Green Tea for Rosacea: What You Should Know

Rosacea is a skin condition that causes redness and irritation, usually on the face. While there is no cure for the condition, you can effectively manage its symptoms. Sadly, many people struggle to find safe, effective,  and natural treatments. Research points to several benefits of using green tea for rosacea, with and without other key ingredients. Here’s what you need to know about rosacea and how green tea extract may help with symptom management. 

Can Green Tea Help With Rosacea?

Topical green tea may benefit individuals with rosacea symptoms. It has been known to help soothe redness and may also reduce inflammation, which is the underlying cause of many symptoms. Studies pointed to the benefits of topical epigallocatechin-3-gallate, the active compound in green tea extract, as early as 2005. EGCG is a powerful antioxidant known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in reducing redness and irritation.

What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea is an inflammatory condition that causes irritation and redness of the skin. It is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including abnormal blood vessel function and immune system responses. It most often appears on the face, especially the nose and cheek areas. It may begin gradually with periods of flushing before developing into a full-blown rash. Some people also note the appearance of small blood vessels in the affected areas. 

Who Does Rosacea Affect?

Some people are more prone to the condition than others. It often affects women but may show more severe symptoms in men. Individuals with fair skin tend to develop rosacea at higher rates than those with darker skin tones. Also, it tends to be more common in middle-aged and older adults than in younger people. 

What Are Rosacea Triggers?

Many people with rosacea find that certain triggers can worsen symptoms or cause flare-ups. Stress, sunlight, and certain foods are known triggers. However, you may find that other things aggravate your rosacea. Keeping a symptoms journal can help you identify what causes flare-ups and what helps soothe them. Consider including details such as specific foods, stress levels, skincare routines, and environmental factors to gain better insights.

How Does Green Tea Help With Rosacea Symptoms?

Green tea has several properties that make it beneficial for inflammatory skin conditions, including rosacea. It is a natural anti-inflammatory, which can reduce swelling and puffiness associated with rosacea. High levels of polyphenols, especially EGCG, are largely responsible for this action. 

Helps Reduce and Soothe Redness

Researchers are still studying the relationship between polyphenols and rosacea symptoms. However, the results so far are quite promising. For example, one early study showed a significant reduction in redness among 70% of study participants using a 2% polyphenone solution. 

Another key benefit of using green tea for rosacea is that it is very soothing. As a result, applying products with camellia sinensis polyphenols to irritated skin can help minimize the redness, swelling, and discomfort associated with rosacea. 

Antioxidant Benefits

Green tea’s antioxidant properties help reduce damage from environmental stressors, such as pollution, UV radiation, and harsh weather. This reduction in damage may reduce the frequency of flare-ups. Green tea also minimizes free-radical damage and helps to calm and soothe sensitive skin. Additionally, its mild UV protection is helpful for those whose condition is aggravated by the sun. 

Does Green Tea Help With Face Inflammation?

Green tea has many well-established properties that make it an excellent choice for fighting inflammation. It contains catechins, a special type of antioxidant that fights inflammation by suppressing the expression of certain proteins. The EGCG found in green tea is one of the most powerful catechins. 

A study of patients with rosacea identified green tea extract as a key ingredient in topical treatments to reduce inflammation and redness caused by rosacea. According to the researchers, lotions and creams containing green tea, resveratrol, and caffeine helped ease these symptoms.  

How Do You Use Green Tea for Rosacea?

There are several ways to begin seeing a positive impact from EGCG. Perhaps the easiest approach is to purchase products with 2% green tea extract. Many of these are specially formulated for sensitive skin, which makes them great for people with rosacea. 

Green Tea Cleansers

Various green tea-containing products can help you manage your condition. Gentle cleansers can help you avoid harsh products that might dry your sensitive skin. Look for cleansers that include other healing ingredients, such as aloe and honey.

Healing Hydration

Daily moisturizers are an important step in keeping sensitive skin hydrated and smooth. To find the right one, start by shopping for products that are suitable for sensitive skin. In addition to green tea, a solid daily moisturizer will include vitamins and compounds that support overall skin health. 

Tip: Find the right moisturizer for your skin with our Facial Moisturizers Quiz

This can also be a great place to include sunscreen, especially since sunlight is a known rosacea trigger. Gentle, dermatologically focused moisturizers with SPF and green tea for rosacea redness can help you reduce UV damage and soothe inflamed skin.  

Other Ways To Apply Green Tea

High-dose serums provide maximum polyphenols for those looking for a deep blast of antioxidants. Our Green Tea Cream is a great treatment to include under your moisturizer to help soothe and calm inflamed skin. Another great way to take advantage of the benefits of green tea for rosacea is through gentle facial mists. They offer lightweight hydration in a convenient spray formula. 

You can also brew green tea, strain it, and apply it as a toner to irritated skin. However, this method may cause irritation, so it is a good idea to do a patch test first. Patch testing involves trying the toner on a small area of skin, usually one that is not overly sensitive, like the inside of your forearm. If you don’t have a reaction or irritation after 24 hours or so, you are usually good to try the product on the affected area. 

Drinking Green Tea

Interestingly, green tea extract applied topically appears more effective than drinking it, as the active compounds are better absorbed by the skin and can directly target inflammation. Many people have tried adding green tea to their diets to reduce inflammation. While this may work for some conditions, a recent study from China showed that taking it internally may actually cause flare-ups among people with rosacea. 

No matter what approach you take to using green tea for rosacea redness, you want to do it carefully. It is a good idea to talk to your dermatologist or other healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns or if your symptoms suddenly worsen.  

Soothe Redness With Green Tea for Rosacea

HH Science™ uses clean, cruelty-free ingredients to help you uncover beautiful skin naturally. We created a line of products containing green tea for rosacea symptoms, along with natural extracts and other ingredients shown to help reduce irritation. Shop our green tea products today to help relieve your symptoms.