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Get Rid of Acne with Green Tea

Green tea is a beloved beverage, a powerful antioxidant, and a unique culinary ingredient. But, did you know that it’s also an effective treatment for acne? In fact, green tea with honeysuckle is known to some as “Pimple Tea” for it’s pimple-fighting abilities. As one of only two herbal ingredients proven to treat acne on their own, green tea is a fantastic all-natural acne treatment to use as an alternative to harsher man-made (or man-altered) ingredients.

In a recent study conducted by Jennifer Gan-Wong, M.D., a skin care cream formulated with green tea was tested against a 4% benzoyl peroxide solution. When used on test subjects with moderate to severe acne, the green tea cream was proven to be as effective an acne treatment as the benzoyl peroxide solution. In addition, green tea won’t cause the side effects that benzoyl peroxide is known for, namely itching, over-drying, or allergic reactions.

Green tea is naturally anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and detoxifying; three traits which surely contribute to its anti-acne capabilities. Plus, green tea is full of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an antioxidant that provides 200 times the free radical-fighting benefits of vitamin E, another popular antioxidant. Used topically, green tea is very soothing and comforting, making it a favorite of those with sensitive skin types and delicate skin conditions such as rosacea.

Virtually side effect-free, affordable, and completely natural, green tea is a wonderful addition to any acne regimen. Green tea may be applied topically, ingested in pill form, or incorporated into your daily diet as a tea or antioxidant food ingredient. The benefits of green tea are optimized when ingested, plus green tea is also believed to boost the metabolism and aid in digestion; two benefits anyone can enjoy. A comprehensive adult acne treatment can be achieved through both topical application and dietary ingestion. Simply choose a cleanser, moisturizer, or acne treatment product formulated with green tea and replace your daily coffee with a hot, sugar-free mug of green tea. Your skin (and body) will definitely thank you!