Like green tea, black and white teas are both derived from the same plant, Camelia sinensis. Approximately 78% of the tea consumed in the world is in the form of black tea. White tea is made from immature tea leaves that are picked shortly before the buds have fully opened. The tea takes its name from the silver fuzz that still covers the buds, which turns white when the tea is dried.
Like green tea, both black and white tea contain flavonoids with the same anti-oxidant benefits. So far, the majority of studies of the health effects of tea have been performed using green tea extracts.
The majority of studies have examined the effects of tea as a beverage. However, the body of medical literature examining the topical effects of teas has been growing. Studies suggest that they appear to be anti-oxidant and photoprotective in nature. While green tea extracts are frequently added to skin care products, research into the topical cosmeceutical uses of black and white tea extracts is in its infancy.
