Finally, drinking green tea can generally result in healthier skin. In a study conducted by Wilhelm STAHL, the aim was to observe the effects of green tea polyphenols on the skin properties of 60 women. Over a period of 12 weeks, the participants consumed either a beverage containing green tea polyphenols providing 1402 mg of total catechins (a flavonoid in green tea) per day, or a control beverage. Photoprotection, skin structure, and skin function were measured at the start (week 0), at week 6, and at week 12.
After exposing skin areas to UV rays, the UV-induced erythema significantly decreased in the intervention group, by 16 and 25% after 6 and 12 weeks, respectively. The structural characteristics of the skin that were positively affected include elasticity, roughness, scaling, density, and water homeostasis. Consuming a green tea polyphenol-based beverage for 12 weeks increased blood flow by 29% and oxygen supply to the skin. Similarly, in a separate single-dose study (0.5, 1, and 2 g) of green tea polyphenols, blood flow was maximized 30 minutes after ingestion. In summary, it has been demonstrated that the green tea polyphenols contained in a beverage contribute to improving skin quality in women.
Maintaining skin integrity is vital for skin function and appearance, and requires an optimal intake of nutrients. It has been observed that the ingestion of green tea catechins improves skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), density, and elasticity. The improvement in skin structure may also be linked to the increase in skin blood flow due to flavonoids. Microcirculation is important for the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the skin. In the previous study, skin blood flow increased in volunteers who consumed a green tea flavonoid-enriched beverage for 12 weeks. This finding could be one of the mechanisms involved in improving skin condition.