Green tea has been used for centuries by Asian cultures for it’s medicinal properties. Only in the past decades has it caught the attention of westerners. Since then, it has gained in popularity. Chock full of antioxidants and compounds, green tea extract is found in an increasing number of skin care formulations. But can it really banish cellulite? Let’s find out.

Green Tea And It’s Extracts

Green tea comes from the plant Camelia Sinensis, the same plant that gives us black and oolong tea. The leaves of the bush are gathered and steamed. Then, they are rolled out and dried, resulting in large, flat leaves that retain most of their original green color. In the case of black and oolong tea, they are prepared by fermenting the leaves. The extract is prepared by steaming the leaves to collect the active chemicals, and then reducing them down to a solid form. This way, it’s potency is increased by up to 20 times.

How Does It Banish Cellulite?

Green tea contains high concentrations of catechin polyphenols. These are compounds that have detoxifying and fat burning properties. Drinking the tea or taking the extract as a supplement can reduce cellulite by intensifying fat oxidation and preventing fat storage.

Furthermore, results can also be achieved when applied to cellulite ridden areas. The extract contains theobromine, which is an alkaloid that can penetrate the skin. Theobromine is known to stimulate the release of stored fat, much in the same way that caffeine does. In general, Camelia Sinensis extract is quite beneficial for the skin. It is an anti inflammatory, and can help counteract the effects of more powerful skin care ingredients, making it a great weapon in the fight against cellulite.