Tea has been a popular drink around the world for thousands of years and has been used in cosmetics in India and China for as long as 2000 years. The science behind the benefits has been studied and revealed by rigorous studies.

A study did in 2008, revealed the secret benefits. The study found that an active ingredient in green tea epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) works well as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and sunscreen. <1>

Beside the EGCG, another study found that the tannic acid and theobromine in tea help cool down our skin from sunburns. Other compounds in tea called catechins help prevent and repair skin damage. <2>

So, next time when you enjoy your sun bath, but feel itching and redness afterwards on your skin, check your creams, find the one with green tea in it!

Reference:

<1>Hirsch RJ, Sadick N, Cohen JL, editors. Aesthetic Rejuvenation: A Regional Approach. New York: McGraw-Hill Professional; 2008. Chapter 3: New generation cosmeceutical agents.

<2>Duke JA. The green pharmacy: New discoveries in herbal remedies for common diseases and conditions from the world’s foremost authority on healing herbs. New York: St. Martin Press; 1997.)