Officially known as camellia sinensis, green tea is a great way to stimulate tired skin. Camellia sinensis leaf extract is popular in toners, cleansers, and hydrating serums. While store-bought versions may give you that dewy look, I’m not a fan of certain ingredients. Toxic parabens and retinol and tongue twisters such as butylene glycol and ethylhexylglycerin to name a few.
Some green tea serums include ingredients such as panthenol, squalane, allantoin, and peptides. These have their advantages but can be difficult to obtain outside the laboratory. This green tea serum uses simple, natural, and easy DIY ingredients.
Skin Benefits of Green Tea
Most of us know how healthy a cup of green tea can be, but it’s also great for our skin. Green tea is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols such as EGCG. These prevent skin damage from UV rays and environmental pollution.
The polyphenols in green tea also help restore the vitamin C that our skin needs to make collagen. This can help fight fine lines and improve skin firmness and tone. The ingredients in green tea help soothe irritation and redness of the skin and help calm inflammation.
Green tea also contains caffeine, which helps promote skin circulation. Sometimes you’ll find caffeine in eye creams to reduce dark spots and puffiness under the eyes. Caffeine also helps reduce cellulite by breaking down fat molecules in the skin.
It is important to note that the use of green tea alone is not the best method of formulation. Studies showing its benefits for cellulite have used high levels of caffeine. While green tea can help boost skin, it’s still important to make healthy food choices.
Those dealing with acne or oily skin can also see the benefits of adding green tea to their skin care routine. Not only does it reduce sebum, but it reduces inflammation and redness as well.
Vegetable oil
Another important ingredient in this serum is vegetable oil. Not only is it non-greasy, but it deeply hydrates and is a great choice for dry, irritated, or sensitive skin types. Vegetable oil is also rich in vitamin A and essential fatty acids to improve skin elasticity. It is also rich in vitamin E to protect the skin from oxidative damage and inflammation.
Spinach is unique because it has the highest known level of vitamin B-17. Also known as amygdalin, B17 is being studied for its potential anti-cancer benefits. The 2023 review explores how B17 not only kills cancer cells but can also stop them from growing and spreading. Although there is no conclusive evidence about the anti-cancer benefits of kernel vegetables, the research is promising.
Adding Essential Oils to Green Tea Serum
Essential oils help give this a nice aroma and have many skin benefits of their own. There are many skin safe essential oils with different benefits. You can choose your favorite, but here are the ones I used and why.
Ylang Ylang
Ylang ylang stimulates cell growth and has anti-aging benefits. It reduces inflammation and harmful bacteria on the skin, making it good for acne as well. Ylang ylang is good for different skin types and has many aromatic benefits. Essential oils help us calm down in stressful situations and can even lower blood pressure. It also works well as a calming pillow spray.
It has a strong smell, so make sure you smell it before adding it to your serum. I like to add a small amount to complement (not overpower!) the overall serum. Ylang ylang can irritate the skin if used in more than .8% dilution. Green tea serum uses less than .5%, but you can easily cut the amount in half if preferred.
Sweet Orange Essential Oil
Unlike most citrus essential oils, sweet orange is not photogenic. This means that it will not cause burns and damage to the skin if used before exposure to the sun. The fruity notes of orange help balance the deep florals of ylang ylang oil. It reduces guilt and boosts mood to reduce stress.
Don’t they have ylang ylang and orange essential oil? Here are some other good options to include:
- The tea tree
- Lavender
- The area
- Rose
- Geranium
How to Make Green Tea Oil
There are several different ways you can get the benefits of green tea for your skin care. You can use glycerin to make green tea glycerite. Then there is simply water in the green tea. This is great when you want a quick toner, but it only lasts a few days in the fridge.
For this serum we are making green tea infused with oil. This way it blends well with other carrier oils for added benefits. And since it’s not water-based, there’s no need to add preservatives or store it in the fridge. You can use whatever carrier oil you prefer for your skin type.
- Olive oil and avocado oil are heavier and better for mature skin
- Sweet almond oil is mild and good for most skin types
Here’s how to make green tea sunscreen. To infuse the oil simply add green tea and oil to your container and cover. Shake every time and pour for up to 4 weeks.
For a faster version, here’s the stovetop method:
- Add 1/2 cup carrier oil and 2 TBSP loose leaf tea to the top of a double boiler.
- Boil water slowly in the bottom of a double boiler for 3 hours. Refill the water as needed.
- Remove the green tea from the oil and it is ready to use.
Green Tea Serum Recipe
This DIY green tea serum helps lift tired skin and is great for all skin types. Plus it’s anti-aging and helps reduce inflammation!
Production: 2 ounces
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Combine all ingredients in a 2 ounce glass.
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Shake well and store in a cool, dry place.
- This serum will last about 6-12 months, depending on the carrier oil you use to infuse it with green tea.
- To use: apply a small amount to clean dry skin to moisturize.
Other DIY skin care recipes
If you’re still in the DIY mood, try some of these skin care recipes!
What is your favorite way to use green tea? Leave a comment and let us know!