After earlier showing the efficacy of green tea and lotus extracts in skin disorders involving excess sebum in a single-blinded, placebo-controlled, split-face comparative study,23 Mahmood and Akhtar conducted a 60-day placebo-controlled comparative split-face study in 33 healthy Asian men to evaluate the efficacy of two cosmetic formulations (green tea and lotus extract) for facial wrinkles. All of the formulations yielded improvements in skin roughness, scaliness, smoothness, and wrinkling, with the greatest reduction in wrinkling conferred by the combination formulation. The investigators concluded that the synergistic activity of green tea and lotus extracts exerted significant improvement along several skin parameters, suggesting the potential for these ingredients in antiaging products.38
In 2014, the synergistic effects of green tea and ginkgo biloba were explored in preclinical and clinical studies. In the clinical study, 48 participants applied the formulations on forearm skin and were evaluated before and after 3 hours and following 15- and 30-day use periods. Results showed a moisturizing effect and enhancement in skin microrelief, as well as improvements in skin elasticity and barrier function.3
Conclusion
Green tea remains one of the most researched antioxidants as benefits from its use continue to emerge. Indeed, green tea polyphenols are in use for a growing number of indications, especially acne and anogenital warts, and there is reason for optimism that topically applied green tea will gain momentum as an increasingly selected therapeutic option. More clinical studies are necessary to further establish the potential role of green tea for a wider range of cutaneous indications. Green tea holds particular promise in relation to photoprotection against UV-induced skin cancer and skin aging.
Dr. Baumann is chief executive officer of the Baumann Cosmetic & Research Institute in the Design District in Miami. She founded the Cosmetic Dermatology Center at the University of Miami in 1997. Dr. Baumann wrote the textbook “Cosmetic Dermatology: Principles and Practice” (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2002), and a book for consumers, “The Skin Type Solution” (New York: Bantam Dell, 2006). Her latest book, “Cosmeceuticals and Cosmetic Ingredients,” was published in November 2014. Dr. Baumann has received funding for clinical grants from Allergan, Aveeno, Avon Products, Evolus, Galderma, GlaxoSmithKline, Kythera Biopharmaceuticals, Mary Kay, Medicis Pharmaceuticals, Neutrogena, Philosophy, Topix Pharmaceuticals, and Unilever. She also developed and owns the Baumann Skin Type Solution skin typing systems and related products
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