Expression GreenExpressing the need for a healthy green lifestyle

Any logical tea drinker will look at green tea and agree that it is good to drink, especially with the flavors that are available. However, green tea is much more than just flavored water in a cup. It has grown much faster and expanded its abilities to help you continue to be healthy. For those that aren’t convinced that green tea is good for you, why not look beyond the benefits of drinking it. Green tea also benefits the skin, helping you to maintain a healthy and younger look. The numerous healthy benefits from drinking green tea are very well established today. Many believe consuming green tea will prolong your life. The powerful antioxidants found in green tea have been shown to be effective in cancer prevention for some types of cancer. But did you know consuming green tea also benefits your skin.

Green tea diet – Medical Claims

In Thailand, India, Japan and China, green tea has been used as a medicine for a variety of conditions from helping with digestion to healing wounds.

But while many in the medical field proclaim the wonders of this much talked about tea, others are quick to point out that there is little or no evidence to support at least some of the claims.

One of the more popular drinks that are attracting people’s attention is the green tea. Aside from the usual hot green tea, big soft drink manufacturers and beverage companies are offering cold diet green tea as alternative to soda and other unhealthy drinks. In fact, multinational beverage groups are fusing and mixing green tea with other fruit flavors to give people more choices.

What is probably in everybody’s mind right now is whether diet green tea is here for good or is this just one of the drink craze of the moment? Another issue that is worth discussing is whether green tea is really good for you.

The secret of green tea lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant: besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. The latter takes on added importance when you consider that thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) is the leading cause of heart attacks and stroke.

Benefits of Green Tea

The number one benefit of green tea is that it prevents many serious illnesses that plague a lot of people today. Green tea is rich in antioxidants that lower your risk of getting rheumatoid arthritis and some types of cancer, particularly cancer of the esophagus.

Green Tea is also effective in eliminating heartburn, easing bladder problems and fighting off viruses. Moreover, some studies have found that regular consumption of green tea can increase your level of good cholesterol.

Green tea is not only effective in fighting off viruses, but it is also used by Chinese herbalist to kill the bacteria that causes tooth decay and food poisoning. This is probably why Asian people drink hot green tea after meals.

If you want to delay your aging process and improve the quality of your skin, you can also try consuming green tea everyday. It is no wonder that many skin care products – from moisturizers to body lotions and perfumes to cellulite creams – are now using green tea as an active ingredient.

How much green tea is right for you?

That depends upon who you listen to. Some Chinese homeopathic health practitioners call for 10 cups a day, while some health researchers say that 2 to 3 cups will do the trick. When you look at all of the varying research, and take the average, 4 to 5 eight ounce cups of green tea per day should be good enough for most people.

If you don’t like drinking green tea, or find the process of brewing green tea to be more that you are willing to go through 4 to 5 times per day, there are companies who produce “Green Tea Capsules” which contain doses of EGCG.

It’s been said that anything that doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Since no one has found any instances of “death by green tea”, it certainly can’t do you any harm (and it just might do you some good), to introduce green tea into your life.

Beauty benefits

Traditionally, many types of make-up, lotions, creams and beauty preparations have used chemical antioxidants, or vitamins A, C and E as preservatives for their products. Now, with research indicating that green tea has even more antioxidant properties than these powerful vitamins, there is a surge in products capitalising on its natural benefits.

Skin benefits of green tea

There have been a number of encouraging studies of skin benefits of green tea. Animal studies showed protection from skin cancer. Both animal and human studies have credibly demonstrated that topical green tea formulations reduce sun damage. Green tea appears to exert sun damage protection by quenching free radicals and reducing inflammation rather than by blocking UV rays. Therefore, green tea may synergistically enhance sun protection when used in addition to a sunscreen.

A small study showed benefits of 2% polyphenone (via a particular type of green tea extract) in papulopustular rosacea. In particular, a significant reduction in inflammatory lesion was reported compared to placebo.

With all the latest research and developments into skin care it has recently been found that Green tea actually has more to offer than originally thought. It could possibly be the newest anti cancer wonder treatment. In research conducted in Thailand by Dr. Ptong of the Skin Education Foundation it was evidenced that Green tea when taken orally or applied externally had a marked effect on the skin in relation to cancer and carcinogens.

Ptong elucidated that it was the antioxidants, commonly referred to as green tea polyphenols (GTP), that caused this new functionality. The polyphenols of showed the ability to actually prohibit and retard the growth of various skin cancers. From basal cell carcinoms (the mildest and most common form of skin cancer) to malignant melanoma and its variants (the deadliest and fastest spreading form) all were shown to be effected by these GTP polyphenols.

In animal studies where the skin was treated with various carcinogens and chemicals or radiation with mutagenic properties it was found that skin treated prior with a rub or salve of the polyphenols had a much lower rate of mutations afterwards. This resulted in a much lower chance of growths and cancer developing. In one study it was shown that the the resultant damage that normally occurs from excessive UV radiation did not happen to skin pre treated with a GTP salve. It is important to note that they have now found identical results with human research. According to Dr. Ptong:

Every area we tested the polyphenols we made significant discoveries and every time it was very positive. The polyphenols extracted from green tea are extremely active against all types of cancer in this study.

It was also found that, along with external application, oral use of the polyphenols reduced the risk of developing skin cancer more than in half in over 1000 patients. In another test, patients with malignant melanoma were given green tea to drink and after one month it was found that the growth rate of the cancer slowed tremendously. It was found that hot, green tea contained the highest concentration of the beneficial polyphenols. From these studies one can easily surmise that green tea shows great promise in skin care and in treating and reducing the risk of cancer and other similar maladies. Just from these studies it is enough to conclude that it should be made a part of the daily regimen for optimum health.

If you are like me, you probably know some of the best things in life are free! Here’s some free info on healthy eating for younger looking skin. Striving to meet your optimum nutritional needs is important for delaying the effects that time has on your whole body. Only meeting your minimum nutritional requirements will mean that you are only minimally healthy.

You may not have outward signs of nutritional deficiencies like scurvy, but if you aren’t getting a good amount of vitamin C in your diet, collagen fibers cannot form. They, along with your skin’s keratin-rich cells and elastin fibers, are necessary for maintaining firmness and preventing wrinkle formation.

The human body can only store small amounts of vitamin C, so levels within the bloodstream are quickly depleted. The best way to get vitamin C is to eat more fresh fruit, preferably organic. Studies have shown that organic foods contain higher amounts of antioxidants than their conventionally grown counterparts.

Here’s a little more free info on healthy eating for younger looking skin. Eat more fish. Vary the type and don’t eat anything that swims in the Atlantic Ocean. There are large amounts of mercury and other toxins in the Atlantic.

Wild salmon from Alaska is a good choice. It is one of the most nutritionally complete foods that we have, containing a variety of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. According to Oceans Alive, a website for the Environmental Defense Fund, adults and children can safely eat four or more meals per month, without worrying about contaminants. Researchers for the fund say that Washington salmon is “okay”, but that adults and children should eat no more than one serving per month, because of elevated levels of PCBs.

Most of the free info on healthy eating for younger looking skin that you’ll see on the internet talks about vitamin E, an essential nutrient for the skin’s health, but they rarely mention the importance of vitamin D supplementation.

Someone that is doing everything that they can to protect their skin’s health is probably using sunscreen on a regular basis. That’s a controversial subject right now, but there is no doubt that the regular use of sunscreen inhibits the body’s ability to create vitamin D. The body needs UV rays to do that and all of the sunscreens filter UV rays to some extent.

I included this information with your free info on healthy eating for younger looking skin, because vitamin D deficiencies are on the rise. It is needed by practically every system of the body. Even pediatricians are recommending vitamin D supplementation.

Focusing on your skin’s health and appearance is important, but the health of the whole body should be considered as well. That’s why you will see more and more experts recommending the avoidance of personal care products that contain toxins, artificial preservatives, dyes and other hazardous materials.

Now that you have a little free info on healthy eating for younger looking skin, you might also want to learn about some new creams that help delay and repair wrinkles, safely.

To learn more about vitamins for healthy skin, and other incredible natural substances for natural healthy skin care, visit my website today.

Healhty skin is just a few short steps away: it’s all in what you EAT!  A healthy diet and lifestyle shows on your complexion and gives your skin a boost to look and feel healthy. Experts in dermatology will tell you, a healthy diet is important for improving and maintaining healthy skin.   Start using these healthy tips today and you will see a difference, no matter what your age.

5 Healthy Skin Diet Tips:

1) Trade in those Carbs

Replace refined carbohydrate foods like white breads, donuts, cookies, bagels and pasta with their whole-grain cousins. Not only do whole grains provide more anti-aging antioxidants, they also provide the key element of a healthy skin diet – fiber.  Try whole wheat bread, whole wheat pita bread or whole wheat tortillas.  They even make whole wheat pasta! Try brown rice instead of white.  Try whole wheat bagels or crackers and nix the desserts!   Nutritionists will tell you: a high-fiber diet with lots of whole grains can help act as a detoxifying agent for your body. It is recommended that we eat 35 grams of fiber every day, as this can give significant health benefits not just to your skin, but to your colon as well.

2) Swap out your Fats

Toss out the bad fats in your diet – saturated and trans fat – and replace them with good fats. Omega 3 fatty acids from fish sources can reduce your skin cancer risk. Nutrition experts suggest eating 200 mg of DHA a day – that’s equivalent to two servings of salmon a week. While most of us get plenty of omega 6 fatty acids from our diet, they stress the importance of another good fat, linoleic acid, in preventing dry and flaky skin. It can be found in vegetable oils like safflower, sunflower and olive oil.  Cooking with olive oil or the other oils listed also helps you feel fuller for a longer period after a meal.  Try adding a variety of unsalted nuts to your diet, too, for extra benefit.  Not too many, just a few will do.  Avocados also carry good-for-you oils.  Add a few slices to a salad once in while.

3) Put “C” in your Diet

Citrus fruits play an important role in keeping your skin looking young. That’s because the antioxidant Vitamin C found in citrus is involved in the formation of collagen.  Collagen is a protein that binds cells and tissues together. In other words, collagen helps keep your skin firm and hence reduces wrinkling. Therefore, include more Vitamin C-rich foods such as oranges, grapefruit, kiwis, strawberries, red bell peppers, and broccoli in your diet.  You can always find ways to include them in your dishes!  Check out some citrus-inspired recipes from the California Citrus Growers or recipes online. Even try adding a slice of orange, apple or a small bunch grapes to your dinner plate.  Put apples in your chicken salad or oranges on your chicken while it’s baking. Fruit is a refreshing treat!  Treat it like a dessert!

4) Keep the Strings, Peels and Pulp 

Here is another important reason to add fruits and vegetables to your diet. The silica found in plant-based foods can help maintain the elasticity of your skin and improve your complexion.  What you probably don’t realize is that silica is often found in the parts of fruits and veggies that are for the most part discarded – strings, peels and pulp. So if possible, enjoy the whole fruit and vegetable: cucumber skin and the strings of celery and asparagus. Leave the peel on your apples and potatoes, too, for an extra vitamin boost! 

5) Drink plenty of fluids

This is almost a no-brainer, but it bears repeating because we forget this fundamental diet truth.  Fluids keep your skin hydrated and help flush toxins. We are what we eat, or drink!   Drink at least 6 cups of fluids – water and (preferably decaf) tea – every day. Doctors recommend drinking black, green, and white teas for their beneficial antioxidant content, but avoid caffiene late in the evening.  The health benefit of the tea will be negated if you aren’t getting enough rest! Skip the cream and sugar, too, to make your drinks calorie-free. Don’t drink your calories.  Leave the calories to your solid foods!

Following these health tips can lead to a much healthier you.  You’ll have a bounce in your step and a glow to your cheeks!  Take good care of your skin, it’s the largest organ in your body.

God Bless You.  Please visit our store on the web for your skin care needs!  We carry a comprhensive line of goat milk soaps (great for your skin!), goat milk lotions (extra-moisturizing) and gift baskets for all occaisions.  We are located at www.NeeNeesSoapShop.com.  Thank you!!

1 John 4:7

One of the main natural skin care techniques is good nutrition. We all know that health is wealth, so it is always important to uphold the value of proper eating and living a healthy lifestyle in order to stay in shape and to be perfectly well.

However, being healthy is not only limited on having a perfect body. Actually, apart from having a perfect body, being healthy could also mean having a healthy skin as shown in the skin’s complexion.

For this reason, most people who are known to be health buffs are also known to be good-looking people. This is because the inner beauty radiates and shows deep from within, even without any make up.

Many medical experts are now insisting on the fact that good nutrition is, indeed, an important factor in having a good complexion and image. Thus, now a days looking good is considered one way of staying healthy.

Many people are under the myth that only eating right kind of food would make people healthier and live life longer but they don’t know that good nutrition is also a big factor in having a good complexion and healthy skin.

Therefore, for people who are not aware why good nutrition is important in maintaining a healthy skin complexion, here are some reasons that they should be aware of.

Natural Skin Care Tips

1. Natural Skin Care – Vitamin A

In maintaining a healthy skin it is important to eat foods that are rich in vitamin A. We can effectively reduce the appearance of acne, wrinkles, and other skin problems with a daily dose of vitamin A.

It is also important to know that too much dose of vitamin A results in serious problems like liver diseases.

2. Natural Skin Care – Vitamin C

Good nutrition replenishes the lost vitamins and minerals that the human body is not capable of producing. Skin’s reservoir of vitamin C goes down when people are exposed to the sun and unlike most animals, humans cannot make vitamin C.

Therefore, it is important to reproduce vitamin C by eating foods that re rich in vitamin C. This will help the skin to fight against the harmful effects of the damages caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

3. Natural Skin Care – Antioxidants

It is definitely good for skin to eat foods rich in antioxidants. It is important for the people to eat foods that are rich in antioxidants, in order to help the skin to combat the upshots of oxidants or the free radicals that are manufactured when the body cells burn oxygen in order to generate energy.

These foods are the “green, leafy vegetables” like the spinach. Antioxidants are also present in foods that are rich in carotenoids like beta-carotene, like carrots. It can also be present in food supplements such as vitamins E and C.

4. Natural Skin Care – Foods Rich In Fiber

Good skin complexion can be obtained by eating foods rich in fiber. Fiber, or roughage, is composed from the plant’s cell wall material. Good sources of dietary fiber are whole grains, legumes, citrus fruits, nuts, and vegetables.

Fiber is an example of complex carbohydrate, which is relatively essential in the absorption of the other nutrients into the body. Without fiber, some of the nutrients will only be put to waste and will not be consumed by the body.

Therefore, with fiber, healthy skin complexion can be obtained and can even produce healthy glow.

5. Natural Skin Care – Proteins

Proteins, help in the proper growth and production of new skin cells. Proteins, which are the chains of amino acids, are responsible for proper skin cell growth and maintenance of skin cells.

The protein, which is available in meat, poultry, fish, and dairy is called as complete protein as it contains essential amino acids necessary for building and maintaining skin cells.

Thus, good skin complexion is the result of properly maintained skin cell. In reality, along with healthy body, healthy skin can also be obtained by eating good nutritious food. Hence, people should be more aware of what they are eating because it will surely reflect on their skin’s appearance.

To understand organic skin care, you have to understand organic farming because all of the ingredients in organic skin care are organically produced. This means that each and every ingredient should be certified as organically grown, not just the majority of them.

It is a good idea to check companies that you are considering for your organic skin care products to make sure that they are selling certified products and that the products you purchase from them are certified.

There are companies out there which make false claims about being organic and those that sell some non organic products along with organic products. Through understanding organic farming, you will see that organic skin care is better for both you and the environment.

Basically, organic farming is a return to the way farming used to be done, utilizing a number of things to replenish soil nourishment including: crop rotation, composting, and cover crops. Climate hardy plants grown in well nourished soil have better insect and disease resistance than their non organic counterparts do.

Because of this resistance, the organic plants do not require fertilizers and pesticides in massive amounts. Even when help is needed, organic farmers protect their plants through a variety of ways that still do not utilize synthetic chemicals. Sadly, this does not mean that there are absolutely no pesticides in organic plants.

Because of the over use of pesticides, even our rain carries them, which means that organic plants are subjected to them through the rain.

Biodiversity is promoted by the organic farmers way of growing different crops and natural resource systems (like air and water) are protected because of the way that organic farmers store and compost the animal waste they use in replenishing soil nutrients.

The overall effect on the environment through organic farming can be seen through reduced greenhouse gases. On a local level, farmers see less water used, less soil erosion, improved fertility, safer groundwater, and more abundant wildlife.

Organic is all about the way that various agricultural products are grown (or raised) and processed. By farming organically, the health of the ecosystem is maintained. Toxins in fertilizers and pesticides are bypassed because these products are not used in organic farming.

The focus is on the environment: soil regeneration and water conservation being the two biggest issues and animal welfare playing a large part as well. During processing quality is retained because organic foods are not subjected to artificial ingredients, irradiation, or preservatives.

Aside from man made additives, pesticides, and fertilizers, organic food is also free of man made herbicides and GMOs (genetically modified organisms). Animals raised organically are not fed by products of other animals (rather, they eat organically grown foods) and they are free to roam and enjoy their existence (instead of being locked in cages).

In raising animals organically, a diet of certified organic food is used; this means that, in addition to the absence of the above mentioned synthetics, there are no hormones ingested by organically raised animals.

Prevention of disease is a by product of the animals healthy living, so antibiotics are also not passed on to us through ingestion. Through this well nourished, free to roam life, it has been found that animals raised for things like milk and eggs tend to live much longer than their non organic counterparts.

According to the United States National Organic Standards Board, Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony.

For products to be certified organic, they must meet a set of strict standards within the industry. These standards are verified by a third party agency, sometimes the government. In order to be certified, both farms and processing plants must be checked and found to be in compliance with the standards that have been set. After initial certification, farms and facilities are still inspected regularly to verify that the organic standards are still being met.

Organic does not just refer to the actual plants and animals produced for human consumption. It applies to anything which is manufactured in such a way that it meets the certification standards.

This is why one moisturizer may be organic while another is not, even though both companies use the same ingredients. Organic farming has grown to the extent that you can find a huge variety of food (even processed foods), but it goes even further than food. You can buy organic clothing, organic bedding, linens, and other items.

Skin is the largest organ of the body, and of vital importance to our well-being because it is a barrier and protection against the harmful environment in which we live.

As the old saying goes, “Health is Wealth”. So, it is always important to uphold the value of proper eating and living a healthy lifestyle to stay in shape and for optimum health.

In fact, aside from having an attractive body, being healthy can also mean having a healthy skin, as reflected in your complexion.

Most people known to appear healthy looking are so, because they eat healthily. Because their inner beauty radiates and exudes deep from within, even without make-up.

Nowadays, looking good is not just vanity but is already considered one way of staying healthy. This is because of the protective function of a healthy skin. And many medical experts now confirm that good nutrition is, indeed, an important factor in a good complexion and image.

Unfortunately, many people thought that simply eating the right kind of food would make them healthier and live longer. They did not fully understand, in addition, what an essential factor healthy nutrition is in having a good complexion and healthy skin, and the importance of this.

Here are some reasons to explain why good nutrition is important in maintaining a healthy skin complexion.

The human body is not able to produce all vitamins and minerals, which is why healthy eating is vital as a supply. For example, when people are exposed to the sun, the skin’s reservoir of vitamin C goes down, and unlike most animals, humans cannot make vitamin C. So it is important to replace it by eating foods rich in vitamin C with which your skin can combat the harmful effects of the damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

A youthful and healthy looking skin can also be maintained by eating foods rich in vitamin A. Daily intake of vitamin A is proven to be an effective way of reducing the appearance of acne, wrinkles, and other skin problems. If you could become pregnant, or already are so, be very cautious about foods rich in vitamin A, as high levels can be harmful. Too much intake of this vitamin may result in serious problems.

Antioxidant rich foods will positively benefit your skin by fighting the oxidants, or free radicals, that are manufactured when bodily processes burn oxygen as they generate energy. Foods that are rich in antioxidants include fruit and vegetables, especially the “green, leafy vegetables” like spinach.

In foods that are rich sources of carotenoids, e.g. beta-carotene, antioxidants will be present. A good example of this is carrots. Richly colored plant foods provide a good source of antioxidants, for example berries.

Antioxidants can also be present in dietary supplements or skin care products, from which they will still be absorbed.

The source of fiber, or roughage, is a plant’s cell wall components. Whole grains, legumes, citrus fruits, nuts, and vegetables are all good sources of dietary fiber.

In the basic sense, fiber is an example of complex carbohydrate that is important in the absorption of the other nutrients into the body. Without fiber, some nutrients will be wasted instead of being used by the body. Fiber is also important in promoting good levels of excretion, and toxins will bind to fiber and be “escorted” out of the body. By adding fiber to your diet, an improved complexion can be achieved.

Ensure you don’t overlook proteins in your diet; they promote proper growth and production of new skin cells. Proteins are chains of amino acids responsible for the skin’s cell growth and maintenance.

Sources of protein in food are eggs, meat, grains, legumes and dairy products – for example milk and cheese. Complete proteins are those that contain all the essential amino acids necessary for building and maintaining bodily cells, including skin cells.

You can obtain all essential amino acids from animal proteins; with the absence from plant proteins of one or more. This isn’t a problem, so long as overall the diet contains all the essential amino acids. However complete proteins in a vegetarian diet can be obtained from soy, quinoa, spirulina, hemp seed, amaranth and buckwheat.

Finally, healthy eating will make a significant contribution to healthy skin, reflected in well maintained cells, as well as a good complexion. Those who are more aware of what they are eating will find that the care (or lack of care) they exercise will be reflected in their skin’s appearance. As is often repeated, “You are what you eat”.

Do not forget also, the skin can benefit from external application of beauty products containing the above mentioned ingredients.

Natural skin care products are gaining popularity. In addition to the popularity of natural beauty products, many people are also interested in other types of green tea skin products, such as those that can be used for healing cuts and minimizing the appearance of scars. A third area of interest for botanical products is anti-aging.

You’ll find numerous products on the market that are made from natural products. Some of the most popular botanicals used in skin care products include:

• Lavender
• Rosemary
• Ginger
• Green Tea
• Lemon
• Grapeseed
• Echinacea

Since products of this nature are largely unregulated by the US Food and Drug Administration, claims on the products are sometimes largely unsubstantiated. In most cases, we just have to try these products out and see for ourselves.

However, one of these products, green tea, does have some evidence to back up its claims of rejuvenating the skin and preventing aging. Several studies have shown that green tea’s anti-oxidants are beneficial to the skin in several ways.

The first important fact about green tea is that its anti-oxidants act as scavengers on abnormal or damaged skin cells. This may be very important to helping protect us from skin cancer. If we can eradicate skin cells damaged by the sun immediately, they are less likely to develop abnormal qualities. Many doctors are now recommending that you wear a green tea moisturizer under your sunscreen. The sunscreen will protect your skin from most of the sun’s rays, but any that do get through can be mitigated by the green tea.

However, other research has shown that green tea may even be an effective treatment for those who already have cancerous or pre-cancerous skin lesions. One study, performed on mice, showed that not only did green tea seem to scavenge the abnormal cells on the mice that did not have skin cancer, but it also concluded that green tea, whether given orally or topically, slowed the progression of the cancer. In addition, scientists theorize that green tea may be able to actually kill off some of the cancer cells.

Another recent study showed that green tea may also have the ability to provide short term improvement in the skin’s appearance. The study suggested that green tea’s anti-oxidants actually have the ability to rejuvenate skin cells resting on the epidermis that are dying. The green tea helps bring the cells back to life for a period, reducing that dull and lifeless appearance skin can have.

It is believed that green tea also has the ability to reduce aging over the long term. Such claims are difficult to prove, because it requires human trials over many years. However, based on the fact that research has shown that green tea’s anti-oxidants have the ability to scavenge abnormal and dying skin cells, it stands to reason that using green tea regularly over a period of many years would produce a cumulative effect that would be positive for the skin’s condition and appearance.

Many other botanicals that are used in skin care products do have the ability to perform some helpful functions on the skin. For example, all of the natural ingredients listed above do have anti-oxidants, so they likely are good for the skin, at least to some degree. And many are suited for specific skin ailments.

For example, lavender is calming, and can be helpful in soothing redness and rashes. Lemon is an effective astringent, and is sometimes helpful for especially oily skin. The UK Tea Council published a report outlining the effects of many botanical products and their potential to protect and treat the skin.

But, most of the products containing these ingredients have not been through strenuous laboratory testing, so their effects are undocumented. In addition, some botanical products may not require regulation by the Food and Drug Administration, so they may not meet federal health standards.

Because of the attention that green tea has received due to its likely ability to prevent cancer and other diseases, it has been more widely tested than many other botanicals. It has been widely tested for topical application to see if it has the potential to prevent or treat skin cancer, for example.

So, it’s perfectly ok to use botanical products to help with any special skin conditions you’re trying to treat. Most botanical products are safe, as long as you don’t have an allergy to them. And, they may be helpful at treating some skin conditions and at keeping skin moisturized.

But, if you’re looking for the best be in botanical products for the skin, it’s likely that green tea has the most potential. It has been more widely tested than other botanicals, and is likely to be of significant benefit, both in improving skin’s appearance and in preventing aging and skin cancer.

However, since, like other botanical products, green tea products may not have fallen under FDA guidelines, be sure to examine the list of ingredients carefully. You should ensure that green tea products actually contain active anti-oxidants, such as EGCG and theaflavins, before you purchase. Without these important ingredients, the products will likely not provide the benefits you’re seeking.

So, give green tea a try for your skin. You may see smoother and brighter skin in the short term, and you may be preventing skin cancer and aging in the long term.