Green tea, officially known as Camellia sinensis, is a great way to rejuvenate tired skin. Camellia leaf extract is gaining popularity in toners, cleansers, hydrating serums, and more. Store-bought brands may give you a moisturizing feel, but I’m not a fan of some of the ingredients. Some examples include toxic parabens, retinol, butylene glycol, and tongue twisters like ethylhexylglycerin.
Some green tea serums have added ingredients such as panthenol, squalane, allantoin, and peptides. These have advantages but can be difficult to source outside the laboratory. This green tea serum offers an easy skincare DIY using simple, natural ingredients.
green tea skin benefits
Most of us know how healthy a cup of green tea is, but green tea is also good for your skin. Green tea is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, such as EGCG. Helps prevent skin damage caused by ultraviolet rays and environmental pollution.
The polyphenols in green tea also help restore the vitamin C your skin needs to build collagen. In this way, it can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve elasticity and skin tone. The components in green tea help soothe irritation and redness of the skin and soothe inflammation.
Green tea also contains caffeine, which helps promote skin circulation. Sometimes eye creams contain caffeine to help reduce dark spots and puffiness under the eyes. Caffeine also helps reduce cellulite by breaking down fat molecules deep in the skin.
It is important to note that using green tea topically in itself is not the best way to get in shape. Studies showing cellulite benefits have used high levels of caffeine. Green tea can help rejuvenate your skin, but it’s still important to choose healthy foods.
People who deal with acne or oily skin can benefit from adding green tea to their skin care routine. Not only does it reduce sebum, it also reduces inflammation and redness.
Apricot Kernel Oil
Another key ingredient in this serum is apricot kernel oil. Not only is it non-greasy, it also provides deep hydration, making it a great choice for dry, irritated or sensitive skin types. Apricot seed oil is also rich in vitamin A and essential fatty acids, which improve skin elasticity. It’s also rich in vitamin E, which protects the skin from oxidative damage and inflammation.
Apricot kernels are unique in that they contain the highest concentration of vitamin B-17 in the world. B17, also known as amygdalin, is being studied for its potential anticancer effects. A 2023 review explores how B17 can not only kill cancer cells, but also inhibit their growth and spread. Although there is no conclusive evidence for the anti-cancer effects of apricot seeds, research results are promising.
Adding Essential Oils to Green Tea Serum
Essential oils help you smell nice and have many benefits for your skin in and of themselves. There are many skin-safe essential oils with a variety of benefits. You can choose whichever you like, but here’s what I used and why.
ylang ylang
Ylang ylang stimulates cell growth and has anti-aging effects. It is also good for acne by reducing skin inflammation and harmful bacteria. Ylang ylang is good for various skin types and has rich aromatherapy benefits. This essential oil can help you remain calm in stressful situations and may even lower blood pressure. It also works well in soothing pillow sprays.
It has a strong scent, so be sure to smell it before adding it to your serum. I like to add a small amount (not too much!) to complement the overall serum. Ylang ylang may irritate the skin if diluted more than 0.8%. This green tea serum uses less than 0.5%, but you can easily halve it if you wish.
Sweet Orange Essential Oil
Unlike most citrus essential oils, sweet orange is not phototoxic. This means that it will not cause burns or skin damage if used before exposure to sunlight. The fruity notes of orange help balance the deeper floral notes of ylang ylang oil. It reduces blemishes, improves mood and reduces stress.
Don’t have ylang ylang and orange essential oils? Other good options you can add are:
- tea tree
- lavender
- frankincense
- rose
- geranium
How to make green tea infused oil
There are several ways to reap the benefits of green tea in skincare. You can use glycerin to make green tea glycerite. Then simply steep the green tea in water. This is great if you want a quick toner, but it will only last a few days in the fridge.
For this serum we are making green tea infused oil. This allows it to combine well with other carrier oils to provide additional benefits. And since it’s not water-based, there’s no need to add preservatives or store it in the refrigerator. You can use your preferred carrier oil depending on your skin type.
- Olive oil and avocado oil are great for heavier, more mature skin.
- Sweet almond oil is lighter and better for most skin types.
Here’s how to make solar infusion with green tea. To infuse the oil, simply place the green tea and oil in a bottle and cover. Shake frequently and soak for about 4 weeks.
Here’s the stovetop method for a faster version:
- Add 1/2 cup carrier oil and 2 TBSP loose-leaf green tea to top of double boiler.
- Slowly boil the water in the bottom of a double boiler for 3 hours. Refill water as needed.
- Strain the green tea from the oil and it is ready to use.
Green Tea Serum Recipe
This DIY green tea serum revitalizes tired skin and is great for all skin types. Plus, it helps prevent aging and reduces inflammation!
produce: 2 oz.
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Add all ingredients to a 2-ounce glass dropper bottle.
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Shake well and store in a cool, dry place.
- This serum will last for approximately 6-12 months, depending on the carrier oil used to infuse the green tea.
- Directions for use: Apply a small amount to clean, dry skin and moisturize.
Other DIY Skincare Recipes
If you still want to DIY, try these skincare recipes!
What is your favorite way to drink green tea? Let us know by leaving a comment!
