At the University of Witten-Herdecke and Heinrich Heine University in Germany some research was done, and 60 women with light to normal ultraviolet sensitivity received a green tea beverage containing 1,402 milligrams per liter total catechins or a control beverage daily for twelve weeks.
Before the treatment period and at six and twelve weeks, participants received a dose of irradiation to the skin from a solar simulator. Reddening, elasticity, roughness, scaling, density and water homeostasis were evaluated at these time points and blood samples were analyzed for flavonoids and other variables.
Ultraviolet-induced reddening of the skin was reduced by 16 percent after six weeks and 25 percent at 12 weeks compared to pretreatment responses among those who received green tea, indicating increased photoprotection.
Skin elasticity, density, hydration, blood flow and oxygen saturation increased in those who received green tea, while roughness, volume and scaling declined.
A decrease in scaling and volume and an increase in hydration were also observed in the control group; however, the degree of improvement was significantly less than that experienced by women who received green tea.
"The mechanisms underlying photoprotective effects of flavonoids in humans have not been elucidated; however, they are efficient antioxidants contributing to photoprotection in plants."
"We demonstrated that ingestion of green tea catechins improved skin hydration, transepidermal water loss, density, and elasticity," they observe. "These observed skin changes were probably an outcome associated with long-term consumption of green tea polyphenols and not likely a transitory response."
My favorite tea is without a doubt the south african red tea, Roobidos, and I also like the traditional black teas like English Breakfast and Earl Grey.
Guess I need to start drinking more green tea, and hopefully my skin will look amazing in a few weeks! You should try it as well! Let me know how you go!
ENJOY!
