How many cups of tea do you gulp down in a day? Did you know the tea plant Camellia Sinensis has a plethora of benefits for your skin? From fighting skin-aging to inflammation and acne, Camellia Sinensis can be a boon for your skin if used in the right way.
Yes, various kinds of teas are made from this plant. Each of them have some unique benefits and are supposed to be used differently. Also, over consumption of teas can cause liver damage.
Thus, we have decided to throw some light on how you can use Camellia Sinensis as part of your skincare routine, its benefits, side-effects and precautions you need to take. Scroll down to find out.
Highlights:
What Is Camellia Sinensis?
Camellia Sinensis is a tea plant native to Southeast Asia. A number of teas like green tea and white tea are derived from this plant. It is grown across the world today, because of the wide range of skin and health benefits it offers.
How Are Teas Derived From The Same Plant Different?
Though various teas are extracted from Camellia Sinensis, the difference lies in the way they are processed. For example, green tea is processed before undergoing oxidation. It is derived from the mature leaves of the plant, allowing its antioxidants and other nutrients to stay intact.
Black tea, on the other hand, is fully oxidized. It contains a huge amount of theophylline, which helps to relax your muscles. It is also beneficial for those with asthma. White tea is freshly air-dried and contains a high amount of antioxidants. Thus, it is considered as an elixir for those with acne issues.
Benefits Of Camellia Sinensis For Skin
1. Helps To Reduce The Risk Of Skin Cancer
Antioxidants found in this plant help in reducing the risk of skin cancer (1). Camellia Sinensis plant is also rich in catechins, which contains EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate). These are said to possess strong antioxidant properties (2), which fight free radicals found in the skin.
Are you wondering what free radicals are? They are basically a group of molecules that damage your DNA and body’s tissues which are vital to fight diseases and keep skin problems at bay.
2. Protects Against Skin Aging
Green tea in the form of a beverage has been proved to be an effective way of preventing skin aging. It has the ability to protect your skin from UV-induced oxidative stress (3). White tea also is rich in antioxidants, which contribute to youthful skin. It also controls the process of metalloproteinases.
Metalloproteinases contribute to a reduction in the amount of collagen and elastin that are present in your skin, which are important to maintain healthy and youthful skin. White tea inhibits this process from taking place, keeping your skin soft and plump.
Oolong tea also protects against UV-induced damage. Rich in vitamin E and K, this tea keeps your skin soft and elastic.
3. Aids-In Skin Hydration
Green tea is also effective in soothing dry skin and reducing trans-epidermal water loss. It hydrates your skin and improves its structure and quality.
Oolong tea is also said to reduce eczema-related symptoms as it contains anti-allergenic antioxidants (4). Drinking it three times a day for about 6 months can help improve your eczema symptoms. However, you must consult your doctor if you have any other health conditions.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Camellia Sinensis leaf extract in the form of green tea is also said to prevent UV-induced damage and skin inflammation (5). Research indicates that it is effective when applied topically (6). Black tea also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the appearance of puffy eyes. (7)
5. Nourishes Skin
Black tea is believed to nourish the skin with vitamins B2, E and C. Vitamin C is vital for good skin and a healthy body as well. It also contains minerals like zinc that are essential for your skin health. Black tea also reduces the appearance of premature signs of aging.
6. Fights Acne
Researchers have suggested that white tea can be used as an astringent for those with acne-prone skin. Consumption of white tea also helps fight future breakouts.
Side-effects of camellia sinensis
Gastrointestinal Issues
Teas derived from Camellia Sinensis may have high concentrations of caffeine. This may contribute to gastrointestinal distress like pain and diarrhea. If you are sensitive to caffeine, try to avoid consuming too much of these teas.
Liver Damage
A few studies conducted on the consumption of these teas have stated that they can cause liver damage. Thus, limiting consumption to one cup a day is safe.
Precautions To Be Taken While Using Camellia Sinensis
- As Camellia Sinensis is linked to liver damage, some researchers recommend that you don’t consume it if you’re under the age of 18.
- In the case of pregnant women, consumption of teas is not advised as it may result in a miscarriage.
- Green tea may also worsen anxiety and anemia. It may also contribute to high sugar levels. So those with diabetes should avoid consuming it.
- If you are experiencing heart issues, avoid consuming green tea. It may contribute to irregular heartbeats due to the amount of caffeine it contains. Caffeine also contributes to high blood pressure and irritable bowel syndrome.
How To Use Camellia Sinensis For Skin?
Orally
Pour some water in a pot and bring it to a boil. Add a tea bag and leave it in for a few minutes. Sip on your hot beverage.
Note:
Do not consume more than 1-2 cups of tea in a day as overconsumption can have adverse effects on your skin.
Topically
1. Green Tea
Steam Your Face Using Green Tea
- Bring water to a boil in a pot and pour it carefully into a heat-proof bowl. Place it in front of a chair that you’ll sit on.
- Add a few green tea leaves to the heat-proof bowl. It will begin to steep as soon as you add the leaves.
- Let the green tea spread evenly and steep for a few minutes.
- Place a towel over your head and sit facing the mouth of the bowl. Let the steam do its job for a few minutes till you take off the towel from your head.
- You can also add moisturizer to your face for deeper penetration.
DIY Green Tea Mask
- Add a green tea bag to a cup of hot water and let it sit till soaked.
- When the teabag is completely soaked and has sat in there for a few minutes, cut it open carefully and add it to a bowl. Mix a tablespoon of honey.
- Let the mixture sit on your face after you have applied it gently and evenly.
- Then gently rinse off with cold water.
- You can also mix 1 tablespoon of soaked green tea leaves, 1 tablespoon of olive oil and honey, and 1 teaspoon of lemon. Combine them to form a paste.
- Let the mixture sit on your face for 10 minutes before you rinse it off with cold water.
DIY Green Tea Exfoliator
- Add a tablespoon of soaked green tea leaves to a bowl.
- Add 1 tablespoon of yoghurt.
- Use your fingers to gently rub the mixture on your face and rinse off with cold water.
Make A Green Tea Toner
- Heat some water in a pot and bring it to a boil.
- Add the water to a mug.
- Add a green tea bag to the mug and allow it to steep.
- Allow the tea to cool down. Set it aside for 30 minutes.
- You can add a few drops of tea tree oil or any other essential oil that you use.
- Pour the mixture into a bottle.
- You can use the toner on your face after cleansing it as part of your daily skincare regimen.
2. White Tea
White Tea As A Face Wash
- Steep a white tea bag in hot water.
- Set is aside and let it cool-down.
- Apply it to your face with your finger tips.
- Rub-in the concoction gently for 1 minute.
- Rinse off with cool water.
You Can Also Try This:
- Boil two bags of white tea.
- Leave the water in the refrigerator for 10-20 minutes.
- Take a cotton ball and dab the solution onto your skin.
- Wash off with cold water.
3. Black Tea
Black tea as a face wash
- Steep a black tea bag.
- Cut the tea bag open to take out its components and use it as a cleanser.
- Rub it into your skin with your fingertips for 1 minute.
- Rinse off with cold water.
Black Tea For Puffy Eyes
- Put two black tea bags in your refrigerator and leave them there for about half an hour.
- Take them out and place them under your eyes for about half an hour.
4. Oolong Tea
Oolong Tea As A Cleanser
- Steep two oolong tea bags in water.
- Gently rub it onto your face.
- You can do this every morning.
- Make sure the water has cooled down before applying it to your skin.
Wrapping Up
Camellia Sinensis is used in various forms - oxidized and unoxidized - to benefit the skin. It is used for good skin health and possesses anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and astringent properties. Camellia Sinensis also aids-in skin hydration and its white tea variety is beneficial for acne-prone skin. However, consuming too much of it may even contribute to liver damage. Thus, use it wisely for maximum benefits.
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