The natural healing powers of green tea are well documented. Green tea is unprocessed and is therefore rich in anti-oxidants that protect the body against free radicals. This helps the body guard itself against molecules that can cause DNA damage which can turn cells cancerous. These wonder-chemicals in green tea are the polyphenols and bioflavonoids. Much research has been carried out into other potential benefits of this tea, as well as helping to protect against some types of cancer, it can help fight tooth decay and assist in weight loss and is a mild antiseptic too. Perhaps that explains why there is evidence that it can be used against acne too.
The main group of people who are acne sufferers are teens, but it is by no means limited to them. Menopausal women experience hormone changes and they too can become victims to the dreaded acne. Acne can be a debilitating affliction as it can upset sufferers, creating anxiety or even depression. In extreme cases, acne sufferers are reluctant to leave the home. Not everyone is happy about coating their skin in synthetic chemicals so they seek natural remedies. Green tea can now be added to the list.
Just over 100 acne-ridden subjects were split into two random sample groups. One group was given the usual benzoyl peroxide cream to treat the acne whilst the other group was given 3% green tea extract in a cream base. The group using the green tea extract reported fewer side effects, allergic reactions and skin itching plus a greater complexion increase than the benzoyl peroxide group. The study was carried out at the Memorial Medical Centre in the Philippines.
Unfortunately, there is no independent evidence to corroborate these findings as yet, since this research is quite recent, however, given the fact that green tea contains so many known beneficial compounds, it seems likely that these results could be valid. The other well-known treatment is tea tree oil and there are already herbal products on the market containing a combination of the latter and green tea extract.
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