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Formally known as camellia sinensis, green tea<\/a> is a great way to perk up tired skin. Camellia sinensis leaf extract is gaining popularity in toners, cleansers, and hydrating serums. While store-bought brands may give you that dewy look, I\u2019m not a fan of some of the ingredients. Toxic parabens and retinol and tongue twisters like butylene glycol and ethylhexylglycerin to name a few.<\/p>\n Some green tea serums add ingredients like panthenol, squalane, allantoin, and peptides. These have their benefits but can be hard to source outside of a lab. This green tea serum uses simple, natural ingredients for an easy skincare DIY.<\/p>\n Most of us know how healthy a cup of green tea can be, but it\u2019s also great for our skin. Green tea is high in antioxidants and polyphenols like EGCG. These help protect against skin damage from UV rays and environmental pollution<\/a>.<\/p>\n Green tea\u2019s polyphenols also help restore the vitamin C our skin needs to make collagen. In this way it can help fight fine lines and improve firmness and skin tone. The properties in green tea help soothe irritation and skin redness and help calm inflammation.<\/p>\n Green tea also contains caffeine, which helps boost circulation to the skin. You\u2019ll sometimes find caffeine in eye creams to reduce dark spots and undereye puffiness. Caffeine also helps reduce cellulite by breaking down fat molecules deep in the skin.<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to note that using green tea topically on its own isn\u2019t the best way to get in shape. Studies showing its cellulite benefits used high levels of caffeine. While green tea can help perk up skin, it\u2019s still important to make healthy food choices.<\/p>\n Those dealing with acne or oily skin<\/a> can also see benefits from adding green tea to their skincare routine. Not only does it reduce sebum, but it reduces inflammation and redness too.<\/p>\n The other key ingredient in this serum is apricot kernel oil. Not only is it non-greasy, but it\u2019s deeply hydrating and a great option for dry skin, irritated, or sensitive skin types. Apricot kernel oil is also high in vitamin A and essential fatty acids to improve skin elasticity. It\u2019s also high in vitamin E to protect skin from oxidative damage and inflammation.<\/p>\n Apricot kernels are unique because they have the world\u2019s highest known concentration of vitamin B-17. Also known as amygdalin, B17 is being studied for its potential anti-cancer benefits. A 2023 review explores how B17 may not only kill cancer cells but can also inhibit their growth and spread. While there\u2019s no conclusive evidence on apricot kernel\u2019s anti-cancer benefits, the research is promising.<\/p>\n Essential oils help give this a nice scent and have plenty of skin benefits of their own. There are lots of skin safe essential oils with a variety of benefits. You can choose your favorites, but here are the ones I used and why.<\/p>\n Ylang ylang stimulates cell growth and has anti-aging benefits. It reduces inflammation and harmful bacteria on the skin, making it good for acne too. Ylang ylang is good for a variety of skin types and has plenty of aromatherapy benefits. This essential oil helps us keep calm in stressful situations and can even lower blood pressure. It also works well in a calming pillow spray.<\/a> <\/p>\n It does have a strong scent, so be sure to smell it before adding it to your serum. I like to add it in small amounts to complement (not overwhelm!) the overall serum. Ylang ylang can irritate skin if used above a .8% dilution. This green tea serum uses less than .5%, but you can easily cut the amount in half if preferred.<\/p>\n Unlike most citrus essential oils, sweet orange is not phototoxic. This means it won\u2019t cause burns and skin damage if used before sun exposure. Orange\u2019s fruity notes help balance out the deeper florals of the ylang ylang oil. It reduces blemishes and uplifts the mood to reduce stress.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t have ylang ylang and orange essential oil? Here are some other good options to add:<\/p>\nGreen Tea Skin Benefits<\/h3>\n
Apricot Kernel Oil<\/h3>\n
Adding Essential Oils to Green Tea Serum<\/h2>\n
Ylang Ylang<\/h3>\n
Sweet Orange Essential Oil<\/h3>\n