Many people might be hearing this term for the first time, but EGCG has been known to aid in skin health for years. You might not have heard of EGCG, but must have heard about the benefits of using green tea for your skin, right?
Well, the benefits that green tea provides to the skin are all due to EGCG. EGCG stands for Epigallocatechin Gallate. Try saying that five times in a row.
EGCG (we are not going to write the full name for obvious reasons) is a catechin. What is catechin? Catechin is a group of phenol, a flavan-3-ol which is a part of flavonoids. Let’s leave the rest of it for chemistry class.
EGCG has gotten the attention of many scientists and cosmetics companies due to its excellent cell healing properties, eliminating free radicals, and even fighting against certain types of cancer.
So we decided to find and list all the benefits of EGCG in skin care products and whether should you spend your hard-earned money on it.
Benefits of EGCG for Skin
Moisturizes Your Skin
Any ingredient that can moisturize the skin or help it in retaining moisture is a great ingredient. Many studies have shown that EGCG moisturizes the skin and improves skin barrier health.
Prevents Signs of Aging
Much research, including this one, has shown the wonderful ways EGCG can prevent the signs of aging. With regular topical application of products with EGCG and other ingredients, it was found that EGCG:
- Improved the moisture content of the skin
- Improved skin texture
- Reduced wrinkles
- Reduces fine lines
Reduce Melanin Production
Melanin is the pigment that’s responsible for your skin color. The issue is that sometimes, due to environmental factors, skin starts to produce melanin in localized clusters resulting in hyperpigmentation, sun spots, dark spots, melasma, etc.
Research has shown that EGCG was very effective in reducing the production of melanin, even after the skin was exposed to UV radiation.
So if you are suffering from hyperpigmentation, adding EGG to your skincare regimen would be very beneficial.
Prevents Cell Death
Apoptosis is the programmed death of a cell. It could be induced due to many factors, namely damage due to the sun. A study found that EGCG was very effective in reversing the damage due to UV rays.
If you want to make sure your skin is healthy, preventing the skin cells from dying definitely comes on the “To-Do” list.
Prevents Skin Cancer
You know that an ingredient is really good when research shows that it effectively reduces the chances of developing skin cancer.
EGCG is an excellent anti-oxidant and it prevents the skin from getting damaged by free radicals and even UC rays. Free radicals and UV rays cause DNA damage that can lead to cancer. Read this research paper to know more about it.
Protects from Sun
EGCG is also an excellent UV protector. Wearing sunscreen with EGCG is a great way to nourish your skin while getting essential sun protection.
Wound Healing
A study found that EGCG is also excellent in promoting wound healing. It means that if your skin is experiencing irritation, redness, breakouts, etc, EGCG would be excellent in soothing and healing your skin.
Where to Get EGCG?
Green tea contains EGCG but the quantity in it is not enough to provide some strong results. That does not mean you should not use green tea for skin care. It is still beneficial, no matter how minute the benefits are.
But if you want stronger results with EGCG. There are some great skincare products that come with concentrated forms of EGCG.
For example, The Ordinary’s Caffeine and EGCG solution is a brilliant product. One Thing also makes EGCG serum. While the cost of the product can be a bit on the expensive side, the benefits justify the price.
With all the knowledge, remember to take care of your skin.
