DIY Green Tea Facial Toner | Quick and Easy 10-Minute Skincare Recipe

DIY Green Tea Facial Toner

If you follow me on Instagram then you likely know that a few weeks ago I decided to swap out my coffee for green tea during the weekdays. I’ve always had insomnia and I just realized that my morning coffee was likely really not helping. I still enjoy my coffee on the weekends, but Monday through Friday I am all about green tea! 

Since swapping out my coffee for green tea I’ve actually found that my sleep has improved immensely and that my anxiety has felt more manageable. So, I definitely will be keeping this new routine up! 

Having all this green tea got me really thinking about all its benefits of it. It’s loaded with antioxidants that help protect your body from cancers, it improves brain function (and since I often have brain fog thanks to my hypothyroidism – I need all the help I can get!), and it helps with weight loss.

Since green tea can do so much good for our health when ingested, I started to wonder if it would also have benefits when applied topically. 

Benefits of Green Tea in Skincare:

After just a little bit of research, I found out that YES – green tea can be great for your skin. On healthline.com they noted that green tea can help improve acne, balance oils in the skin, and reduce puffiness.

I have always used green tea bags on my eyes when they are sore or puffy and after reading all the benefits of green tea in skincare I realized that I should incorporate it into my skincare routine in a bigger way.

Over the last year, my skin has really been out of whack and it’s been hard to re-balance it. I decided to go off birth control after years of it having negative effects on my mental health. Since being off of it, my mind has felt clearer and I truly do feel it was a good choice for me, but I’ve also had more acne flare-ups and bouts of eczema than I ever have had before. And, it’s really forced me to look at my skincare and my diet. 

When I first started dealing with the acne flare-ups my initial reaction was to use harsh products that would dry out the blemish. And, they would work – but then my skin would get horribly dry.

It became clear that I needed to be kinder to my skin to let it heal and re-balance on its own. So rather than using drying treatments, I instead have begun incorporating Tea Tree oil into my skincare routine (ie. adding it to my serums and moisturizers), making facemasks at home (like my matcha face mask), and having more makeup-free days. 

Don’t get me wrong, I love trying new skincare and I still use face masks from brands. I just have found that I need to be more consistent and thoughtful with my skincare. 

What’s in this DIY Green Tea Facial Toner?

This DIY Green Tea Facial toner is super simple. It consists of just green tea, tea tree oil, and sometimes I add in Witch Hazel. But, if I don’t have Witch Hazel on hand then I just combine the green and tea tree oil. 

I like adding tea tree oil as it helps fight acne (my current nemesis) and it can reduce the look of redness and inflammation in the skin. 

Witch Hazel also helps clear the skin of acne by reducing inflammation in the skin.  In addition, it’s said that Witch Hazel may be anti-aging and tighten pores. 

How often can I use this DIY Green Tea Facial Toner?

I have been using this toner twice a day (in my morning and evening skincare routine) and it’s been great for my skin. If you have very sensitive skin then start by using this just once a day to see how your skin reacts. 

Each morning and evening, after cleansing, I simply apply a small quarter-size amount to a reusable cotton pad and apply the product all over my skin. I then follow up with a moisturizer, serum, and eye cream to complete my skincare routine.

DIY Green Tea Facial Toner

What You’ll Need for this DIY Green Tea Facial Toner:

• 1 Green Tea Bag
• 3/8 Cup of Water 
• 1 travel-size bottle (3 oz) 
•  3-5 drops of Tea Tree Oil
• *Optional: 1 tbsp of Witch Hazel (just make sure you account for this amount of witch hazel when you measure out the water)

Directions: 

Begin making your DIY Green Tea Facial Toner by boiling your water as though you were making your usual cup of tea. 

Then, steep your green tea bag in the water for 1-3 minutes.

Allow your tea to cool. To make it cool down faster, place your cup of tea in the fridge. 

Once cooled, pour your green tea into your container/travel bottle. **Do not pour the liquid in while it’s still hot or warm as this could melt the plastic container. 

Then add in your tea tree oil and witch hazel. If you have sensitive skin, only add 3 drops of tea tree oil.  

Shake well before each use to ensure your tea tree oil and witch hazel are fully mixed into your green tea. 

Either apply the DIY Green Tea Facial Toner to a cotton pad (I personally like to use reusable cotton pads) or simply pour a small quarter-size amount into your hands and press into the skin. 

Follow up with your favourite moisturizer or serum.