The Benefits of Green Chai in Skincare
When most of us hear the words “green chai” we imagine a steaming hot cup of soothing tea. “Chai” is simply another word for tea and While the benefits of consuming green tea have been a major topic of conversation over the years, topical use of this antioxidant-rich ingredient hasn’t received as much notoriety despite its wide ranging applications in skincare.
At AVYA, we balance potent, medical-grade actives with ingredients that have been used in Ayurvedic practices for thousands of years to give you skincare that’s effective, yet gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types. One ancient Ayurvedic ingredient that we’ve incorporated into our brand new, ultra hydrating Hydroveda collection is green chai. We wanted to share some reasons why this ingredient is a great addition to your daily skincare routine.
Green chai extract improves moisture retention
Green tea has been used in ancient Ayurvedic practices for thousands of years. Derived from the camellia sinensis plant, this ingredient is rich in polyphenols, also known as catechins, giving it antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that benefit skin by reducing puffiness, increasing UV protection and moisture retention.
Green chai is a common drink that when ingested daily can provide a wealth of overall health benefits linked to everything from improved digestion and weight management to better focus and increased physical energy. The leaves are dried and crushed, usually in order to be steeped in boiling water to make an ingestible tea. The topical use of this ingredient also provides incredible benefits.
Green tea extract used in skincare typically contains antioxidants and compounds including flavonoids, vitamins and polyphenols such as EGCG. Polyphenols are antioxidant molecules that contain antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antineoplastic, or tumor-preventing, properties. Green chai strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier allowing skin to retain moisture and stay plump. When combined with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, it boosts hydration and leaves skin smooth and supple which gives skin the ability to heal quicker.
Green chai extract is proven to help prevent skin cancer and premature aging
Among several environmental factors that lead to skin disorders, UV radiation is the top cause of issues associated with aging skin. Premature fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and dryness, as well as more serious diseases like skin cancer, can all be attributed to overexposure to the sun’s damaging rays. Green chai not only contains antioxidants that fight free radicals, but it contains EGCG, the primary polyphenol compound that combats photosensitivity and sun damage. This is why we included green chai as a primary ingredient in our Hydroveda Sheer Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 40.
Green chai in this formulation boosts the sun protecting properties of zinc and titanium dioxide while also giving the hyaluronic acid a boost in providing the ultimate hydration leaving your skin moisturized and protected from the elements. The lightweight formula also makes it really easy to apply and reapply as needed without feeling greasy or heavy on your skin.