Next time you brew a cup of green tea, keep the sachet! The tea leaves inside can be used to create at home skin care treatments for your next spa day at home (and they’re oh-so-affordable!)

Green tea contains a high concentration of antioxidant-rich polyphenolic compounds (catechins in particular) that aim to fight and prevent cellular damage when consumed. It turns out that the green tea leaves (even after they’ve been steeped) can also work wonders on our skin!

Due to it’s high antioxidant concentration, green tea is great at fighting free-radical damage and protecting our skin from pollution and sun damage (yes, you still need sunscreen!). It is also wonderfully soothing and helps fight inflammation, making it a great option for those dealing with acne, dermatitis, and sensitive skin. Below are some simple recipes you can create at home, and you likely already have the ingredients!

Simple Green Tea Skin Care Recipes

1. Get Glowing Green Tea Face Mask

Prep time: 2 min

What You’ll Need

• 2 TBSP Raw Honey
• 1-2 Green Tea Sachets/Bags (used)
• 2 TBSP Aloe Vera Gel 

Directions

1. First, brew your tea, let it steep for roughly 5 minutes then remove the tea sachet and set aside to let cool.
2. After about 5-6 minutes of cooling, remove the contents of the tea sachet into a small mixing bowl.
3. Add honey and aloe vera gel and mix well.
4. Apply mixture to face and allow to sit for 15-20 minutes.
5. Rinse and glow!

2. Bye, Bye Puffiness Frozen Green Tea Cubes

Prep time: 1 hour

What You’ll Need

• Ice Cube Tray
• 1-2 Green Tea Sachets/Bags (used)
• Green tea (brewed)

Directions

1. First, brew your tea, let it steep for roughly 5 minutes.
2. Separate the tea bag(s) from the brewed tea, let both cool for 5-10 minutes.
3. Remove the contents of the tea sachet(s) and combine it with the brewed tea and mix together.
4. Evenly distribute the tea mixture in the ice cube tray and place in the freezer.
5. Let the mixture freeze (about 1 hour) before using. Can be used any time your face needs a pick-me-up and is especially wonderful when used to massage into the face in the morning! 

3. Green Tea Exfoliating Scrub

Prep time: 10 min

What You’ll Need

• ¼ Cup Raw, Granulated Sugar
• 1-2 Green Tea Sachets/Bags (used)
• 2-3 TBSP Grapeseed or Olive Oil
• 1-2 drops Rose Absolute Essential Oil (optional)
• Small glass jar

Directions

1. First, brew your tea, let it steep for roughly 5 minutes then remove the tea sachet and set aside to let cool.
2. After about 5-6 minutes of cooling, remove the contents of the tea sachet into a small mixing bowl.
3. Add all remaining ingredients into the mixing bowl with the green tea leaves and mix thoroughly.
4. Place the mixture into your glass jar and use 2-3 times per week to exfoliate the skin for a youthful glow!