Do you want to perk up tired skin? Give your skin a youthful glow by incorporating green tea into your skin care routine. Green tea, or Camellia sinensis leaf extract, is a popular ingredient in many toners, cleansers, and hydrating serums. The unfortunate reality is that many of these store bought products contain ingredients that are not conducive to skin health, such as toxic parabens and ethylhexylglycerin, to name a couple.
Certain green tea serums incorporate ingredients like squalane, panthenol, allantoin, and peptides. All of those ingredients come with their own set of health benefits, but they can be difficult to source on your own. Fortunately for you, the ingredients for the green tea serum in this article are easy to obtain and highly beneficial for the skin. Continue reading to learn more about them.
Green Tea
As the star of the brightening serum, it is only fitting to discuss this ingredient first. Green tea is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, with the standout compound being EGCG. These polyphenols and antioxidant compounds help restore the vitamin C that the skin requires to make collagen. In doing so, you may help fight fine lines and improve overall skin tone and firmness. Some research indicates that the properties in green tea may soothe irritation and skin redness by calming inflammation.
The caffeine in green tea also helps boost circulation to the skin. That’s why you see caffeine in eye creams, as it helps reduce under eye puffiness or dark circles. Caffeine may also reduce the appearance of cellulite by breaking up fat molecules in the skin. Although green tea may help in this regard, it will not undo the damage of an unhealthy diet.
Apricot Kernel Oil
The other primary ingredient in this serum is apricot kernel oil, which is non-greasy and incredibly hydrating, making it a great option for all skin types. The high vitamin A and fatty acid content makes apricot kernel oil an excellent choice for improving skin elasticity. It is also rich in vitamin E, which may help protect the skin from UV rays, oxidative damage, and inflammation.
What makes apricot kernels unique is that they have the highest known concentration of vitamin B17. This vitamin, also known as amygdalin, is currently being studied for potential anti-cancer benefits. A 2023 review explored how vitamin B17 may kill cancer cells and inhibit their growth and spread rate. Currently, there is no conclusive evidence on apricot kernel’s anti-cancer benefits, but initial research is promising.
Making Green Tea Infused Oil
For this recipe, you will need to infuse the green tea leaves into your choice of carrier oil. Preferably, select a carrier oil that suits your skin type, such as olive oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil, or jojoba oil. The easiest method, which also takes the longest, is the solar infusion method. You add the green tea and oil to a glass jar, cover, and shake to combine. Allow it to sit in your window in the sun for four weeks, shaking every once in a while.
You can also use the faster infusion method, which is detailed below:
- Add 1/2 cup carrier oil of choice and two tablespoons of loose leaf green tea to the top of a double boiler.
- Make sure there is a couple inches of water in the bottom part of the double boiler. Gently simmer the water for three hours, refilling as needed.
- Strain the green tea from the oil through cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve. Save in a jar and get ready to make the brightening serum.
Green Tea Brightening Serum
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons green tea infused oil (see above directions)
- 1 tablespoon apricot kernel seed oil
- 8 drops orange essential oil
- 3 drops ylang ylang essential oil
Instructions:
- Add all of the ingredients to a two-ounce glass dropper bottle, preferably one that is amber glass. Screw on the top and shake well to combine.
- Store this serum in a cool, dry place and it will last about six to 12 months, depending on which carrier oil you use to infuse the green tea.
- To use, apply a small amount to clean, dry skin and moisturize gently.
