Instead of investing in store bought creams and other expensive elixirs that promise to tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, consider what something as cheap and accesible as black or green tea bag can do for your complexion.

There's no need to spend money on an expensive spa facial when you can give yourself a nearly free, natural facial at home, and tea is an ingredient you don't want to miss.

Green tea and black tea varieties have an extremely high antioxidant content, which means that they prevent cells from oxidizing and thus slow the aging process. Green tea is the obvious choice, as it is especially rich in catechin polyphenols, specifically epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is a power antioxidant that reduces the sign of wrinkles, heals scars, treats sun damage, firms the skin and is anti-inflammatory. Green tea also fights acne. When applied to the skin, tea repairs scar tissue and prevents wrinkles, blemishes and other impurities. When used as a sunblock, tea can actually reduce or completely erase sun damage. It also helps with warts, psoriasis, acne, and rosacea.

Tea sachets are beneficial when cold, too, helping to reduce puffiness by virtue of combining a cool compress with tannins. Tannins are a type of astringent that help to constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling. The caffeine in tea also tightens facial skin for a leaner look. 

Green Tea Bag Facial

Ingredients

• 1 cup of steaming water
• 1 green tea bag

Directions

Pour a glass of hot tea water, and let the bag sit at the top for a few seconds on both sides, trying to minimize coloring of the water. Once the tea bag begins to release steam, remove it from the water and lightly squeeze out some of the water. Wait a few minutes until the tea bag has cooled down enough to not harm your skin but is still warm. Rub the bag all over your face until it becomes cool -- about 3 minutes. 

Photo Credit: Katerha