What Does EGCG Do for Skin?
EGCG, formally known as epigallocatechin gallate, is a plant compound called a catechin. This rich antioxidant is used in nutritional supplements and skincare products to provide many beneficial properties for your skin and overall health. Green tea extract contains EGCG, which you have surely heard of and seen in a range of products from teas to face masks. So let’s take a closer look at this powerful ingredient.
What is EGCG?
You can find EGCG in what is commonly known as green tea extract. EGCG is valued for its antioxidant abilities, preventing skin-damaging free radicals from reaching your face and causing a variety of issues. Pollution, environmental stressors, and even UV rays can take a toll on your skin, leading to premature aging, blemishes, and uneven skin tone and texture. EGCG’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it one of the lesser-known but ultimately popular ingredients in skincare.
What is EGCG in Skincare?
Rich and nourishing. EGCG fights a range of skin issues and has a wide range of healing benefits, such as:
Antioxidant – When antioxidants are a key ingredient in your skincare, you’ll find that any aging, dullness, and blemishes issues become less noticeable and are treated quickly and effectively. It’s like putting on a raincoat during a sudden downpour, meaning your skin is protected from anything it might encounter throughout the day.
Anti-inflammatory – This helps soothe the skin and reduce other issues, such as redness. Great for fighting breakouts by reducing the size and redness that active pimples and acne often present.
Anti-androgenic – This means it reduces lipid levels in the skin, reducing excess sebum and preventing it from clogging pores. This reduces acne breakouts such as pimples and blackheads, as EGCG slows down their formation.
EGCG has important benefits that can help your skin look and feel healthy, clear, and smooth. You may notice that green tea extract is often included in serums or face masks. If you simply drink green tea in the morning, it will also do your skin a lot of good.
Is EGCG safe?
Yes, it is relatively safe to use EGCG as long as you follow the supplement intake instructions and do not exceed the daily dose. Regarding EGCG in skincare, if a 24-hour patch test is done to ensure that the skin can tolerate and tolerate green tea extract, there will be no side effects on the skin. If you have any concerns about using EGCG, please consult your primary care physician or dermatologist before applying any product to your entire face.
What is Green Tea Extract?
Green tea extract is a dietary supplement extracted from the green tea plant. It contains a variety of concentrated compounds such as antioxidants, polyphenols, and vitamins. Green tea extract is a drinkable herbal tea that is available in capsule and powder form. As for the latter, you need to be careful about excessive consumption, as green tea powder can cause liver problems and its dysfunction.
Green tea extract is also included in skincare products designed for problematic, blemish-prone skin, as its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can protect the skin and reduce blemishes while soothing skin redness.
How to Use Green Tea on Your Face?
There are a variety of ways to incorporate green tea extract into your skincare routine. Some of your tried and tested products contain green tea extract. It comes in different styles, from facial mists, serums, masks to washes.
You can also try out a variety of home recipes. You can find tons of them online. One of the most popular is green tea ice cubes, which you can rub on your face as part of your morning routine. The coolness of the ice cubes helps prevent swelling, and the antioxidant effects of green tea protect your skin from premature aging, UV damage, redness, and irritation. Not to mention that it is very effective in fighting all the acne-causing bacteria.
Is EGCG the same as green tea extract?
You will find that EGCG is a plant compound commonly known as catechins, which is found in green tea extract. Both are essential and can benefit your skin through topical application and dietary intake. There is no evidence that drinking green tea throughout the day will have side effects, but your body can absorb EGCG faster. Studies have shown that some people drink two to four cups of green tea a day. However, since green tea does not contain the same amount of caffeine as regular tea or coffee, it does not provide an extra energy boost.
EGCG is very effective and has many positive effects on the skin. It comes in many forms, so you should find the best product, supplement or tea that works for you and your lifestyle. As with anything you add to your diet and on your skin, you should consult your doctor or dermatologist for advice on the best next steps to take. Now if you’ll excuse me, let’s go turn on the kettle!
