The composition and properties of green tea, which make it a valuable ingredient in remedies for bruising and puffiness under the eyes. Recipes based on it to eliminate these cosmetic defects, especially their use, contraindications. Green tea is an effective, harmless and affordable ingredient in natural caring cosmetics for dark circles and bags under the eyes. The way our face looks is largely determined by the condition of the eyes. Shining eyes, without such troubles as bruises and swelling, make him attractive, distract from imperfections. Therefore, it is so important to learn simple recipes for using green tea for skin care under the lower eyelids.
Description and composition of green tea
Green tea is better known as a wonderful tonic drink that has a beneficial effect on the functioning of human internal organs. The record amount of nutrients in the composition makes it an essential ingredient in cosmetics. It has been known since ancient times that green tea is useful. But only in the last decade, scientists have seriously taken up the study of its effect on human health, cosmetologists have become interested in it.
Get black and green tea from the same plants. The collected leaves are either crushed and dried to black, or steamed to produce green tea. Thanks to this technology, green leaves retain not only their natural color, but also preserve tannins, which have strong antioxidant properties, and other useful microelements.
People living in eastern countries honor the ancient culture of tea drinking, and also use tea in home cosmetics. In the homeland of the great drink in China, its properties are highly valued, rightfully considered a medicine that can prolong life, fill it with harmony, energy and peace of mind. It was believed that they could cure about 400 diseases. Green tea was especially indispensable for returning the lost freshness and beauty of the lower eyelid zone. American scientists have established the following phenomenon: where green tea is most consumed, there are almost no skin ailments, although the sun in these places is very active. This is due to the ability of a special substance found in green tea to suppress the enzyme responsible for the multiplication of cancer cells.
The green drink contains a unique amount of chemicals, most of which are concentrated in the leaves, the most important of which are:
- Tannins … High quality green tea is twice as great as black tea in terms of tannins. Catechins, tannins, polyphenols and their compounds - excellent antioxidants, more effective than vitamins - occupy 1/3 of its composition. They are stimulating in nature, increase immunity, suppress viruses and microbes on the skin.
- Alkaloids … By the amount of caffeine, green tea is ahead of natural coffee. The percentage of caffeine varies from 1 to 4% and depends on the type of tea, the method of preparation. There is more theine (a milder analogue of caffeine) in small leaves; brewing with boiling water increases its content in a cup of drink. These substances promote vasodilation, improve blood circulation and nutrition of the skin.
- Minerals … A huge complex of trace elements is especially relevant due to its lack in modern ecology. Green tea contains fluoride, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, sodium, iodine, gold and other elements. In addition, it contains essential oils. Most of them are destroyed when brewed, but green tea essential oil extract can be purchased at the pharmacy. These substances nourish, rejuvenate the skin, make it soft and smooth.
- Vitamins … Almost all known vitamins are present in green tea - A, B1, B2, B3, C, E, F, K, P, PP, U. Interacting with each other, they enhance their healing abilities: they protect cells from destruction, remove free radicals, fight bacteria and viruses. Tea is rich in vitamin E, which strengthens cell membranes, has an antioxidant effect, strengthens skin turgor, makes it firm and elastic.
- Protein … Protein substances make up 1/4 of tea, especially in Japanese teas. When brewing, not all components pass into the water, only partially, but the nutritional value of the infusion for the delicate skin around the eyes does not become poorer.
- Amino acids … The composition of green tea has not yet been fully investigated, but 17 healthy amino acids have been isolated in it. For the skin, the most important acid is glutamic acid. It helps to activate the production of its own collagen in the skin, improves its condition, slows down aging, including under the lower eyelids.
Useful properties of green tea
The main cosmetic problems of our time that bring discomfort to the lives of women and men are bags and dark circles under the eyes. The skin there is especially defenseless, since it does not have muscles and adipose tissue, therefore, it needs careful care.
Blue circles are explained by the fact that the skin around the eyes is very thin, sensitive, gradually due to poor blood circulation, insufficient moisture, vitamin deficiency, it becomes completely transparent, capillaries appear through it, forming bruises under the eyes, harbingers of future edema.
Edema appears due to the accumulation of excess fluid in the tissues. The subcutaneous membrane becomes thinner over the years, and through microscopic holes through it, fatty tissue begins to be pushed out under the skin. The skin, which has lost its elasticity, is unable to keep the adipose tissue, as a result, swelling appears under the lower eyelids, then the swollen bags sag.
Most often, swelling and bruising under the eyes is only a visual nuisance that worries not only women, but also men. In addition, it can be a symptom of a disease of internal organs, a signal of disturbances in the functioning of the body. The eyes of a modern person are working in a very intense mode. The prevalence of mental work professions using computers, cell phones, e-books, lack of sleep, overwork, conditions unfavorable for the eyes for a long time lead to the appearance of morning swelling, bags and dark circles. The most common sources of the problem are the following factors in daily life:
- Insufficiently long, poor-quality sleep on an uncomfortable pillow, prolonged period of overwork, insomnia;
- Unhealthy diet with an abundance of fatty, spicy, salty foods, alcohol abuse;
- Smoking, prolonged stay in a smoky room in the company of smokers;
- Overweight, obesity, eating a lot of carbohydrates;
- Unbalanced diet, constant lack of vitamins, seasonal vitamin deficiency;
- Being in a state of fear, depression, stress, accumulated negative emotions - excitement, anxiety, resentment;
- UV overuse, strong sunburn;
- Using cosmetics of poor quality or not intended for the care of the skin around the eyes, applying a special cream directly at night (recommended 30 minutes before bedtime);
- Late dinner, drinking plenty of fluids at night;
- Night vigils at the computer, in front of the TV, doing handicrafts in poor lighting;
- Poor heredity, endocrine system diseases, hormonal changes.
Perhaps it is green tea that is most often used in cosmetics as an old, proven skin care product that can eliminate many visual problems, including bruises and bags under the eyes. In terms of the number of useful properties, it can replace a whole vitamin complex. The tea leaves wonderfully tones, moisturizes and rejuvenates the dermis.
The popularity of green tea is well deserved due to the following beneficial properties:
- Normalizes skin metabolism … Flavonoids regulate metabolic processes in the skin. Being an ergotropic product that promotes weight loss, tea increases the energy tone of the dermis, promotes the breakdown of fatty tissue.
- Stimulates collagen production … The skin under the eyes becomes denser, the subcutaneous membrane is less porous, bruises and swelling gradually disappear, minor wrinkles are smoothed out.
- Improves blood circulation … Vitamin P in green tea is a natural "rejuvenator", especially useful for mature skin. It strengthens the walls of the capillaries, makes them healthy. The stagnation of lymph in the tissues is eliminated, the liquid does not accumulate under the skin, forming swelling under the eyes, but is removed from this zone. At the same time, the dermis is toned and strengthened.
- Increases the protective properties of the skin … The delicate skin around the eyes becomes firmer, healthier, and its ability to withstand the negative effects of the environment increases.
- Fights premature aging and skin aging … Over time, the dermis under the eyes becomes thinner, fades, capillaries are more noticeable under it. Under the influence of green tea, this process slows down, cell interaction improves, and nutrients saturate the skin. It "looks younger", it remains firm, fresh and elastic longer.
- Moisturizes, softens and smoothes the skin … Dry skin under the eyes is a consequence of the lack of fat, muscle fibers, moisturizing glands in it. By applying green tea infusion under the eyes, we make up for the lack of moisture. Oxygen supply to the skin is an excellent preventive measure against puffiness.
- Improves skin color … Tired skin takes on a grayish color, the capillaries protruding through it add an unhealthy yellowness or bluish tint. Green tea refreshes the dermis, makes it rested, glowing. By improving blood circulation in the vessels and capillaries, it flows to the integumentary tissues, restoring the natural radiance.
- Soothes & Relieves Inflammation … Puffiness and blue under the eyes, which has arisen after a long stay in a mode unusual for the eyes (in the sun, in front of a computer, near a fire, in dust or smoke), is accompanied by peeling, skin irritation. Essential oils of tea contribute to its rapid healing, neutralize the negative effects of various kinds of radiation, eliminate irritation and, consequently, edema.
Important! Make sure that bags and dark circles under the eyes are an imprint of a poor lifestyle or heredity, and not an external manifestation of a disease (heart, kidneys, endocrine system) that requires immediate treatment. Be sure to visit a general practitioner and endocrinologist, especially if you are over 35, tea will not help in this case.
Contraindications to the use of green tea
The skin around the eyes needs gentle, nurturing care. Green tea does not cause allergies, is practically harmless when used topically, but some precautions should still be followed.
Consider the following when applying green tea under the eyes as part of home beauty products:
- Product quality … Only the best is necessary for the eyes. The maximum usefulness can be obtained only from high-quality large-leaf green tea. The least good is from small grains of tea in the form of granules, in addition, dust particles can get into the eyes and damage the mucous membrane. The teabag option is okay too, as long as there is no obvious tea debris in them that does not bring any benefit. The color of good tea is light green, pistachio is the best variety, dark, dirty green is spoiled or overdried.
- Unwanted additives … Pure green tea is not allergic to the vast majority of people and does not harm the skin. But additives in it in the form of fragrances, particles of fruits, flower petals can be your antigen or too harsh for the thin epidermis under the eyes.
- Caffeine … There is more caffeine in green tea than in natural coffee. Therefore, refrain from cosmetic procedures based on it just before bedtime. If you are very sensitive to alkaloids, then the surge of vivacity will inappropriately deprive you of sleep.
- Color pigment … The color of green tea is not as pronounced as black, but it becomes saturated when brewed with boiling water. Observe the time of exposure of the lotions (compresses) indicated in the recipes, otherwise the bruises under the lower eyelids will acquire a new shade, especially if the skin is endowed with aristocratic pallor. Usually 10-15 minutes is enough, you can repeat the procedure several times a day.
- Drying effect … Any aqueous solutions lead to drying of the epidermis, including tea leaves. There is a way out - make it a rule to blot your skin with a napkin after the tea ceremony and apply your usual cream under the lower eyelids. If you are struggling with dark circles, then it should be deeply hydrated, tonic, or anti-aging. If you want to remove bags and swelling, then give preference to a tonic cream with an effect against signs of fatigue and swelling of the eyelids.
Important! It is not necessary to carry out tea procedures for the eyes in the winter before going outside. Moisture-saturated skin will not tolerate frost well.
Green tea cosmetic recipes for eye bags
It makes sense to resort to an ambulance for green tea when it comes to cosmetic defects - blue, grayish circles and puffiness around the eyes. You can fight them yourself, the properties of green tea in recipes will come in handy. If the color of the circles under the lower eyelids has other shades - brown, blue-violet, dark yellow, then they are probably caused by some kind of ailment.
Green tea lotion for puffiness under the eyes
To prepare the lotion, you should take green tea in its pure form without flavor enhancers and additives. It is a good idea to supplement the brew with a collection of various medicinal herbs, but it is not necessary.
Green tea lotion recipes for under eye skin care:
- Classic recipe … Pour one or two teaspoons of green tea with cool boiling water (200 ml), leave to infuse and cool to a comfortable temperature, strain the tea leaves through cheesecloth folded in several layers to prevent the smallest particles from entering the liquid.
- With chamomile … Mix a spoonful of green tea with an equal amount of dried chamomile flowers. Pour the mixture with a glass of boiling water, let it brew for 15 minutes, strain and use.
- With birch leaves … An excellent tonic is prepared as follows: grind a glass of fresh birch leaves, fill with sparkling mineral water, leave for 2-3 hours (or until morning) in a tightly sealed glass container. Drain the infusion and combine with an equal amount of cooled green tea leaves.
Store the product in the refrigerator, in a glass jar, use in the morning and evening. Wipe the puffiness area under your lower eyelids with a cotton pad soaked in lotion. The procedure will remove swelling and bruising, along the way, eliminate the feeling of cramps, redness, eye fatigue. It is good to lie down with tea lotion for 10-20 minutes. Time is determined by the severity of the problem. You can make a compress from the lotion or freeze it in the form of ice cubes. Advice! The lotion is suitable for gentle cleansing of the skin, including for removing make-up.
Cosmetic ice from green tea for bruises under the eyes
The leading position among the remedies for bruises under the eyes is occupied by frozen green tea. Its composition is so self-sufficient, saturated with vitamins that it does not need any supplements. The main thing is that the tea is of a good grade, not fake.
Cosmetic ice recipes:
- Classic without additives … It is not difficult to make cosmetic ice from green tea: brew the leaves with hot water (not boiling water) at the rate of 2 tablespoons of tea for half a glass of boiling water. Cool the liquid, pour it into special trays for ice or any convenient containers, put in the freezer. It will take 25-30 minutes, and the ice is ready.
- With lemon juice … To enhance the effect, you can add a few drops of lemon juice to the tea leaves. This ice will refresh, tighten and brighten the skin under the eyes.
- With medicinal herbs … Prepare a collection of any dry herbs, for example: cornflower, parsley, oak bark, lime blossom, sage, mint. These plants are best suited to the goal of removing dark circles and puffiness under the eyes. Combine a spoonful of herbs and green tea. Next, prepare ice according to the classic recipe.
Cosmetic ice is easy to use, stored in the refrigerator for a long time, eliminates bruises and puffiness under the eyes with regular use. Massage cleansed under eye skin with ice cubes in the morning and evening to refresh and revitalize.
Green tea masks for bruises under the eyes
Regular use of homemade masks will make the blue under the eyes less noticeable. Nutrient, moisturizing substances of tea and additional ingredients will restore metabolic processes in the skin, improve blood and lymph circulation. Use whitening products as additives.
Recipes for nourishing, moisturizing and brightening green tea masks:
- With cottage cheese … The mask will require soft, fatty cottage cheese without additives, not too dry, but also without excess moisture. Knead it well and apply gently under the eyes, being careful not to stretch the delicate skin. Leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes, then remove with cotton pads, abundantly dipped in room temperature green tea infuser.
- With sour cream … Mix sleeping green tea leaves with high-fat sour cream, or better homemade, in a 1: 1 ratio. Apply the resulting mass to gauze napkins and apply them to the problem area. Lie with the mask for 5-10 minutes, then remove.
- With mint … Thoroughly chop the green leaves of fresh mint to a gruel state and place on a spoonful of gauze napkins, previously soaked in a green tea brew at room temperature. Apply napkins to the area under the lower eyelids for 15 minutes. This procedure will refresh, brighten the skin and relieve puffiness.
After maintaining the specified time, remove the mask with warm water, then rinse your face with cold. The effect can be strengthened with tea wash.
Green tea compresses for dark circles under the eyes
The delicate area under the lower eyelids ages quickly, reacts sensitively to fatigue, unfavorable conditions with a dark skin color. Compresses (lotions) cope well with this problem, moisturize the dermis, fill with energy. A few simple recipes for bruising under the eyes with a whitening effect:
- With parsley … Parsley itself is good for supporting aging skin under the eyes, and together with green tea, they create a magical tandem. Prepare tea, drain the liquid and combine the tea leaves with parsley leaves, grind the mixture in a blender. Place the resulting gruel under your eyes for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. If the skin is very sensitive, then the mass can be placed between two layers of gauze. The whitening effect of parsley and the tonic properties of the tea will cope with bruises.
- With potatoes and cucumber … Mix three liquids: cucumber juice and potato juice, cold green tea leaves, taken in equal amounts. Soak cotton pads in the composition, make a compress under the eyes, soak it for 15-20 minutes.
- With milk … Boil milk, divide in two. Cool one part and heat the other slightly. Add a little green tea infusion to the cold milk. Soak cotton swabs alternately in hot and cold milk, each applying under the eyes for 3 minutes. Repeat 4-5 times. Always finish with a cold wash.
During the procedure, you must take a horizontal position. After removing the compress, be sure to apply the cream around the eyes.
Important! Compresses are not prepared from hot broths; it is better to cool them to room temperature. Cold or frozen lotions are often used.
Green tea lotions for circles and bags under the eyes
To erase the traces of a sleepless night, stress or the consequences of some harmful factors, lotions under the eyes will help. The procedures performed in the morning will effectively cope with the problem, refresh the "tired" skin. Green tea restores elasticity to the epidermis, in order to more effectively get rid of excess fluid in the tissues, other components can be added to it.
Here are some of the best recipes for lotions from the arsenal of traditional medicine for bags under the eyes:
- Contrast compresses … You can quickly deal with bruises and swelling under the lower eyelids using the contrast effect. Cool half of the tea brew by adding ice cubes, and heat the second part, but do not make it too hot, so as not to burn the delicate skin. Soak cotton swabs in hot liquid and apply under the eyes for a few minutes, then cool the steamed skin with a cold compress. Repeat the procedure several times. The best time for her is in the evening after removing cosmetics and cleansing the skin.
- From tea bags … The fastest and most effective version of the compress is prepared as follows: squeeze freshly brewed and cooled green tea bags and place them on a plate in the freezer for 10 minutes. Place the bags under your eyes and lie down quietly with the compress for 10-15 minutes. The anti-inflammatory ingredients in green tea work well with swelling.
- With potatoes … Grind raw potatoes in a blender or grate on a fine grater. Wrap the resulting gruel in a gauze napkin dipped in tea leaves. Remove the compress after 15 minutes. Another option is to apply the potato gruel directly to the skin under the lower eyelids, then apply cotton swabs soaked in green tea on top.
- With cabbage … Squeeze the juice from the cabbage leaves and mix with cold tea leaves at a 1: 1 ratio. Apply cotton pads or tampons soaked in liquid for half an hour under your eyes. Repeat the compresses every evening for several days and the swelling will go away.
Important! To get rid of swelling and bruising under the lower eyelids for a long time, perform the procedures at least 2-3 times a week for 2-3 weeks, then take a break. If skin problems bother you often, then get in the habit of doing them regularly. How to use green tea for the skin under the eyes - watch the video:
Swelling and blue circles under the eyes can add 10-15 years. Green tea is endowed with the precious property of maintaining youthfulness and health of the skin, slowing down its aging. An effective fight against dermal problems includes a set of regular procedures based on green tea infusions, where natural ingredients can be introduced at your discretion. The beauty and freshness of the eyes will bring back the charm and good mood.
