Formally recognized as Camellia sinensis, green tea offers a wonderful solution to rejuvenate fatigued skin. Camellia sinensis leaf extract is increasingly found in toners, cleansers, and hydrating serums. Although store-bought brands can achieve a dewy complexion, I’m wary of some of their components, such as toxic parabens, retinol, and confusing names like butylene glycol and ethylhexylglycerin.
Certain green tea serums incorporate ingredients like panthenol, squalane, allantoin, and peptides. These have their own advantages but can be tricky to obtain outside a lab. This green tea serum focuses on simple, natural ingredients for a straightforward DIY skincare solution.
Green Tea Skin Benefits
Many people recognize the health benefits of a green tea beverage, but it’s also excellent for our skin. Green tea is packed with antioxidants and polyphenols such as EGCG, which help guard against skin damage caused by UV rays and environmental pollutants.
The polyphenols in green tea also aid in replenishing vitamin C, essential for collagen production in our skin, potentially combating fine lines and enhancing firmness and skin tone. Green tea’s properties help soothe irritation and redness, addressing inflammation.
Green tea contains caffeine, promoting better circulation to the skin. You’ll sometimes encounter caffeine in eye creams to lessen dark spots and under-eye puffiness. Caffeine also aids in reducing cellulite by breaking down fat cells beneath the skin.
It’s crucial to understand that applying green tea topically on its own isn’t the most effective way to get in shape. Research showing its potential to decrease cellulite involved high caffeine levels. While green tea can enhance skin vitality, maintaining a healthy diet is equally important.
Individuals grappling with acne or oily skin may also benefit from incorporating green tea into their skincare regimen. It not only curbs sebum production but also mitigates inflammation and redness.
Apricot Kernel Oil
Another pivotal ingredient in this serum is apricot kernel oil. It’s non-greasy and immensely hydrating, making it a fantastic choice for dry, irritated, or sensitive skin types. Apricot kernel oil is rich in vitamin A and essential fatty acids, enhancing skin elasticity. It’s also abundant in vitamin E, shielding skin from oxidative stress and inflammation.
Apricot kernels stand out due to their highest known concentration of vitamin B-17 globally. Also referred to as amygdalin, B17 is being researched for its possible anti-cancer properties. A 2023 review delves into how B17 might not only destroy cancer cells but also curtail their growth and spread. While definitive evidence regarding apricot kernel’s anti-cancer advantages is yet to emerge, existing research appears promising.
Adding Essential Oils to Green Tea Serum
Essential oils contribute a pleasant aroma to the serum and boast multiple skin benefits. A wide range of skin-friendly essential oils is available, each with various benefits. You can select your preferences, but here are the ones I’ve utilized and the reasons why.
Ylang Ylang
Ylang ylang promotes cell growth and offers anti-aging properties. It diminishes inflammation and harmful bacteria on the skin, making it beneficial for those with acne. Suited for a variety of skin types, ylang ylang also provides several aromatherapy benefits. This essential oil is known for its calming effects during stressful times and can even help lower blood pressure. It’s also effective in a soothing pillow spray.
It has a potent aroma, so make sure to smell it before incorporating it into your serum. I prefer to add it in small quantities to enhance rather than overpower the overall formulation. Ylang ylang can cause skin irritation if used at a concentration above 0.8%. This green tea serum contains less than 0.5%, but you can easily halve the amount if desired.
Sweet Orange Essential Oil
Unlike most citrus essential oils, sweet orange does not cause phototoxic reactions. This means it won’t trigger burns or skin damage if exposed to sunlight afterward. The fruity undertones of orange counterbalance the profound florals of the ylang ylang oil. It minimizes blemishes and uplifts the mood, thereby alleviating stress.
Don’t have ylang ylang and orange essential oil? Here are some other excellent alternatives to add:
- Tea tree
- Lavender
- Frankincense
- Rose
- Geranium
How to Make Green Tea Infused Oil
Several methods exist to employ green tea in your skincare. One is using glycerin to produce a green tea glycerite. Another is steeping green tea in water, perfect for a quick toner, though it only stays fresh for a few days when refrigerated.
For this serum, we’re creating a green tea infused oil. This approach allows it to blend seamlessly with other carrier oils for extra benefits. Since it’s oil-based, it doesn’t require preservatives or refrigeration. Choose a carrier oil that suits your skin type.
- Olive oil and avocado oil are suitable for more mature skin due to their heavier consistency.
- Sweet almond oil is lighter and suitable for most skin types.
Here’s how to perform a solar infusion with green tea. To infuse the oil, simply combine the green tea and oil in a jar and cover. Shake occasionally and allow it to infuse for around four weeks.
For a quicker method, try the stovetop technique:
- Combine 1/2 cup of carrier oil with 2 tablespoons of loose leaf green tea in the top of a double boiler.
- Gradually simmer the water in the lower part of the double boiler for three hours, replenishing the water as needed.
- Strain the green tea from the oil, and it’s ready to use.
Green Tea Serum Recipe
This DIY green tea serum revitalizes tired skin and is beneficial for every skin type. It has anti-aging properties and minimizes inflammation!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 2 ounces
Author: Katie Wells
Instructions:
- Pour all the ingredients into a 2-ounce glass dropper bottle.
- Shake thoroughly and store in a cool, dry location.
Notes:
- The serum will last between 6-12 months depending on the carrier oil used for infusing the green tea.
- To use: Apply a small amount to clean, dry skin for moisturizing purposes.
Other DIY Skincare Recipes
If you’re still interested in DIY projects, try these skincare recipes!
What’s your preferred way to utilize green tea? Leave a comment and let us know!
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