Green Tea in Dermatology: Myths and Facts

The document from 2015 reviews the dermatological benefits of green tea and its major constituent, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). It highlights green tea's anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and chemopreventive properties, and its use in treating cutaneous viral infections, such as external genital warts. Green tea extracts have been shown to offer UV protection, potentially reduce skin cancer risk, and have beneficial effects on several dermatological diseases. The polyphenols in green tea may also contribute to sunscreen protection, anti-aging cosmetic products, and have shown efficacy against HPV-induced skin conditions and possibly HIV replication. Green tea could be beneficial for inflammatory skin diseases and hair disorders like androgenetic alopecia. However, the document emphasizes the need for more rigorous studies to confirm the efficacy and safety of green tea in dermatology.