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As we grow older, it’s only natural to want to find the one cure-all solution for stopping aging in its tracks. While a collagen-boosting skincare routine complete with retinol and SPF is the essential first step, there are also alterations you can make to your diet which can have a positive impact on your skin in staving off signs of aging.
Although tea isn’t going to halt the development of wrinkles entirely, there is one variation which can help to preserve the outer layer of your skin and improve elasticity which can, over time, limit the effect that age can have on your complexion. For a brighter, firmer, and more youthful appearance, there’s one tea in particular that experts agree should become a prominent player in your anti-aging routine.
Green Tea
An antioxidant rich beverage which is also loaded with caffeine, green tea, aside from having a number of internal health benefits, can also have a major impact on the health of your skin.
“Studies show that drinking green tea and applying it topically can help prevent acne, reduce puffiness around the eyes, and improve the skin's elasticity, making your skin look younger,” explains Dr. Zachary Okhah, Founder and Chief Surgeon at PH-1. “It may also help to prevent melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer.”
The pure antioxidant content is what makes green tea such a valuable addition to your diet for both your skin and your overall health. Packed with more antioxidants than any other tea you could drink, green tea can help to prevent free-radical damage which has been known to exacerbate signs of aging.
“Also known as free-radical scavengers, antioxidants are substances that inhibit oxidation and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals,” says Okhah. “Free radicals are unstable molecules, and once they amass, they can harm DNA and other structures in your cells, leading to illness and aging.”
The particularly powerful antioxidant found in green tea is a catechin called EGCG which has been known to eliminate cell damage and even prevent skin cancer from developing. “It is best to use unfermented green tea leaves in your tea as it contains a high level of polyphenol antioxidants which are known to fight free radicals that damage DNA causing premature aging,” suggests Dr. Kim Harris, Naturopathic Medical Doctor and owner of Prescott Medical Aesthetics.
With this, green tea can even help to shrink visible blood vessels which will eliminate puffiness and inflammation in the face that can make you appear older than you are. Additionally, hyperpigmentation and fine lines can also be targeted by the catechin found in green tea, making it a powerful anti-aging aid.
Although you cannot reasonably expect green tea to undo years of sun damage and existing deep wrinkles and fine lines, regular consumption of this nutrient dense tea can help to slow the development of new age lines while protecting your skin.
Rich in antioxidants which have been known to ease the toll that the years have had on your skin, you can expect to see lessened redness and inflammation and an overall brighter and more hydrated complexion when drinking green tea. In combination with an anti-aging skincare routine, green tea is a great addition to each morning for preserving your skin and keeping people guessing your age for years to come.
