Posts Tagged ‘free radical damage’

Made from tender leaves and buds handpicked from the top of the Camellia sinesis plant, white tea is a purer, unoxidised variant of the more traditional black and green teas.

Already applauded for its ability to break down fat stores, researchers from Kingston University, London, have found that white tea has significant potential to prevent skin ageing by inhibiting enzymes that attack collagen and elastase. In addition it mimics the actions of one of the body’s own antioxidant enzymes, preventing the skin from oxidative stress which causes a breakdown in cellular strength and function.

The study, published in the BioMed Central Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, tested 23 extracts from 21 plants for their anti-ageing capabilities and found white tea to be the runaway success story. Its showed the highest levels of defence against collagenase (87 per cent) and elastase (89 percent), two enzymes which pose a serious threat to skin by breaking down the natural collagen and elastin that keep it youthful. White tea also displayed the highest superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic activity, with levels of 87.92 per cent. SOD is believed to slow the process of ageing by reducing free radical damage.

Cementing the strength of white tea’s anti-ageing capabilities, the concentration of white tea used in the experiments was significantly weaker than that of a normal cup of the tea. Professor Declan Naughton, who led the study, told Cosmetics Design, “We were pretty blown away by the results.”

The study also found that white tea may have anti-inflammatory benefits, while a team of US-based scientists at the University Hospitals of Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University have proven that ingredients in white tea are effective in boosting the immune function of skin cells, protecting them from DNA damage caused by exposure to the sun.

White tea extract has already been harnessed in a variety of cult beauty products, which have pioneered its use for antioxidising, anti-inflammatory and sun protection benefits. Here are some of our favourites.

Sophyto Pholyphenol Drops uses white tea to create an extremely gentle, non-irritating serum that is effective in the fight against free radicals. £45.00

BECCA Mineral Primer not only moisturises and prepares a canvas ready for make up, it utilises the antioxidants found in white tea extract to prevent ageing and keep skin healthy in the sun. £33.00

DuWop Revolotion Bronzing Body Moisturiser lends skin a bronze tint with a slight shimmer. It’s rich in antioxidants, including white tea extract, which soothe irritation and reduce skin puffiness. £27.00

Neal’s Yard Remedies White Tea Eye Gel is a brilliant natural eye rescue gel for people who don’t like putting chemicals near their eyes. It uses bioactive white tea extract to reduce puffiness and combat the signs of ageing. £18.00