I used this DIY green tea toner for a month and it made my acne scars disappear

My skin is the weirdest in the sense that I just cannot tell its type. Sometimes it’s oily and sometimes it’s dry, and the monsoon season makes it exceptionally worse. Each year as the heat gives way to the rainy season, I get acne. The zits subside soon enough, but what stays behind are acne scars!

When it comes to acne scars, they are as stubborn as belly fat. I have been struggling for years to find a cure that also suits my skin. Since this year, we were locked up at home, I decided to try a whole lot of home remedies. From besan and turmeric to tomato juice, I tried it all. Until I found one which actually worked. Enter: green tea. 

Also, read: Not just weight loss, here are 5 other things drinking green tea can do for you

I knew that green tea is rich in antioxidants and also has anti-inflammatory properties. So I decided to replace my otherwise chemically-laden toner with a home-made green tea toner. To be honest, I kept my hopes and expectations really low. 

I started using the toner religiously twice a day after washing my face with a gentle cleanser. The first couple of days nothing really happened, but after a week I started noticing that my acne scars were actually getting lighter. This gave me the motivation to continued with it for a month more. During this month, I didn’t break out even once and my acne scars faded away. And now this green tea toner has permanently entered my skincare routine.

Why does green tea toner work?
The University of Maryland Medical Center states green tea is rich in epigallocatechin gallate (ECGC) chemical which is among the most potent catechin compounds. One of the main side effects of acne is inflammation, and this inflammation may cause sores that further develop into acne scars. This compound is effective at reducing skin inflammation. 

ECGC also has antibiotic and antioxidant properties that further help to prevent or treat acne. 

Also, read: Try these 6 home remedies to get rid of those pesky acne scars naturally

A study published in 2017 found that a compound–polyphenols found in green tea is known to assist skin health. It prevents the sebaceous glands from producing excess sebum or oil which prevents further breaking out. 

So how can you make this green tea toner at home?
Take a cup of water (about 120 ml) and bring it to boil and then add 1 tsp of green tea leaves or dip one green tea bag in it. Let it brew. After it cools down, transfer it in a bottle (glass is preferred) and keep it in the refrigerator. You can easily use this for 7 to 8 days.

How can you use it?
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and then dab on the DIY toner with the help of a cotton pad. The cooling effect will reduce the appearance of pores and also the inflammation. And then moisturise your face as you usually would.