janet’s journal

Green tea has been used as a natural acne home remedy for many years. Green tea is well known for its health benefits and has been used in China for many thousands of years to treat a variety of conditions. It is rich in a compound called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which is a powerful antioxidant. Scientific studies have shown that it can inhibit cancer cells and it has also proved to be effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, infections and in lowering cholesterol levels.

Studies have shown that the EGCG as well as being an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent and can help to reduce inflammation on the skin that occurs with acne. In one trial the American Academy of dermatology used a 1% concentration of EGCG in a cream which when applied to the skin improved the acne at least as well as, and sometimes better than, a topical solution benzoyl peroxide. In addition the cream did not cause dryness of the skin which is a common side effect of using benzoyl peroxide or other harsh chemicals.