Whether consuming tea leads to acne breakouts is a common concern regarding diet and skin health. Tea’s relationship with acne is not straightforward; the answer depends on the specific type of tea and how it is prepared. For most people, the compounds naturally found in the tea leaf present a minimal risk. However, the additions frequently mixed into the drink can significantly alter its effect on the skin.
Examining Potential Acne Triggers in Tea
The most significant component in traditional black, oolong, and green teas that may indirectly influence acne is caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant that triggers the adrenal glands, increasing the production of the stress hormone cortisol. Elevated cortisol levels prompt the skin’s sebaceous glands to produce excess sebum, or oil. This overproduction contributes to clogged pores and an environment where acne-causing bacteria thrive.
However, the caffeine content in tea is generally lower than in coffee, meaning the hormonal impact is less pronounced. The core tea leaves themselves, outside of caffeine, are not direct acne triggers for the average person. For those who drink tea plain, any connection to breakouts is likely mild.
Additives and Preparation Methods
The true triggers for acne often lie in the ingredients added to the cup, especially those that increase the drink’s overall glycemic load. Sweeteners like sugar, honey, or high-fructose corn syrups cause a rapid spike in blood glucose levels. The body responds by releasing insulin, which increases Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1). This hormonal cascade is problematic because IGF-1 stimulates androgens, hormones that increase sebum production and promote skin cell proliferation that clogs pores.
Dairy products, particularly skim milk, are also frequently added to tea and associated with increased acne severity. Milk contains its own growth factors, including bovine IGF-1, which contributes to the increase in human IGF-1 levels. The whey protein fraction in milk is a potent stimulator of insulin and IGF-1 signaling, promoting inflammation. This makes sweetened, milk-based tea lattes a far more likely contributor to breakouts than the tea itself.
Teas That May Support Skin Health
Certain types of tea offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may support clearer skin. Green tea is rich in polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is both anti-inflammatory and anti-androgenic, helping reduce acne redness and decreasing sebum excretion. Studies show that consuming green tea extract can improve acne lesions and reduce oiliness.
Specific herbal teas are also noted for their skin-supportive effects, most notably spearmint tea. Spearmint tea is considered a natural remedy for hormonal acne due to its anti-androgen properties. The compounds in spearmint may help lower circulating androgens, such as free testosterone, which reduces the excessive sebum production leading to hormonal breakouts. Choosing a sugar-free, milk-free herbal or green tea may be a beneficial dietary choice for those concerned about acne.