The positive effects of green tea for acne internally have been well documented. This blog discusses the research showing positive effects of green tea for acne using topical applications of green tea.
Research on using green tea to treat acne
The first study was conducted in 2009. It used a 2% green tea lotion on the skin twice a day to assist mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Of the twenty patients treated the average improvement was 58.33% after just six weeks.
A later study in 2010 supported this evidence and suggested that topical green tea works by reducing the skin sebum production that causes acne. This study used 3% green tea extract and showed positive results in only eight weeks. Importantly, in both studies above no significant side effects were reported, which is a major drawback with many pharmaceutical preparations. The study authors assign much of the effectiveness of green tea for acne to the linoleic acid content in the green tea.
Traditionally green tea oil was used cosmetically in China to benefit the skin and was considered the only oil that did not block the pores, so preventing acne. Research has shown that green tea oil is on average 22.4% linoleic acid. This makes it ideal for those with acne prone skin, as it moisturises the skin unlike most acne treatments.
Using green tea oil to prevent breakouts
White Lotus provides PETA certified cruelty free green tea products made with organic ingredients for cosmetic use. The Organic Green Tea Face Oil is designed to suit acne prone skin without the dryness and side effects of many conventional treatments.
