Green Tea and Other Tea Polyphenols: Effects on Sebum Production and Acne Vulgaris

Abstract

Polyphenols are antioxidant molecules found in many foods including nuts, fruits, vegetables, chocolate, wine, and tea. Polyphenols have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic properties. Recent studies suggest that tea polyphenols may be used for reducing sebum production in the skin and for treatment of acne vulgaris. This review examines the evidence for use of topically and orally ingested tea polyphenols against sebum production and for acne treatment and prevention. The PubMed database was searched for studies on tea polyphenols, sebum secretion, and acne vulgaris. Of the 59 studies found, eight met the inclusion criteria. Two studies evaluated tea polyphenol effects on sebum production; six studies examined tea polyphenol effects on acne vulgaris. Seven studies evaluated topical tea polyphenols; one study examined systemic tea polyphenols. None of the studies evaluated both topical and systemic tea polyphenols. Tea polyphenol sources included green tea (six studies) and tea, type not specified (two studies). Overall, there is some evidence that tea polyphenols in topical formulation may be beneficial in reducing sebum secretion and in treatment of acne. Research studies of high quality and with large sample sizes are needed to assess the efficacy of tea polyphenols in topical and oral prevention of acne vulgaris and lipid synthesis by the sebaceous glands.

Acne and nutrition: hypotheses, myths and facts

“…Even though this study reports recent epidemiological data about factors triggering acne, other factors, including diet, may be concomitantly responsible for the evolution of acne in the population studied, such as sugar added to beverages containing tea. Conversely, there is some evidence through level C studies that green tea polyphenols may be beneficial in reducing sebum secretion, while also showing some antimicrobial properties, thus being potentially beneficial in acne …”

“…Conversely, there is some evidence through level C studies that green tea polyphenols may be beneficial in reducing sebum secretion, while also showing some antimicrobial properties, thus being potentially beneficial in acne. 77,78 Vongraviopap and Asawanonda reported that 99% dark chocolate, when consumed in normal amounts for 4 weeks, exacerbated acne in male subjects with acne-prone skin, potentially due to the presence of saturated fatty acids. 79 A crossover, randomized, level B study of the impact of chocolate bars and jelly beans on the worsening or onset of acne showed that chocolate bar intake resulted in a worsening of acne.…”

Acne Protection: Measures & Miseries

“…Recent studies suggest that tea polyphenols may be used for reducing sebum production in the skin and for treatment of AV. Again, green tea and green tea-lotus combination topicals could be used to treat skin diseases that are associated with increased sebum secretion, such as AV [163][164][165]. Apple polyphenols (APP) inhibited Dexamethasone-induced lipid production and expression of sterol response element-binding protein-1 and its target enzymes, acetyl-CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthase, in the sebocytes.…”

The Role of Nutrition in Dermatology

“…The Paleolithic diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, grassfed meat, nuts, and healthy fats, has been suggested to be an ideal diet to prevent acne and help alleviate acne vulgaris in affected individuals [21,22]. Tea, a beverage commonly consumed worldwide, contains polyphenols, which are antioxidant molecules with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties [23]. Some studies have suggested that tea polyphenols reduce overall sebum production and thus can help treat acne [23][24][25][26][27][28][29].…”

“…Tea, a beverage commonly consumed worldwide, contains polyphenols, which are antioxidant molecules with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties [23]. Some studies have suggested that tea polyphenols reduce overall sebum production and thus can help treat acne [23][24][25][26][27][28][29]. Compared to other types of tea, green tea has the highest polyphenolic content [30].…”