GREEN TEA AGAINST ACNE?

08.10.09 / Acne, Beauty / Author: admin
Tags: Acne

Did you know that in order to reduce acne zits and blackheads you should drink a few cups of green tea daily? Why?

Before we thought that it because green tea is one of power antioxidants, and when you consume it it purifies your body, removing acne zits. But actually there is another scientific and simple explanation for it. Male hormone’s overproduction in our body (related to teen age, or hormonal disbalance) and/or sensitivity of oil glands to active form of testosterone (male hormone) are main reasons for acne. Active form of testosterone (or DHT, Dihydrotestosterone) is causing oil glands in your skin produce more oil and also triggers extra growth of cells that are covering oil gland walls – this is called hyperkeratosis. Hyperkeratosis together with increased sebum production affect sebum oil viscosity, making it more thick and therefore more prone to blocking or clogging the skin pores. With other different factor involved (bacteria, skin protective mantle pH change, stress, sun exposure etc)  blocked skin pores will later turn to painful and swollen pimples.

 The enzyme called 5-alpha reductase that converts inactive testosterone to a its active form, dihydrotestosterone was found to be more active in the skin of individuals affected by acne. Therefore substances that can inhibit the activity of this enzyme play very important role in successful acne treatments. Green tea contains a potent polyphenol antioxidant, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which inhibits 5 alpha reductase. The same effect is expected from hormonal acne therapies such as orally taken contraceptive pills (Diane 35).

If you see blackheads on your face – it’s time to start drinking green tea. In order to control your acne  you should drink 2-3 cups of freshly made green tea per day, or take a a green tea extract as a food supplement.  Green Tea with Honeysuckle is known as ‘Pimple Tea’ in China. It also aids digestion and helps to detoxify your system when drunk after a meal and getting rid of the toxins.

Zinc supplement taken orally produces the same effect – inhibition of 5-alpha-reductase. It was found that zinc, vitamin B6 and azelaic acid will reduce 5-alpha-reductase by 90%. Besides Zinc is very popular for its healing properties and as a booster for your immune system. 

Best forms of zinc supplement are: zinc picolinate, zinc citrate, zinc acetate and zinc monomethionine. Signs of zinc toxicity include: stomach upets, diarrhea, vomitting, kidney problems. Fiber binds with zinc and so reduces the amount your body will be able to use, so take the zinc supplement at a different time to a high fiber meal. Zinc supplements taken long term may cause a copper deficiency, so its best to take a copper supplement as well, 1 to 3 mg per day. Take any antibiotics 2 hours away from a zinc supplement.