Tips On How To Choose The Right Green Tea Cosmetic Product For You
Green tea has emerged over the past few years as one of the most beneficial teas for the human body. Its health benefits is astounding, and can greatly help the body in a variety of health related, and even weight related issues.
In recent years, however, green tea has been discovered to also have benefits for cosmetics, and has now been included in many hair, skin, and other beauty products. When used topically, green tea can fight ultraviolet light, free radicals, improve skin tone and soothe acne, even help prevent skin cancer. With these many benefits, green tea in cosmetic products is good.
But not all green tea cosmetic products are effective, or safe. Some products will try to include the name “green tea”, but don’t really have the components that make green tea beneficial at all. Here are some ways to spot what green tea cosmetic products are good, and what aren’t.
Tip #1: Look for the scientific name – green tea cosmetic products will always have an ingredients list. Companies who truly know what they are doing will always give show the ingredients of green tea that will actually be beneficial to you. The list should say EGCG, which is green tea’s main antioxidant. It can also say catechins, or green tea extract. But avoid products which merely say “green tea fragrance”, or “green tea substitute”.
Tip #2: The amount of green tea counts – green tea’s main antioxidant, EGCG, is a powerful ingredient, but it quickly oxidizes once oxygen touches it. This is why the amount of green tea in the product should be a good number, or else it is pointless to use it, because the moment you put it on your skin, it won’t have enough time for it to work. If the ingredients list says 50 to 100 micrograms per ml, this is the amount of EGCG you will want.
Tip #3: Green tea needs a carrier – If the product doesn’t include the compound that carries the green tea ingredients, then it is not a good indication of the effectivity of the product. Many manufacturers will specify how the green tea will be delivered, whether it through alcohols, oils, or other herbal extracts. Be wary of lotions or shampoos that only have ground bits of green tea leaves, for while they might contain green tea, it might not be as effective.
Tip #4: Green tea alone can’t do the job – Green tea is a wonderful product, but expecting it to solve the cosmetic problems alone is like asking gasoline to transport you from one place to another without the need for a car. There are many other ingredients, whether herbal or otherwise, that can work in tandem with green tea. For instance, aloe vera and green tea can help smooth the skin, pomegranate extracts and green tea can rejuvenate it, and so on. Tea tree oil, white tea extracts, and other teas can also be combined with green tea.
With these tips, you can be sure to find the right green tea product for your cosmetic needs!
[Ed. Note: You don't necessarily need to buy green tea cosmetic products to get other benefits from tea! Visit our other uses of tea bags article to find out how else you can use the tea found in your home.]
