Green tea is loved for its strong antioxidant properties. In fact, it has been known and appreciated in our kitchen for centuries. Nowadays, green tea is perceived also as a valuable component of some cosmetics. Check what properties green tea has and how to prepare a homemade green tea toner.

It’s said that homemade cosmetics give better effects than those bought in a drugstore. It is true, but it works only if we use ingredients with the best nourishing properties, for example green tea. What are its properties then?

Green tea. What else should you know about it?

Tea is an evergreen shrub. It has small, bright flowers and small, lignified fruits. However, the most important are its leaves. They are hand-harvested and properly prepared for use.

Green tea is the same plant from which, for example, red tea is made. What is the difference, then? The leaves for green tea are only steamed to prevent spoiling, then rolled up and dried.

It belongs to medicinal plants. No wonder, since it has been used in traditional folk medicine for centuries as a remedy for cardiovascular diseases , bad cholesterol, obesity, digestive disorders, immune deficiency, chronic fatigue, etc.

Active ingredients

What makes green tea so effective? Obviously – what it hides inside. Here are the nutrients that a good quality tea from organic farming contains:

• caffeine, theophylline and theobromine;
• flavonoids;
• B vitamins (B1, B2, B6);
• vitamin C;
• minerals: iron, potassium, silicon, copper, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, manganese.

Green tea in cosmetics

Green tea is a relatively young component of cosmetics. It gained popularity when products with anti-aging properties were on top. It quickly turned out that green tea is a very strong antioxidant, has anti-inflammatory properties, soothes irritations and also nourishes. We can find it in face creams, hair shampoos and conditioners, rejuvenating serums and face cleansing gels. However, the most popular is a green tea toner.

What are the properties of green tea?

• It is a very strong antioxidant.
• It neutralizes free radicals that accelerate the skin aging.
• It has a skin tightening effect on oily, problematic skin.
• It relieves inflammation, itching and burning sensations.
• It refreshes and supports skin detoxification.It has antibacterial properties, so effectively reduces acne.
• It normalizes sebaceous secretion, limiting oilying.
• It moisturises and nourishes.

Green tea toner – do it yourself!

A very popular green tea toner can be bought in a drugstore, but it will be better if you do it at home. You only need a few ingredients (easy to get) and a bit of free time.

The simplest recipe for green tea tonic:

• 1 teaspoon of green tea,
• half a glass of hot water.

Pour hot water into the cup with green tea. The ideal temperature for green tea is 60-80 degrees. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes. Then drain, cool and… ready.

For a slightly richer version of the tonic you will need:

• 1 teaspoon of green tea,
• 150 ml of hot water,
• ethereal peppermint oil,
• vitamin E in capsules,
• jojoba oil.

First, brew green tea. Just like in the recipe above. Once it is cool, add a few drops of jojoba oil, ethereal oil and rejuvenating vitamin E.

Such toners are perfect for everyday skin care. Once you try, you won’t change it for any other skin care product.