Why put green tea on your face?
- ANTIOXIDANT-RICH TO KEEP SKIN LOOKING FRESH
- PROTECTS SKIN FROM UV RAYS
- TIGHTENS SKIN WITH TANINS
- BETTER THAN DRYING ALCOHOL OR WITCH HAZEL
- PROVIDES HYDRATION THROUGHOUT THE DAY
- HEALTHY BASE FOR MOISTURIZER OR SUNSCREEN
I enjoy drinking green tea throughout the day. It’s not only full of protective antioxidants, but it’s also hydrating and keeps my energy steady. This is because of an amino acid called L-Theanine, which has a calming effect that balances the caffeine. I can feel the effects on my body: my appetite is lessened and I feel calm and focused.
Asian populations have been drinking green tea for millennia, and prior to the advent of fast food and widespread smoking, this was one of the primary reasons why the Chinese and the Japanese have been known for their longevity.
More specifics on the benefits of a green tea toner for your face?
ANTIOXIDANT-RICH TO KEEP SKIN LOOKING FRESH: I’ve tried so many toners over the years, looking for something that wouldn’t dry out my skin but would protect my skin as the first ingredient I apply to my clean face. I keep coming back to green tea. Applying green tea to your skin is just like applying lemon juice to an apple. It prevents oxidation which means it prevents DNA damage, age spots, wrinkles, and sagging. This is a good first line of defense, especially in the morning but in the evening too.
PROTECTS SKIN FROM ULTRAVIOLET RAYS
I love the Sun and we should all have some sun, but I also see the damaging consequences from years of sunning. Now I just do all I can to protect my skin and allow it to heal from past damage, and it feels good when you see that happening!
Of course sunscreen is important, but also important is to saturate your skin in plant-rich nutrients that will provide an additional layer of protection. So soak up the green tea before you soak up any rays.
TIGHTENS SKIN WITH TANNINS
What are tannins? Tannins are substances that are part of an antioxidant group called Polyphenols, of which flavonoids are a sub-category. They are found abundantly in pine bark, as well as in the wood of other trees, and in plants, such as tea. They provide that pungent, bitter flavor in tea and other plants like cherries, grapes, and cinnamon.
The tannins build up in the skin of the plant in order to protect the plant from DNA damage, especially from UV light. That astringent taste is also astringent when applied to our skin, and has a tightening effect. It is anti-microbial at the same time so it’s not only good for aging skin but for acne as well. I feel like I’m doing so many good things for my skin by simply using this toner (you’ve got to get your pats on the back wherever you can:-).
BETTER THAN DRYING ALCOHOL OR WITCH HAZEL
As I said above, I’ve tried many commercially-made facial toners, all the way back to Clinique Clarifying Lotion, which was the first skincare product my mom bought me at the department store when I was about 13 years old. Most toners contain either drying alcohol or witch hazel. Witch Hazel is astringent but it’s also drying. Vitamin C is a popular ingredient in toners, but it can be irritating. I’ve never found a vitamin C product I can use on a regular basis. With the DIY toner below, you get just the basics and nothing more. Your skin will respond accordingly.
PROVIDES HYDRATION THROUGHOUT THE DAY
I fill a spray bottle with this DIY toner and keep it with me. Whenever I need a refreshing spritz I spray this on my face. It is cooling, aroma-therapeutic, and good for my skin all at the same time. If you’re out but have a sink available, you can rinse your face, spritz, and re-apply moisturizer or sunscreen. Or if it’s the end of the day and you’re not getting back in the sun, just spritz away over your makeup. No way to do it wrong.
HEALTHY BASE FOR MOISTURIZER OR SUNSCREEN
Because this toner is pennies to make, you can afford to saturate your skin every morning and evening before applying serums, moisturizer, sunscreen or whatever else you use. Let this be the first thing you apply to your skin and spritz heavily, let dry, and spritz again. Do this at least twice. This will allow the good ingredients to penetrate your epidermis and do its magic.
DIY GREEN TEA AND MINT TONER:
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 organic green tea bags (or brew from leaves.) I like Yogi teas because I know they are free of pesticides. You can find other organic brands too.
- 24 ounces of filtered waterÂ
- 1 handful of fresh, organic mint leaves
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Place teabags in teapot and pour in boiling water. Let steep and squeeze the teabags a couple of times with a spoon, to release the tannins. Let cool completely.
- Place mint in a heat-resistant bowl or mug. Cover with hot boiling water. Let cool.
- With a spoon, press the mint against the sides of the bowl until the water is green and you’ve squeezed out all of the oils. This should only take a few minutes.
- With a strainer, filter out the mint water from the mint.
- In a pitcher, add the green tea and the mint water
- Add a few fresh leaves to the pitcher and place in refrigerator. Once it’s cooled, pour into Glass spray bottles, preferably dark glass to protect the ingredients from sunlight.
And that’s it! Spritz away!
NOTES:
Mint is also an antioxidant, an astringent, and smells delicious.
Keep the toner in the refrigerator between uses for best results and to keep it fresh.
Use at least one bag of tea per every 6 ounces of water to make a strong brew for the toner.
If you prefer a quality pre-made green tea toner, Click Here for one I recommend: Hebepe Green Tea Matcha Facial Toner, Alcohol-Free, Refreshing, Moisturizing, and Soothing Face Toner.
Do you like Green Tea in your skincare?
Share your thoughts in the Comments section below.
For another DIY skincare recipe, read my post: How to Increase Circulation in Your Skin.
2 thoughts on “DIY Green Tea Toner for Healthy Skin”
Hello,
How many ounces of the Mint water should be added to the Tea?
You can add as much as you’d like according to the scent and refreshing feel on your skin. Some people’s skin is more sensitive than others. I just add up to the top of the mint with hot water and crush and steep, because I like it strong. Let me know if you have other questions! Thanks for writing:-))