Traditionally, many types of make-up, lotions, creams and beauty preparations have used chemical antioxidants, or vitamins A, C and E as preservatives for their products. Now, with research indicating that green tea has even more antioxidant properties than these powerful vitamins, there is a surge in products capitalising on its natural benefits.

Green Tea most active ingredients are known as flavanols, polyphenols and epigallocatechin gallate (or EGCG for short). EGCG is so potent, because it contains between 25 to 100 times the antioxidant power of vitamins C and A.

You don't need to rush to the chemist to stock up on goodies. Concentrated green tea extract is simple to make at home and is a flexible addition to both your daily beauty routine and your medicine cabinet.

Skincare Benefits

Green tea extract is 20 times more antioxidant powerful than vitamin C and provides superior protection from free radical damage. This defense against free radicals is especially important for sun protection. Studies have shown that a product containing at least 5 percent green tea extract may help prevent skin cancer when applied before sun exposure along with sunscreen. Applying green tea before your sunscreen, or combining it with zinc oxide-based sunscreens should prove beneficial. If you already have a sunburn, try an at-home green tea concoction to soothe the skin: Brew a pot of green tea, using the leaves if possible. Then strain the brew, chill the tea and soak the tea into a soft cloth to create a green tea compress.

Green tea may be valuable as an acne treatment. Research suggests that green tea extract cream is just as effective as benzoyl peroxide cream, minus the irritating side effects. Benzoyl peroxide present acts as both a drying and a peeling agent: it allows the outer layers of skin to renew themselves and clear pores, reducing much of the bacteria responsible for acne breakouts. But for those with sensitive skin, benzoyl peroxide can cause skin irritations like redness, burning and swelling. Green tea doesn't appear to have these side effects.

Green tea might also help to heal rosacea. In one study, women who used a topical green tea treatment experienced a 70 percent improvement in their skin. You can always talk to your dermatologist about possibly adding a green tea formula to your treatment.

Green tea can even help prevent tooth decay! Just as its bacteria-destroying abilities can help prevent food poisoning, it can also kill the bacteria that causes dental plaque.

Meanwhile, skin preparations containing green tea - from deodorants to creams - are starting to appear on the market.

Try Refreshing facemask

This gentle facemask will help remove toxins from your skin, as well as leaving it silky smooth.

Mix three tablespoons of mayonnaise with one heaped teaspoon of organic Himalayan green tea leaves. Apply evenly to the face, avoiding the delicate eye area, and leave for 20 minutes. Rinse the mask off, then dry and moisturize your face.