Green Tea Time: Restore Skin's Natural Balance

The serene setting of the Japanese tea house and garden at the Bloedel Reserve.

Tea tickles my fancy. It reawakens my senses in the morning, and then rejuvenates my body and soul at the end of a long, busy day.

What would it be like to enjoy this warm, soothing beverage in a traditional Japanese tea house? I recently got the chance to imagine the experience when I visited the Bloedel Reserve on Washington's Bainbridge Island. The 150-acre estate features a tranquil Japanese tea house, along with luxurious landscapes of immaculate lawns, moss-covered woods, natural lakes, and a meditative stone and sand Zen garden. 

Popular tea types include black, green and white. They distinguish themselves by the method in which they're harvested and processed. Green tea has reached superstar status with its mind-blowing mixture of magical antioxidants called catechin polyphenols, which also contain flavonoids. They make headlines for helping fight damage caused by free radicals and suppressing signs of premature aging.

This means green tea not only has the ability to promote health and well-being, but it can also restore the skin's natural balance. It contains vitamins B and C, which help boost collagen and renew skin cells. Plus, studies have shown that the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits of catechins control the development of acne and rosacea, and reduce sun damage. 

Take a bow green tea--you deserve it. In honor of all your achievements, we've assembled the latest, greatest skincare products containing your glorious goodness. Tell us which ones tickle your fancy. 

SHINE: CellCeuticals PhotoDefense Color Radiance SPF 55+ (fair). BEAUTY: Prevent sun damage and balance skin tone with SPF 55, green tea and pear fruit extracts, and hyaluronic acid. BEACON: No animal testing and vegan. Free of artificial colorants and fragrances, sodium laurel sulfates, phthalates and parabens.

SHINE: HydroPeptide Eye. BEAUTY: Peptides, green tea extract, pearl powder, and vitamins E and K diminish dark circles, reduce puffiness and minimize crow's feet. BEACON: No animal testing. Contains no parabens, synthetic fragrances or phthalates. Supports Beauty For Pure Water.

SHINE: KTO Skincare Intense Tightening Serum and Radiant Anti-Aging Facial Cream. BEAUTY: Firms and smoothes skin with aloe vera leaf juice and green tea extract. BEACON: Cruelty free.

SHINE: Peter Lamas Chinese Herb Body Lotion. BEAUTY: Chinese herbs, aloe vera leaf extract and green tea help strengthen and soften skin. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Free of parabens. 

SHINE: Nature Pure Labs Green Tea Refining Serum (10 ampoules). BEAUTY: Restore skin's elasticity with hyaluronic acid and green tea extract. BEACON: No animal testing. Contains no parabens, or artificial colors or fragrances. 

SHINE: Refineé Nourishing Daily Cleanser. BEAUTY: Green tea, aloe vera leaf extract, and tangerine and lavender essential oils purify and soften the skin. BEACON: No animal testing. 

SHINE: Saian Green Tea Mineral Sunblock SPF 30. BEAUTY: Prevent sunburn and nourish skin with aloe vera extract, green tea, SPF 30 and vitamin E. BEACON: Cruelty free. Contains no parabens, artificial fragrances and colors, or propylene glycol.

SHINE: Sumbody Teaz Me Face Cream. BEAUTY: Cucumber extract, coconut and avocado oils, and green tea rehydrate skin and fight free radicals. BEACON: Contains no parabens, animal oils, sodium laurel/laureth sulfates, artificial preservatives or synthetic chemicals.