Likely Effective for

• A sexually transmitted infection that can lead to genital warts or cancer (human papillomavirus or HPV). A specific green tea extract ointment (Polyphenon E ointment 15%) is available as a prescription product for treating genital warts. Applying the ointment for 10-16 weeks seems to clear these types of warts in 24% to 60% of patients.

Possibly Effective for

• Heart disease. Drinking green tea is linked to a reduced risk of clogged arteries. The link seems to be stronger in males than in females. Also, people who drink at least three cups of green tea daily might have a lower risk of death from heart disease.
• Cancer of the lining of the uterus (endometrial cancer). Drinking green tea is linked to a reduced risk of developing endometrial cancer.
• High levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia). Taking green tea by mouth seems to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol by a small amount.
• Ovarian cancer. Regularly drinking tea green seems to reduce the risk for ovarian cancer.

The Role It Plays in Skincare

Many of these skincare benefits result from the incredibly high content of antioxidants that can be found in green tea extract. Hidden within the abundance of antioxidants, it also contains something called epigallocatechin (say THAT five times fast!) or EGCG. EGCG is one of the most powerful antioxidative active compounds and is one of the main reasons for all of its health and beauty benefits. Not only is it an extremely powerful antioxidant, but EGCG also has strong anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Bye, bye, pimples!

• Anti-aging properties: EGCG has been known to offset the damage from sun exposure, pollution, as well as from harsh chemicals. It is also known to repair cellular damage while reinforcing your skin’s natural defenses and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and liver spots.
• Anti-inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of green tea extract reduce redness, puffiness, and soothes the skin, giving it a more youthful appearance.
• Anti-bacterial: Thanks to the strong polyphenol, EGCG, green tea extract is also good at fighting both acne and oily skin as it reduces the production of sebum (the gross buildup that leads to acne) in the pores.
• Caffeine and Tannins: These compounds, which are found in green tea and its extract, are terrific at shrinking the blood vessels around the eyes and the tannins help to shrink the pores by acting as an astringent.