Green tea, or Camellia sinensis, is a plant grown throughout China, Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Hawaii. Unlike black tea leaves, which are oxidized before processing, green tea leaves are steamed immediately after harvest, then dried, which helps them retain their freshness and powerful skincare benefits.

Because they are so quickly preserved, green tea leaves pack a powerful punch of antioxidants, a fact that has made the plant a much sought-after ingredient in antiaging cosmetic products. The skincare merits of the Camellia sinensis go beyond rejuvenation, though.

7 Skin Benefits of Green Tea

Wondering if green tea is something your skin needs? Here are 7 benefits that this natural, active ingredient can bring to your skincare routine:

1. Brightens your skin

In addition to vitamin E, Camilla sinensis is rich in vitamin C, a vital building block to collagen and bright, youthful skin.

2. Soothes irritation and redness

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, green tea can help calm temperamental skin. It’s been shown to be an effective treatment for rosacea and eczema.

3. Reduces puffiness

Skincare products with green tea naturally contain theophylline, which constricts blood vessels and relieving water retention. This reduces the “swollen” appearance around your eyes when you wake up in the morning or stay up too late.

4. Provides intense hydration

Vitamin E and L-Theanine, both of which help rehydrate dry skin, can be found in green tea extracts. Plus, it’s a tasty way to get your recommended daily amount of water, which contributes significantly to overall skin health.

5. Erases fine lines

The polyphenol and catechins in green tea can reduce the early signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles and sun spots.

6. Improves overall texture

Green tea is chock-full of retinol, or vitamin A. It gently exfoliates the dull surface layers of skin to reveal a smoother, more radiant complexion.

7. Protects against environmental damage

Green tea extracts are a powerful weapon in the battle against premature aging, thanks to the antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate, or ECGC. Studies show that it is effective at rejuvenating dull skin, helping you achieve a natural glow. It also contains vitamin B and E, both of which help maintain your skin’s cell matrix.

4 Must-Try Green Tea Skincare Products

Skinrise Morning Glow Pads

Renew, refresh, and reveal a healthy, radiant complexion with Exuviance Skinrise Morning Glow pads. With a simple swipe in the morning, your skin receives its daily dose of an antioxidant and anti aging tonic formulated with a triple blend of PHAs, marine botanicals, and green tea extracts to guard against free radical damage.

AST Enriched 15% Glycolic Pads

Gentle and convenient, our Enriched 15% Glycolic pads exfoliate, moisturize, and remove oil from your skin for a brighter complexion. Our formula combines vitamins A, C, E, green tea, and CoQ10 to nourish and calm your skin.

AST Eye Serum

Made especially for the delicate skin around the eyes, AST Eye Serum provides superior hydration with hyaluronic acid, vitamins A, C, E, CoQ10, and green tea extract to smooth and plump. It also provides gentle, soothing care following Botox injections.

AST Green Tea Cream – Triple Action

Our advanced formula Green Tea Cream Triple Action features therapeutic ingredients to improve and correct a wide variety of skin concerns. Green tea fights back against free radical damage, reduces redness, and diminishes the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pores, and puffiness. The end result is an improved skin texture and tone.