What is green tea in skincare?
Green tea extract comes from the unfermented leaves of Camellia sinensis. Its activity is driven by polyphenols called catechins, the most abundant and most studied of which is epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG.
On an ingredients list it appears as Camellia sinensis leaf extract. Because the catechins are potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, green tea has become one of the best-researched botanical actives in skincare.
What skin concerns does green tea treat?
It calms redness and irritation, making it useful for rosacea-prone, sensitive and post-procedure skin. Its antibacterial and sebum-regulating effects help mild acne and oily skin.
Topical application reduces UV-induced damage and inflammation, which positions green tea as a preventative anti-ageing ingredient alongside sunscreen rather than a replacement for it. It also supports skin under the eyes where puffiness is a concern.
What ingredients are best paired with green tea?
Layer it with other antioxidants – vitamin C, vitamin E, resveratrol, ferulic acid – for broader free-radical coverage in the morning.
For acne it works well with niacinamide and salicylic acid; for sensitivity, with centella asiatica, panthenol and ceramides. It is gentle enough to combine with almost anything, and is a good way to add antioxidant protection to a routine built around retinoids. Take our Skin Quiz.
What is acne?
Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory condition of the pilosebaceous unit – the hair follicle and its attached oil gland. It produces blackheads and whiteheads, inflamed papules and pustules, and in severe cases deep nodules and cysts.
It is the most common skin condition worldwide, and it is not a hygiene problem. Acne begins with a microcomedone forming invisibly inside the follicle, weeks before anything shows on the surface.
What causes acne?
Four mechanisms work together: excess sebum driven by androgens, abnormal shedding of cells inside the follicle, overgrowth of Cutibacterium acnes, and the inflammatory response that follows.
Genetics set the baseline. Hormonal fluctuation, stress, high-glycaemic diets, comedogenic products, friction from masks or helmets, and certain medications all push it further. Over-cleansing and picking make it visibly worse.
What ingredients are best for acne?
Salicylic acid clears inside the pore, benzoyl peroxide reduces bacterial load, and retinoids prevent the plug forming in the first place – that last one is the most valuable long-term.
Azelaic acid and niacinamide reduce inflammation and the marks left behind, and sulphur or clay help oily, congested skin. Keep the barrier intact with a gentle cleanser and a light non-comedogenic moisturiser; stripped skin produces more oil. Take our Skin Quiz.
