Green tea, officially known as Camellia sinensis, is a great way to revitalize tired skin. Camellia sinensis leaf extract is gaining popularity as a toner, cleanser, and moisturizing serum. Over-the-counter brands may give such a moist look, but I don’t like some of the ingredients. Toxic parabens, retinol, butylene glycol and ethylhexylglycerin, to name a few.
Some green tea serums contain ingredients such as panthenol, squalane, allantoin, and peptides. Although these have advantages, they can be difficult to source outside of the laboratory. This green tea serum uses simple natural ingredients and is an easy way to DIY your skin care routine.
green tea skin benefits
Most of us know how healthy a cup of green tea is, but it’s also great for your skin. Green tea is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols such as EGCG. These help prevent skin damage from UV rays and environmental pollution.
Green tea’s polyphenols also help restore the vitamin C your skin needs to make collagen. In this way, it helps fight fine lines and improve firmness and skin tone. Ingredients in green tea can help soothe inflammation and skin redness and soothe inflammation.
Green tea also contains caffeine, which increases blood circulation to the skin. Caffeine may also be included in eye creams to reduce age spots and puffiness under the eyes. Caffeine can also help reduce cellulite by breaking down fat molecules deep within the skin.
It is important to note that using green tea alone topically is not the best way to stay in shape. Studies showing cellulite benefits used high levels of caffeine. Green tea can help revitalize your skin, but it’s still important to choose healthy foods.
People who suffer from acne or oily skin can also benefit from adding green tea to their skin care routine. It not only reduces sebum but also reduces inflammation and redness.
apricot kernel oil
Another key ingredient in this serum is apricot kernel oil. Not only is it non-greasy, it’s deeply moisturizing and perfect for dry, irritated and sensitive skin types. Apricot kernel oil is also rich in vitamin A and essential fatty acids, which improve skin elasticity. It is also rich in vitamin E, which protects the skin from oxidative damage and inflammation.
Apricot kernels are unique in that they contain the highest known concentration of vitamin B-17 in the world. B17, also known as amygdalin, is being studied for possible anti-cancer effects. A 2023 review investigates how B17 can not only kill cancer cells, but also inhibit their growth and spread. Although there is no conclusive evidence for the anti-cancer effects of apricot kernels, this research is promising.
Add essential oil to green tea serum
Essential oils help give your skin a great scent and have many benefits for your skin in and of themselves. There are many essential oils that are safe for your skin with a variety of benefits. You can choose your favorite, but here’s what I used and why.
ylang ylang
Ylang-ylang stimulates cell growth and has anti-aging effects. It reduces skin inflammation and harmful bacteria, and is also effective against acne. Ylang-ylang is suitable for a variety of skin types and has many aromatherapy benefits. This essential oil helps you stay calm during stressful situations and can also lower blood pressure. It is also effective as a calming pillow spray.
It has a strong scent, so be sure to smell it before adding it to your serum. I like to add it in small amounts to supplement the whole serum (so it doesn’t overwhelm!). Ylang-ylang can irritate the skin when used diluted above 0.8%. This green tea serum uses less than 0.5%, but you can easily cut the amount in half if needed.
sweet orange essential oil
Unlike most citrus essential oils, sweet orange is not phototoxic. This means that it will not cause burns or skin damage if used before sun exposure. The fruity notes of orange help balance the deep florals of ylang-ylang oil. It reduces blemishes, lifts your mood and reduces stress.
Do you have ylang ylang and orange essential oils? There are some other options you might want to add.
- tea tree
- lavender
- frankincense
- rose
- geranium
How to make green tea infused oil
There are several ways to reap the benefits of green tea in your skin care. Glycerin can be used to make green tea glycerite. All that’s left to do is steep the green tea in water. This is convenient when you want to use the lotion right away, but if you store it in the refrigerator, it will only last for a few days.
For this serum, we create a green tea-infused oil. In this way, it combines well with other carrier oils for added benefits. It’s also not water-based, so there’s no need to add preservatives or store it in the refrigerator. You can use your favorite carrier oil depending on your skin type.
- Olive oil and avocado oil are heavy and suitable for mature skin
- Sweet Almond Oil is lightweight and suitable for most skin types
I will show you how to make solar infusion using green tea. To infuse the oil, simply add green tea and oil to the jar and put the lid on. Shake occasionally and infuse for about 4 weeks.
For a faster version, here’s how to do it on the stovetop.
- Add 1/2 cup carrier oil and 2 tablespoons loose-leaf green tea to the top of a double boiler.
- Simmer the water in the bottom of a double boiler slowly for 3 hours. Refill water as needed.
- Strain the green tea from the oil and it’s ready to use.
green tea serum recipe
This DIY green tea serum helps revitalize tired skin and is perfect for all skin types. Additionally, it has anti-aging effects and reduces inflammation.
yield: 2 ounce
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Add all ingredients to a 2 oz glass dropper bottle.
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Shake well and store in a cool, dry place.
- This serum will last approximately 6-12 months depending on the carrier oil used for the green tea infusion.
- Directions: Apply a small amount to clean, dry skin to moisturize.
More DIY skin care recipes
If you’re still in the mood for DIY, try these skin care recipes!
What is your favorite way to use green tea? Let us know by leaving a comment.
