The talk has been around for a while now in the K-beauty world, and you may have also heard of it. So, green tea has been the talk of the town when it comes to assassinating acne.
Let’s take a detailed look at why green tea does a great job of eliminating acne! Also, are there any side-effects you should know when using green tea or green tea-based products in your skincare? Let’s find out.

What’s inside Green Tea

Green Tea, as you know, is made from the Camellia sinensis plant. And apart from being your usual dip and sip, green tea has several other benefits for your wellbeing. Green tea is part of the hanbang (Korean traditional medicine) list, a big part of Korean skincare.
Anyone who has been a veteran or even a rookie at sipping a green tea probably knows a thing or two about anti-oxidants and how it helps maintain your health.
What we know as anti-oxidants work in an exciting way to keep free radicals in check (a quick fact about free radicals is that these compounds are responsible for causing inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular problems, cell damage, and cancer). Anti-oxidants thus keep these radicals from altering your DNA and help repair and maintain the health of cells so that free radicals don’t have their way with your cells.

POCKET FACTS

• Green tea increases metabolic rate, which may help improve fat burning.
• Has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
• Has the highest amount of antioxidants than any other type of tea.
• Also contains a small amount of caffeine.
• Green tea has been around for thousands of years.
• It is effective for treating puffy eyes and also dark circles.

Green Tea for Acne

A fact about green tea is that it works well as a skincare ingredient. It has these compounds of polyphenols called Epigallocatechin gallate or, in short – EGCG and epicatechin gallate or, in short – ECG, collectively known as catechins. These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties and anti-microbial properties that can target acne-causing microbes.
It’s 2022,and you’ll find yourself probably searching over tons of over-the-counter solutions for your acne. And sometimes, these options may or may not work for your acne. Why? Because some acne treatment options may address the issue, they can also potentially cause other issues like drying out your skin, for instance.
This is where green tea comes into the picture. So, we have talked about how green tea has these unique compounds called EGCG or catechins, which are also polyphenols. These are potent acne-fighting compounds that not only address the issue but also provide other benefits such as – anti-aging, protecting your skin from free radicals, and soothing your skin.
As for the skin type, it usually goes well with all skin types, but people with oily and acne-prone skin may benefit more from it. So, what’s interesting about green tea is that although it does reduce excessive sebum levels and balances oil levels, it does not dry out your skin.

Side Effects of Green Tea

So, the good news is that green tea does not seem to have any known side effects. However, some people can have an allergic reaction to it like any different individuals have allergies to various substances. So, it is advisable to take precautions and check if you have any reactions.

Green Tea based skincare for you:

Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner

Made from Jeju Island green tea extracts, this has been a game-changer in the Korean Skincare segment.

Skin type suitability:

• Targets acne and oily skin types. Controls and maintains sebum levels without drying out the skin.
• Can also be used for combination skin types so long as the person does not have an allergic reaction to the ingredient.

Texture:

• Lightweight watery texture that gets absorbed effortlessly into your skin.
• Can be used in the summer too.

Benefits:

• The formulation helps soothe stressed skin.
• Helps strengthen the skin barrier.
• Has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties.
• Helps reduce excessive sebum and maintains oil levels.
• Fights acne.
• Moisturizes skin.

How to use

• After you’re done with your first step of cleansing, take an ample amount and soak it onto a cotton ball or cotton pad.
• Gently wipe the cotton pad/ball across the face.
• Pat skin lightly for better absorption.

FAQs:

• Why is the Isntree green tea fresh toner dark in color?
  –  A compound called tannin in green tea is responsible for dark brown.
• Are there any artificially added colors?
  –  No, there are no artificially added colors. Tannins or tannic acid (catechin) is responsible for the dark color.
• Can I use this for both AM & PM?
  –  Absolutely! If you are experiencing excessive sebum production, you can use it daily for both your morning and night routine.
• Does it have any artificial fragrances?
  –  No, it does not have any added fragrances or essential oils.
• I stay in hot and humid weather; will it suit me?
  –  Yes, this toner works great in hot and humid climates.

Isntree Green Tea Fresh Cleanser

Part of the green tea line by Isntree is made of green tea extracts from Jeju Islands. A gentle cleanser helps control and maintain sebum levels and improves skin texture.

Skin Type Suitability:

• This cleanser is suitable for oily and combination skin types.

Texture:

• A lightweight gel-like texture that foams up quickly when lathering with water.

Benefits:

• This cleanser has a patented ingredient called Anti Sebum P that helps control excess sebum and maintains pores.
• Moisturizing benefits from green tea extracts and hyaluronic extracts
• Calms stressed skin.
• Improves skin texture.
• Maintains oil levels without drying out your skin.

How to use:

• Dispense an ample amount to your palm and lather with water.
• Gently massage the entire face.
• Finally, rinse off with lukewarm water.

FAQs:

• Can I use it as my daily AM and PM cleanser?
  –  Definitely!
• I have a dry skin type; will it be too drying if I use this?
  –  Since it has moisturizing properties, it should also go well with drier skin types. But over-cleansing is not recommended for drier skin types.
• Why is it brown in color? Are there any artificially added colors?
  –  Rest assured that there are no added colors to this cleanser. The brown-ish color is because of the tannin compounds found in green tea hence the color.
• I have sensitive skin; how will it react?
  –  So, as you know, green tea has anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for skin sensitivity.

Isntree Green Tea Fresh Serum

A collection from the Isntree green tea line made of green tea sourced from Jeju Island. Formulated to moisturize, brighten, and help reduce fine lines. Uses Anti-Sebum P ingredient patented by the brand to maintain sebum and pores.

Skin Type Suitability:

• This serum is formulated to suit oily, sensitive, and combination skin types but can also work for other skin types.

Texture:

• The serum’s texture or viscosity is slightly thick but not as comprehensive as gel-based textures found in cleansers.

Benefits:

• Helps reduce fine lines
• Helps balance moisture levels
• Brightens skin tone
• Helps control sebum production
• Unclogs pores

How to use:

• After you complete your toner and essence steps, apply 2-3 drops of the serum to your entire face.
• Pat lightly to aid in better absorption.

FAQs:

• Can I use it for my acne and blackheads?
  –  Absolutely. The green tea fresh serum has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial properties that work to combat acne. It also unclogs pores which will eventually reduce blackheads.
• Does it have anti-aging properties?
  –  With Niacinamide as one of its key ingredients, it can reduce dark spots and help reduce fine lines too. So, yes.
• How many times should I use it in a day?
  –  You can use it twice daily after your toning or essence step.
• Is it safe for sensitive skin?
  –  As green tea is its core ingredient and other gentle ingredients, sensitive skin can also use this. However, it is always advised to check if you are allergic to green tea before trying out the  product.
• I have oily skin and live in super humid weather; will it work for me?
  –  Yes, absolutely. Green tea can reduce excess sebum and maintain oil levels while providing hydration. Therefore, it will not make your skin oilier.

The Sum

The acne journey is just not easy. Also, with tons of acne treatment options, it is not easy to decide on one. But if you had to choose one, it would always be a better option to return to nature. And nature today presents you with green tea for your acne. It may take longer for some to see good results, and others may notice sooner results, but the key takeaway in skincare is ‘consistency.’