Treating Acne with Green Tea

Two of the most popular over the counter methods to treat acne are benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.
Acne causing bacteria is destroyed by benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid causes the top layers of dead skin cells to slough off. New skin cells are then formed, thereby reducing the likelihood of the pores being blocked. This, in turn, lessens the chance for another acne breakout.
Each of these methods has side effects that users need to be aware of. Benzoyl peroxide can cause redness, dryness and skin irritation. It also causes free radicals to form, therefore sun exposure should be avoided and sunscreen should be used. Salicylic acid can also cause dryness and skin irritation.
Why not treat your acne naturally, without the possible side effects of over the counter medications?
Green tea can be quite effective as an acne treatment. The benefits of green tea for one's health are well known.
The secret of green tea is that it contains catechin polyphenols, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a potent anti-oxidant. It not only inhibits the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It also lowers bad (LDL) cholesterol and inhibits abnormal formation of blood clots (which is one of the leading causes of heart attacks and strokes). It helps reduce inflammation, rid the body of toxins, and prevents infections by killing bacteria, even the bacteria that causes dental decay!
What is amazing is that green tea, as well as white, oolong, and black tea, all come from the same plant - camellia sinensis. So why is green tea so beneficial whereas the other teas are not? The secret lies in how the tea leaves are processed.
With green tea, the leaves are picked and preserved, either by steaming or baking, to keep them from being fermented, or oxidized. In making oolong and black tea, the leaves are picked and exposed to the air for a period of time, during which time the leaves ferment. Oolong tea is allowed to ferment only partially, whereas with black tea the leaves are fermented completely.
White tea is made mainly from the buds of tea leaves. It is processed very little, which can mean it may be beneficial with regards to fighting disease, however, the real star of the four teas is definitely green tea.
Green tea's antioxidant and antibacterial properties make it extremely useful in fighting acne. It can be taken internally as a drink and/or applied topically to the skin.