Green tea is, like all tea, made from the leaves of the tea plant Camellia sinensis. What differentiates green tea from other types of tea is that is has undergone very little oxidation during its processing. It has become popular in the west, where black tea has typically been the tea of choice among consumers. In addition to consumption as a beverage, green tea is used as an extract for many health and dietary supplements. The health benefits of green tea have been touted for years and, thus, it makes sense to consider it as a possible treatment for acne.

Does Green Tea Help Acne?

The possible benefits for those who suffer from acne are numerous. The consumption of green tea is rich in polyphenols which act as antioxidants and help to fight the free radicals that can attack skin cells. It also works to help regulate blood sugar. Blood sugar and carbohydrate levels have long been shown to play a role on skin health and to have an effect on the outbreak and/or onset of acne symptoms. Rashes and scars from acne are reduced by the consumption of green tea through its anti-inflammatory properties.

It has also been shown to contain anti-bacterial agents, which can help prevent the bacteria that are ultimately the cause of acne and a slew of other skin conditions. Finally, one of the most important facts to note is that it contains chemicals that can help bind and regulate sex hormones, one of the key elements in acne onset. The chemicals found in green tea do not outright remove the hormones, but they do provide some relief insofar as they prevent them from becoming bioactive.

The Green Tea Acne Treatment

Now for the real question: How should a person consume this drink in order to get all of these benefits? The answer to that varies greatly. Some people recommend drinking two cups per day and some people recommend drinking twenty cups per day. The average (and the general scientific consensus) seems to be that drinking between three and six cups of green tea per day will yield the best results.

Studies from Japan have shown that the consumption of at least six cups of green tea per day can reduce the risk of diabetes by as much as thirty-three percent. This is due primarily to the insulin and blood sugar regulating factors that are found within green tea. Another benefit of the control of insulin is weight loss. Insulin is primarily a fat storage hormone which is up-regulated during times of high blood sugar and causes the use of adipose tissue for energy to be de-regulated. This process is one of the factors that leads to obesity.

Best Type to Purchase

It’s Green Tea is relatively affordable is you know where to buy it. I recommend buying in bulk, because you’ll get the best value and it will also last a long time. You can buy at your local wholesale retailer (BJ’s or Costco) or you can buy online. I recommend Bigelow green tea. It’s organic and is available in a variety of different flavors.

An alternative to drinking is taking the supplement form. It’s not going to be quite as effective, but it’s better than nothing. This is a good option for those of you who don’t like the taste or don’t have to make it. There are a variety of different brands on Amazon to choose from.

Conclusion

Green tea is a great choice of beverage to add to any diet- regardless of skin condition or health. With that being said, it is particularly useful when added to the diet of those people who suffer from acne. One of the only downsides is that fact that it contains caffeine. Fortunately, it does not contain nearly as much caffeine as coffee so this should not deter you from drinking it.