The health benefits of green tea have been contested within numerous research articles, namely its efficacy against cardiovascular and free radical damage. However green tea has been known to contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and the percentage of polyphenols within green tea can help with signs of aging if used topically over a period of time. I’m not going to get all text-book and recite this to you like it’s a University paper. Which this definitely isn’t. 

My skin, in the past few months, has become extremely susceptible to sun burn and dryness, due to the adapalene/benzoyl peroxide formula I’ve been given to combat breakouts. A main side-effect of using this cream is flakey dry skin, which isn’t always attractive and can restrict me from smiling due to the taut skin around my jaw. Trust me, I’m not angry or sad, it just hurts to smile when I come out of the shower or just washed my face.

In the mean time, the majority of exfoliants out on the market are too harsh to use on my delicate and volatile skin and I really don’t need to add to the chemical count that my face is feeling. This includes salicylic acid or (God forbid) glycolic acid. So, I thought what better than to use crushed green tea leaves with honey, to help balance out the dryness and brighten the dull build-up, while exfoliating gently and ridding the skin of its unwanted flakey surface. I was left with soft supple skin and it definitely looked brighter.

Note: Try to use a fine green tea powder or crush you own leaves, but ensure that the stems or any large hard stalks are removed before mixing with honey. It doesn’t bode well for someone with hyper-sensitive skin. I tried this first and realised my skin was too sensitive. A fine green tea powder, usually found in your local Asian grocer will suffice and be a much gentler exfoliant but will still result in bright, softened skin.

METHOD:

Use a small amount of green tea leaves.

I’ve used approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons.

Crush the green tea leaves with a rolling-pin or a pestle and mortar to a fine consistency.

Add 1 tablespoon of honey (preferably manuka or organic honey)

Stir the mixture until a paste like consistency is formed.

Additionally you may use a teaspoon of olive oil along with the honey to help add extra moisture to your skin if necessary. Extra virgin olive oil is recommended.

HOW TO:

Smooth the mixture onto the skin in gentle circular motions until you feel that the top layer of skin is exfoliated. Please don’t over do it. If you have oily skin, scrubbing the skin vigorously will only exacerbate sebum production. Go softly and gently for the best results. If your skin feels tight, use a serum after washing. However, if it feels tight, you may have over done the exfoliation or this mask/exfoliant isn’t the right kind for you.

Handy Tip: Use this as a night-time mask by applying a generous layer and leave for 10 minutes. Wash off with luke warm water with a non foaming cleanser like Cetaphil and pat dry. Let you skin balance out and don’t apply any moisturiser afterward.

 - SB