The Anti-Ageing powers of Green Tea
Date: 9th December 2008, Source: Liz Stout, The Daily Mail
Green Tea has been widely used in the Far East for centuries because of its potential health-giving benefits. Now it's being used here in a host of new beauty products because of its antioxidants properties which help to protect the skin from harmful free radicals.
It's these skin-ageing, free radical molecules that damage healthy cells by depleting them of oxygen and breaking down the levels of collagen - which is essential in keeping skin supple and young-looking.
Because it contains high levels of oligomeric proanthocyanidins - OPCs - some of the most powerful antioxidants, Green Tea is thought to help slow down the premature ageing process if taken internally.
Whether the benefits are the same when you apply Green Tea products externally is yet to be proven but many in the beauty industry believe it does.
Dermatologists agree the best way to protect your skin is to wear a good SPF all year round. Susan Curtis, Marketing Director for Neal's Yard Remedies recommends supplementing this with an antioxidant-rich face cream or treatment.
She says: 'Until there have been conclusive trials to prove that topical antioxidants have no beneficial effects, I would confidently advocate using them.
Fresh More Tea Vicar
Bath Blend, £4
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'In fact, in a recent trial, Green Tea applied topically was found to have a positive effect on symptoms of gum disease and as a result we are considering incorporating it into a new dental care range.'
Naturopath and biochemist, Dr Jurgen Klein who founded plant-based range, Jurlique - one of the very first cosmetic companies to harness the therapeutic effects of Green Tea - is equally impressed by the skin-protecting qualities of OPC antioxidants.
Boots Green Tea &
Myrrh Balancing bath
essence, £4.25
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He says: 'Continuing scientific recognition has led us to substantially increase the levels of these unbeatable skin protectors in our products.'
As a result, you'll find Green Tea-derived ingredients within the Jurlique range, including their best-selling Herbal Recovery Gel (£38.50), skin-smoothing OPC Body Exfoliating Gel (£13.99) and nourishing Daycare Face Lotion (£21.45).
The soothing effects of Green Tea fragrance has prompted the arrival of new deliciously-scented bath foams, body treatments and perfumes.
Elizabeth Arden Green
Tea Fragrance, £17/50ml
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Elizabeth Arden's Green Tea Fragrance and Bodycare range has a fresh combination of Green Tea and scents including jasmine, bergamot, peppermint and orange. The fragrance is (£17/50ml).
Team this with the Energising Bath and Shower Gel (£10/200ml) for an early morning wake-up call and
Bvlgari Green Tea
Shower Gel, £24
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buff away dry, dead skin with the Green Tea Rub Tub (£12/200ml), a nourishing body scrub with rich conditioning emollients like soy bean, sweet almond and avocado oil.
Lancome's Aroma Tonic Energising Cooling Body Smoother (£20) gives Green Tea a slightly different twist, mixing it with the sweet heady scent of fresh fruit, while Bvlgari's Green Tea Shower Gel (£24/200ml) is subtly blended with jasmine and orange blossom for a softer, more delicate scent.
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