How to Use Green Tea As an Acne Medication

An acne medication that is gaining popularity is, Green Tea, it has no known side-effects and is classed as a very natural acne treatment. The extracts and compounds, have been used in different pathological conditions with success, particularly acne vulgaris. One of the most important groups of compounds, are the catechins found in the leaves. Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory condition, that is estimated to affect 40 to 50 million Americans. Finding an effective, safe, cost-effective and well-tolerated treatment has been a huge challenge over the years.

A study by Drs Abdelhamid, Elsaaiee & Emam was undertaken to ascertain the effectiveness of 2% Green Tea lotion in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. Twenty acne suffering subjects were given Green Tea and asked to apply it twice daily, as a lotion, for a period of 6 weeks. The subjects were asked every 2 weeks to check their acne spots and any side-effects. Subjects counted their spots and it was found that the average spot count decreased from 24 before the treatment to 10, after 6 weeks of treatment, a reduction of 58.33%. So, the bottom line, topical 2% Green Tea lotion is an effective, very promising, cost-effective treatment for mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. Tea (especially green and white) increases antioxidants in the tissues (disease combating chemicals), particularly the circulatory system, skin and joints.

How to Use Green Tea
The leaves can be crushed and steeped in boiling water for two to three minutes. The water is pressed from the leaves and is applied over the areas of acne to be treated, being wrapped in a gauze or material bandage. This also makes a very effective astringent to the skin.

However, to get the full beneficial effects as a beverage, put the leaves in a tea pot and pour in some hot water. Then, cover and wait for a while for it to brew, before serving into individual cups. By the way, you may brew the leaves a few times, from the same tea leaves.

By the way as a tip, when brewing tasty Green Tea, water temperature is important. Watch the temperature of the water (make sure it is boiling), depending on the kind of green tea you are drinking - as there are many types of tea. As ever, herbs and medicinal plants can be obtained on the Internet or from your local herbalist. I believe, herbs warrant more attention, as natural and effective acne medicines.