Tea Time: Beauty Benefits of Green Tea

Rich in antioxidants and minerals, green tea has been gaining high marks in the healthy lifestyle world for many years. But besides feeling good, did you know that green tea can also have several beauty benefits? To learn more about the benefits of drinking tea, we turned to The Body Shop beauty botanist Jennifer Hirsch, who calls green tea "an ancient beauty secret." Well folks, some secrets are just meant to be shared.

Tea originating from China and India is rich in catechins, natural antioxidants. “Green tea has a real depth of plant science behind its detoxifying beauty properties,” says Hirsch, explaining that tea is especially rich in one of the most powerful free radical-targeting antioxidants, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). When it comes to protection of the skin from harmful environmental factors like free radicals, antioxidants are definitely at the forefront. Asked if it's better to drink green tea or use it topically in our skincare routines, Hirsch asks, "Should I choose?" She explains that high levels of antioxidants are reason enough to drink a cup of green tea instead of your daily cup of coffee.

When it comes to turning it on superfood in your skincare, Hirsch recommends trying The Body Shop Fuji Green Tea Bath Tea. This bath tea is formulated with authentic, antioxidant-rich green tea leaves from Japan and organic aloe vera. Soaking will help you kiss the stress of your day goodbye. After soaking, lather up some of the brand's product. Fuji Green Tea Body Butter. A lightweight body butter that provides hydration and a fresh, refreshing scent.