Acne is a common inflammatory skin condition that develops when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. While conventional treatments are widely used, many people seek complementary, natural remedies to support their skin health. Herbal and traditional teas offer beneficial compounds that can work internally and externally to manage the symptoms of breakouts.
The General Science Behind Tea and Skin Health
Tea’s therapeutic effect on the skin is largely due to its high concentration of polyphenols, which are powerful plant-based antioxidants. These compounds neutralize free radicals, mitigating the oxidative stress that contributes to cellular damage and inflammation in acne development. Certain tea components also exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the redness and swelling associated with active breakouts.
The anti-acne mechanism also involves regulating the skin’s oil production. Polyphenols, such as catechins, influence the activity of enzymes that stimulate the sebaceous glands, leading to a decrease in excess sebum. Furthermore, several tea compounds demonstrate antimicrobial action against Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes), the bacteria implicated in acne formation.
Specific Teas Recommended for Acne
Green Tea is often recommended due to its high concentration of the catechin epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a potent antioxidant that helps lower lipid levels in the skin and possesses anti-androgenic properties, effectively reducing sebum excretion. For optimal extraction, green tea should be steeped in water between 158 and 176 degrees Fahrenheit (70–80°C) for up to five minutes.
Spearmint Tea is noted for its benefits in women who experience hormonal acne, which often manifests as cystic lesions around the jawline and chin. Studies suggest that spearmint possesses anti-androgenic effects, helping to lower free testosterone levels that contribute to increased sebum production and inflammation. Consuming two cups of spearmint tea daily has been shown in small studies to potentially reduce inflammatory acne lesions.
For soothing inflamed skin, Chamomile Tea contains compounds like bisabolol and chamazulene, which exert anti-inflammatory effects. This helps reduce the redness and irritation accompanying active breakouts. Rooibos Tea, a caffeine-free herbal option, contains unique antioxidants such as aspalathin and nothofagin, alongside anti-inflammatory properties that help calm the skin.
Holy Basil, or Tulsi, is a beneficial herbal tea traditionally used for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Its active component, eugenol, helps combat acne-causing bacteria and reduces stress-induced inflammation, which is a known trigger for breakouts.
Safe Consumption and Usage Methods
For internal consumption, incorporate one to three cups of tea per day into your routine to enjoy the benefits of the plant compounds. Consistency is important, and positive effects often take several weeks or months of regular use to become noticeable. When preparing green tea, avoid using boiling water, which can degrade the beneficial EGCG and result in a bitter taste.
Be mindful of potential side effects, particularly with teas containing caffeine, such as green tea. Excessive caffeine intake can elevate cortisol, a stress hormone, which may indirectly worsen skin issues for some individuals. Furthermore, over-steeping black or green tea can release excessive tannins, which may cause digestive discomfort.
Topical Application Methods
Tea can also be incorporated into a topical skincare routine for direct application to the skin. A simple method is to use cooled, brewed tea as a facial toner or rinse after cleansing.
Alternatively, cooled and spent tea bags, especially green or chamomile, can be applied directly to inflamed blemishes as a compress to reduce swelling and redness. For a more intensive treatment, the moist leaves from one or two tea bags can be mixed with a soothing agent like aloe vera or honey to create a spot treatment paste.