Saturday, March 30, 2013

Green Tea and Acne

How Green Tea Can Help Acne

Green tea is a great natural way to help the cardiovascular system and with weight loss.  It has long been used to support cardiovascular strength, and it may help with both blood pressure and cholesterol.  It also helps to maintain healthy metabolic function, and it may help the body to lose weight.  However, new studies have also shown that applying green tea to the skin can have beneficial effects as well.  The antioxidant epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which gives green tea its cellular health supporting powers, also works to support healthy skin

Two studies conducted in Asia (one on animals, one on humans) have shown that applying green tea to the skin can help to maintain healthy sebaceous glands.  The first study found that green tea may help to limit the production of sebum.  Sebum is produced in the sebaceous glands, and it is used to make sure that the hair and skin don't become too dry.  Although the body needs sebum, when too much is produced acne occurs.  The study found that applying green tea to the skin may help to reduce the size of the sebaceous glands. 

Researchers found that EGCG may help to limit the effect of insulin like growth factors on the sebaceous glands.  Insulin growth factor can increase the size of the sebaceous glands and increase the production of sebum.  By limiting the amount of sebum, green tea may help to reduce the occurrence of acne.  The second study found that when green tea is applied to the skin it may help to limit sebum production, but it may also help to fight bacteria.  One of the main causes of acne is bacteria that can be found on the skin.  These bacteria can cause infections and inflammation, and it can increase the unsightly appearance of acne.  EGCG may also help to reduce inflammation on the skin, so green tea addresses three of the main causes of acne. 

If you find yourself struggling with acne, green tea may offer your skin health some help.  Green tea has been used to support weight management and the cardiovascular system, but when applied to the green tea may have a positive effect on the sebaceous glands.  Green tea may help to reduce the production of sebum, reduce the amount of bacteria found on the skin, and help to fight inflammation. 

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