beverage over the years. Nevertheless, we would like to mention that Matcha, in particular, is suitable for more than just brewing. The powder is also very popular in ice cream and yogurt varieties, as well as in milk-mixed or fruit juice drinks. You can also use it in cookies and brownies. After all, not only the taste but also the light green color is a real highlight.
But the plant is not only a stimulant. Shortly after its discovery in China, it was also drunk for medicinal reasons. It was assumed that various external areas of the body would benefit from it. In short: Matcha has an effect on the skin.
The effect of green tea should also have a positive effect on digestion. There are now many studies that deal with this topic. However, we want to focus primarily on its introduction into cosmetics.
The effects of green tea: known varieties and their ingredients
When it comes to the effects of green tea, you can't ignore the fact that there are truly countless varieties. You've already learned how old the tradition of tea drinking is. That's why we would like to introduce you to a few current, well-known, and popular types and discuss the useful ingredients that the cosmetics industry also uses.
A brief introduction to the varieties
As with all infusions, the green variety is also distinguished into different types. Both the cultivation and the processing method are important here. In addition, there are different harvest times or which parts of the plant are used. Not only the leaves, but also the buds and stems can be processed into a delicious drink. We introduce some of them:
| Variety | Component | Taste |
| Bancha | coarse leaves from a later harvest | mild and soft, fresh and fine |
| Gyokuro | fresh, young, and shaded leaves | very aromatic, fine, mild sweetness |
| Matcha | longer shaded and dried, tender leaves | reminiscent of fresh grass or spinach with creamy notes |
| Sencha | buds and young leaves | intense, fresh, with tart grassy notes |
The most important ingredients
When it comes to the effects of green tea, the ingredients are naturally at the top of the agenda. You can probably already guess, but numerous substances await you here. We present some of the most important ones that are found in the varieties mentioned above:
| Ingredient | Effect |
| Vitamin A (Beta-carotene) | contributes to the maintenance of vision |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | supports energy metabolism and helps reduce fatigue |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | promotes skin functions and supports the nervous system |
| Calcium | plays an essential role in bone health |
| Potassium | supports muscle function and fluid balance |
| Phosphorus | involved in energy production and the formation of cell structures |
| Magnesium | can help with muscle cramps |
| Zinc | strengthens the immune system and supports cell division |
| Nickel | component of some enzymes |
| Carotenes | possible antioxidant properties |
| Fluoride | can harden tooth enamel |
Also note that theine is included. You can compare this roughly to caffeine. Since this substance is released gradually during intake, the awakening effect occurs some time later and more intensely. Thus, if you have drunk more than two cups, it can quickly lead to nervousness, dizziness, and other symptoms. So take it easy and enjoy the moment to the fullest.
The effect of green tea in cosmetics
Now you know the general facts about green tea. But we especially want to focus on why the cosmetics industry has turned to this beverage and now uses it in various products. We will therefore take a separate look at skin and hair to give you a good overview.
Relaxation for the skin
With all the ingredients mentioned, you've probably already guessed that green tea contains a lot that your skin can potentially benefit from. In addition, it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. This can help alleviate any irritation, swelling, or redness. Especially if you have oily skin or acne, this is very useful. By the way: If you want to learn more about different ingredients for your skin, read our articles on the topic!
But that's not all. Because the effect of green tea holds further surprises. Did you know, for example, that the extract of this ingredient and the polyphenols it contains block UV light? Only minimally, but it helps to slow down skin aging somewhat. Nevertheless, you should always apply a product with a high SPF. So if you're looking for, for example, the best sunscreen, we have some tips for you in a separate article!
Strengthening for the hair
Not only the skin benefits from the effect of green tea. Your hair can also reap some benefits. For example, it is said to stimulate growth in the roots. The aforementioned polyphenols and theine are partly responsible for this. Because these can promote blood circulation in the scalp, bringing important nutrients to the right place.
In addition, this substance cleanses and builds up your hair roots and can strengthen them. If you struggle with dandruff, the substances in green tea also support you. This also applies to uncomfortable itching. Because the infused drink has a calming effect, such problems can certainly improve again. So you can rinse your hair with green tea to achieve positive effects.
That's beautiful: Application of green tea
Now that you know the effects of green tea, the question of its application remains. First, of course, there's drinking it. It's best to get advice from a specialty store. Some varieties, for example, shouldn't be steeped too hot or for too long. Otherwise, they taste too bitter and cannot fully develop their aroma.
But the brew is also suitable for external use as a sustainable cosmetic. Do you want to use the effects of green tea for your hair? Here's how:
- Prepare green tea: Let it cool down until it reaches a comfortable temperature.
- Option 1: Scalp care
- Mix the cooled green tea with essential oils (e.g., geranium, lavender, or rosemary oil) – use up to 10 drops.
- Gently massage the mixture into your scalp.
- Leave the treatment on for 20 minutes.
- Option 2: Rinse for hair lengths
- Use the cooled green tea as a natural rinse for your hair lengths.
- Afterward, rinse the treatment thoroughly out of your hair.
- Enjoy the effects of green tea on your hair!
For use on the face, we recommend eye masks, for example. For this, you can use either the brewed leaves or tea bags. Since they contain antioxidants and tannins, blood circulation can be promoted. This, in turn, improves your dark circles. But beware: germs can also get into your eyes this way. If you frequently experience irritation in this area, you should have it checked by a doctor!
- Either use brewed green tea leaves or freshly used tea bags.
- Place the leaves or tea bags in the refrigerator until they are pleasantly cool.
- Place the slightly damp, chilled tea bags or leaves on your closed eyelids for a few minutes.
Green tea – the classic in Korean cosmetics
If you don't want to brew the drink yourself but want to enjoy the many benefits of the valuable ingredients, Korean cosmetics are ideal for you! The skin care professionals have long been using the effects of green tea in their formulations.
In our online shop at LoveMyCosmetic.de, you will therefore find some products enriched with green tea. Whether cleanser, toner, lotion, or facial cream – there are many options waiting for you here. So feel free to try them out!
Further links:
www.wikipedia.org/.../Green_Tea
www.womenshealth.de/.../green-tea-healthy-fat-burner/
www.gruenertee.com/.../which-varieties-how-often-how-much/
www.aesthetico.de/.../green-tea-in-check-how-green-tea-extract-works-on-the-skin/
www.instyle.de/.../trend-beautiful-skin-green-tea-active-ingredient
