Green Tea Extract: Antioxidant Power for Acne

Acne is usually perceived by people to be a problem with their skin due to tough dirt and pollution whereas the main reasons behind acne can be actually much deeper. 

Pimples on the skin can appear due to: 

• Too much sebum production
• Clogged pores
• Bacteria overgrowth
• Inflammation
• Hormonal swings
• Oxidative stress

Since, this skin condition is very disturbing for the barrier health of the body, doctors want to know if there are any ingredients that might affect more than one acne trigger. Green tea is basically one of the most popular ingredients that is under investigation for its beneficial properties for acne. Its extract is typically derived from tea leaves that come from a plant called Camellia sinensis. Green tea is known to have antioxidants that are  mainly catechins.

They offer multiple advantages such as 

• Reducing oxidative stress
• Controlling the amount of sebum produced by the skin
• Blocking inflammatory signals
• Discouraging the buildup of bacteria responsible for developing acne 

This has also been suggested this could be a useful supplement to take if you are suffering with acne or have the condition of having oily skin.

What Is Green Tea Extract ?

Green, black as well as oolong teas are all derived from Camellia sinensis. They have different chemical profiles because of the varying phytochemical composition. There is a high amount of polyphenols present in green tea.

Green tea extract is rich in catechins such as

• Epigallocatechin-3-gallate / EGCG 
• Epigallocatechin / EGC
• Epicatechin gallate / ECG
• Epicatechin / EC

EGCG can interact with enzymes, cell receptors, transcription factors as well as signaling pathways. Its potential value for acne may therefore extend beyond simply neutralizing free radicals.

Green tea extract has been formulated as oral supplements and is incorporated into topical skin products like gels, creams, lotions and serums. Their oral and topical application absorbency rates, concentrations and safety are the key research areas.

Oxidative Stress and Acne

Oxidative stress is experienced when the rate of reactive oxygen species generation in the body surpasses the rate of production of antioxidants to combat them. The reactive oxygen species play roles in cellular signaling pathways but excessive numbers may also damage proteins, lipids, and other cellular components of the skin barrier. Research has found signs of altered oxidative balance in people with acne. Oxidation of skin lipids may help promote the conditions that promote inflammation and follicular blockage in the skin barrier. 

One important example is squalene, a major component of human sebum. When squalene is usually oxidized, it may stimulate inflammatory responses as well as abnormal keratinization within the follicle.

Basically, acne is a disorder of the skin that can be multifactorial and oxidative stress may amplify the condition with the increase of damage to the skin barrier associated generally with inflammation in acne-prone skin.

Green tea catechins can directly interact with the reactive and skin-damaging molecules. In theory, these effects could help protect sebum and skin cells from oxidative damage. 

The real worth of a green tea based product simply depends on its: 

• Formulation
• Stability
• Skin-friendliness
• Concentration
• Safe use in skin
• Ability to deliver active compounds to skin

How Green Tea Extract May Target Acne

By Regulating Excess Oiliness Due To Sebum

Sebum maintains the protective moisture skin barrier. Excessive production of sebum on the skin by the sebaceous glands is strongly associated with acne due to more congestion of the pores with accumulation of excess oils mixed with dirt, dead skin cells and sweat. Sebaceous glands respond to hormones and metabolic signals that abnormally promote this process of lipid synthesis.

A landmark study investigated EGCG acne in human sebocytes. The significant reduction in the lipid production through the “AMPK-SREBP-1 Pathway” that actually stands for “AMP-activated protein kinase & Sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 pathway” was reported in that study. 

The study explains the main mechanism of action where 

• SREBP-1 promotes the expression of genes involved in lipid synthesis
• AMPK acts as an important regulator of cellular energy metabolism
• EGCG may reduce lipogenesis in sebocytes (sebum producing cells) by

• • Activating AMPK activity

  • Suppressing SREBP-1 activity

In short, it simply suggests that green tea extract skin helps control the excess oiliness on the skin which is a primary driver of acne. 

By Calming The Inflammatory Signaling

Inflammation is present throughout acne development. Acne-associated activity of the micro-organisms residing in the skin microbiome and follicular stress can activate immune pathways. This may lead to the release of inflammatory mediators.

EGCG derived from the extracts of green tea can suppress NF-kB and AP-1. These are the two signaling systems involved in inflammatory gene expression. It also reduces the production of inflammatory mediators in sebocytes in a very effective manner.

In short, the extract from the green tea could help reduce the redness and swelling of inflammatory acne. 

By Acting Against Acne Bacteria

The bacterium called Propionibacterium acnes in earlier times is now known as Cutibacterium acnes popularly. It normally resides in the skin microbiome. Acne appears to involve changes in the follicular environment, immune response and subsequently, the balance between different strains of the micro-organisms.

The catechins from green tea can decrease the viability of C. acnes. This antimicrobial effect could complement EGCG's anti-inflammatory and sebum-regulating properties for the effective anti-acne care. 

By Limiting Lipid Oxidation

Sebum is totally rich in lipids that may undergo the process of oxidation. Oxidized lipids may irritate follicular cells and generally intensify the inflammatory signaling. Catechins actually have special chemical structures with many hydroxyl groups (O-H bonds). These groups donate electrons to unstable as well as harmful molecules known as reactive oxygen species (ROS) or free radicals. As per the information collected from review articles, This ultimately neutralizes the skin-damaging effect of the free radicals for the barrier. It also stimulates your body’s own internal defense systems by activating the protective pathways (such as the NRF2 pathway) that increase the production of phase II antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione. 

How to Incorporate The Extract Of Green Tea in Your Skincare Routine

A Simple Routine 

1. Cleanse gently with Alite Anti-Acne Face Wash.

2. Apply the green tea extract based topical skincare product such as gel, cream or lotion according to the mentioned instructions on the pack.

3. Follow up with a moisturizer that is

1. Lightweight

2. Non-comedogenic

3. Calming for skin

4. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day to protect the skin from UV exposure as well as reduce the oxidative stress on skin.

Patch-test before use on full face and introduce active ingredients to the skin in a very gradual manner. Stop using it if persistent irritation develops.

Top Recommendations 

• mCaffeine Green Tea Night Gel
• Mamaearth Green Tea and Collagen Face Cream
• Plum Green Tea Mattifying Moisturizer
• Lotus Botanicals Natural Green Tea HydraDetox Day Cream
• WOW Green Tea Face Serum
• Plum Green Tea Revitalizing Face Mist
• Lacto Calamine Green Tea Night Gel

Safety and Limitations

The botanical extract may lead to 

• Irritation on the skin barrier
• Allergy
• Dermatitis
  

Alcohol and fragrances in the formulation are very likely to irritate sensitive skin types.

Caution is needed for oral extracts too. Green tea supplements may lead to vomiting, stomach ache, headache and drug interactions. Also more importantly, high-dose extracts have been associated with rare but potentially serious liver injury. The risk is higher if you take concentrated extract.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women; people suffering from liver disorders; those taking medications should talk to an expert about taking green tea extract orally.

Summary

Acne on the skin can be due to several triggers such as excessive sebum production, congested pores, overgrowth of acne bacteria, inflammation, hormonal swings and oxidative stress. Green tea is basically one of the most popular ingredients that is under investigation for its beneficial properties for acne. Its extract is typically derived from tea leaves that come from a plant called Camellia sinensis. The extract is rich in catechins and polyphenolic compounds. The green tea extract targets acne by

• Regulating excess oiliness due to sebum
• Calming the inflammatory signaling
• Acting against acne bacteria
• Limiting lipid oxidation

In order to incorporate the extract of green tea in your skincare routine, you should follow a simple routine with a gentle cleanser, green tea based toner/gel/cream and then a lightweight sunscreen for the daytime. 

Top recommendations include green tea extract based skincare products from brands like mCaffeine, Plum, Lotus Botanicals, Mamaearth, Wow and Lacto Calamine. Use the oral and topical botanical extract with utmost caution and safety to prevent any harmful side effects.

FAQs Frequently Asked Questions

Ques. What is green tea extract and how does it work against acne?

Ans. Green Tea extract is derived from the plant of Camellia sinensis. It delivers catechins to the skin that basically works to

• Reduce the inflammation
• Fight the free radicals
• Lower sebum production
• Control Acne causing bacteria

Ques. Should I use green tea extract topically or take it as oral supplements for acne?

Ans. Topical creams with green tea extract target the localized anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory action on the skin whereas oral supplements may help with the systemic inflammation. It is advisable to use it as per the doctor’s recommendation while maintaining caution for utmost safe and effective use.

Ques. How should I use green tea for acne topically?

Ans. Look for the products like cleansers, toners, gels, creams and lotions with standardized green tea extract and apply on the skin after a successful patch test

Ques. Can drinking green tea help acne?

Ans. Consuming green tea may support overall health and provide antioxidants to help reduce systemic inflammation.