7 Surprising Beauty Benefits of Green Tea

It’s one of the most potent antioxidants around, but it’s not just for drinking—but did you know green tea can do a world of good for your skin, too? There are surprising beauty benefits of green tea. Find out what the dietary staple can do for you and how to harness its power to improve your complexion in the slideshow.

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Feature Image: Getty / Roberto Maxwell

Surprising Beauty Benefits of Green Tea

It's moisturizing

Some people swear that applying a damp green tea bag to chapped lips will heal them. In much the same vein, the folks at Hurraw have crafted an organic lip balm ($5.90), formulated to soothe and moisturize even the driest of pouts. Its blend of matcha green tea and hemp oil is especially nourishing.
It's a powerful antioxidant

Green tea is one of the most potent antioxidants in the world. Though applying it topically would seem the first line of defense against harmful free radicals, ingesting it benefits you multifold. It’s also theorized that green tea increases metabolism and potentially lowers your risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Try Teavana Sakura Allure Green Tea ($7.98).
It's brightening

Ask any woman who’s suffered their wrath first thing in the AM: puffy eyes are not easy to hide. Green tea bags have been known to minimize their appearance and leave the eye area fresher and brighter looking. For another alternative, try a cream enriched with green tea and other nourishing ingredients, like Alba Botanica Hawaiian Eye Gel ($17.95).
It's antibacterial

Green tea is also a natural antibacterial that leaves even sensitive skin soothed. On the go, give Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens ($10) a try; they soak up excess oil and help prevent damage associated with free radicals.
It's anti-aging

Formulated to promote softer, more youthful skin, the SheaMoisture Olive & Green Tea collection includes everything from massage oils to body scrubs. Add the Body Butter with Avocado ($9.99) to your regimen to reap near-immediate rewards: skin is left more supple, irritations soothed, and, over time, signs of aging diminished.
It reduces scarring

Green tea may be gentle in most ways, but it’s a force to be reckoned with against acne. From deceasing inflammation to reducing scarring to eliminating bacteria, it’s an impressive anti-blemish treatment that will yield clearer skin with regular use. Add a product like St. Ives Blemish Control Green Tea Gel Cleanser ($5.99) to your routine for optimal results.
It improves skin's elasticity

Your skin’s integrity is affected by everything from environmental distress to inflammation to lack of moisture. The polyphenols in green tea help protect skin from these culprits and leave skin more elastic and less susceptible to sun damage. (That said, never skimp on sunscreen.) John Masters Organics Green Tea & Rose Hydrating Face Serum ($26), enriched with omega-rich sunflower oil, green tea, and rice extract, preserves skin’s good health and improves damage with regular use.