Green tea offers many benefits for overall skincare. It contains antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and anti-bacterial properties. About one third of the dry weight of the green tea leaves is made up of antioxidant flavonoids called catechins. Catechins are effective because they stick to proteins easily and and block bacteria from adhering to cell walls. This disrupts the bacteria's ability to destroy the cells. The antioxidant agents slow the signs of aging externally and provide beneficial vitamins for overall skin health when taken internally. The main antioxidant found in green tea, EGCG (epigallocatechin3-gallate), was found to be 100 times more effective than vitamin C and 25 times more effective than vitamin E. Research suggests that this antioxidant-rich beverage can inhibit skin cancer due to its protective properties. A report released by the University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that green tea applied directly to t...