Is Spearmint Tea Good for Acne? The Science Behind This Popular Remedy

It's widely debated and, by some, highly rated: is spearmint tea good for acne? Like, actually good, worth trying, and effective? Spearmint tea has been generating serious buzz in skincare circles lately, and I'm here to spill the tea (pun absolutely intended) on whether it deserves a spot in your acne-fighting arsenal.

Full disclaimer: I'm known for bringing my own spearmint tea bags wherever I travel. Peculiar, I know. But my acne certainly hasn't gotten worse while drinking it, so there must be something to it, right?

If you've been battling stubborn breakouts and scrolling through endless "miracle cures" online, you're probably approaching any new remedy with healthy skepticism. I get it. When your confidence is on the line with every new pimple, the last thing you need is another overhyped solution that fails to deliver.

If you're anything like me, you'll try multiple things for your acne in tandem, meaning it's difficult to know the impact of any one solution, supplement, treatment, or, in this case, tea bag. That face wash, that new supplement, cutting out dairy – was it one of these changes that helped, or the combination? It's the skincare equivalent of a mystery novel.

But is spearmint good for acne? Well, spearmint tea is gaining hype for good reason, and it might just be the missing chapter in your skin health story.

Unlike many trending remedies that come and go, this one actually has some compelling science behind it. Let's break down why spearmint tea might be worth adding to your daily routine.

The simple science: how is spearmint tea good for acne?

Spearmint tea's potential benefit boils down to one main thing: it might help balance your hormones.

If you suspect your acne is hormonal (hello, fellow sufferers), then spearmint tea could be particularly interesting for you. Those persistent chin breakouts that appear like clockwork before your period? The deep, painful bumps on your chin and along your jawline that take forever to heal? These are classic signs that hormones are behind your skin troubles.

Here's what's happening: your body naturally produces hormones called androgens (like testosterone). Everyone has them, regardless of gender, just in different amounts. When androgen levels rise or your body becomes more sensitive to them, your skin produces more oil. More oil means more clogged pores, which can lead to more breakouts.

How spearmint tea might help your skin (in plain English)

• It may lower male hormones: studies suggest spearmint can reduce androgen levels—I've linked these studies below. Lower androgens could mean less oil production and fewer breakouts. Think of it as turning down the dial on your skin's oil production.
• It can fight inflammation: spearmint contains natural compounds that help calm inflammation—inflammation is what causes the redness and swelling that makes acne so visible and painful. While nowhere near as strong as prescription meds, spearmint tea might help take the edge off in conjunction with a good diet.
• It provides antioxidants: spearmint is packed with antioxidants that can help protect your skin cells from damage. Think of antioxidants as your skin's personal bodyguards, fighting off troublemakers that can make acne worse. At the very least, it's not harmful to your skin, and could even be beneficial for your overall health.

What research actually shows about spearmint tea and acne

Let's be real: is spearmint tea good for acne according to science? There's promising research, but it's still developing.

A 2010 study looked at 40 women with a condition called PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), which can cause acne and excess hair growth due to hormone imbalances.

They found that drinking spearmint tea twice daily for a month significantly reduced testosterone levels (their words, not ours!). This matters for acne sufferers because these same hormones are often behind stubborn breakouts. Granted, the sample size was small, but the research is definitely interesting.

For over a decade, I had persistent chin acne, but never received a PCOS diagnosis because I didn't have any other symptoms. If this sounds like you, don't rule out PCOS as the cause.

Spearmint has also been used for years as a natural remedy for excess hair growth in women, a condition often linked to high testosterone levels. A 2007 study in Turkey found that when women with high testosterone and excessive hair growth—conditions often linked to hormonal acne—drank spearmint tea twice a day for five days, their active testosterone levels dropped, while other hormone levels shifted.

So, while more research is definitely needed, the idea that spearmint tea can help with hormonal acne isn’t just wishful thinking. Pretty impressive for a cup of tea.

What's the right amount of spearmint tea for acne?

If you're wondering "is spearmint tea good for acne in small amounts or do I need to drink gallons?", good news! The studies carried out to date suggest just 1-2 cups per day is enough.

This is typically one cup in the morning and one in the evening, similar to the amounts used in the studies that showed positive results.

Turn your spearmint tea drinking into a ritual—a cup before bed to help you unwind.

But be careful! Spearmint tea isn't without potential concerns:

• It can increase estrogen levels, which could be an issue if you have certain health conditions—hormones are such a fine, balancing act.
• It might interact with some medications, including sedatives—check this with your doctor or read this interactions list.
• Those with a family history of migraines might need to be cautious.
• Some people report spearmint tea elongates their menstrual cycles.

When in doubt, check with your doctor, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

How long does spearmint tea take to work for acne?

The short answer: don't expect overnight results. Is spearmint tea good for acne immediately? Unfortunately not. Healing acne really does require so much patience, sadly.

Based on research, you might start seeing improvements after about a month of drinking it regularly. More significant results typically appear after three months of consistent use.

Spearmint tea isn't a quick fix—it's more of a lifestyle addition that takes time to work. Think of it like exercise: one gym session won't transform your body, but consistent workouts over months will show results.

Is green tea or spearmint tea better for acne?

Excuse the cliché, but it's like comparing apples and oranges—both are fruit, but they work differently:

• Spearmint tea works primarily by balancing hormones. It's especially helpful for hormonal acne—those breakouts that follow your menstrual cycle or cluster around your chin and jawline.
• Green tea works by directly reducing skin oil and inflammation. It contains EGCG, a powerful compound that can help calm angry skin.

So, which is better? If your breakouts are clearly tied to your hormones, spearmint tea might be your better bet. If your acne seems more related to inflammation or appears all over your face, green tea might help more.

There's no rule saying you can't enjoy both! They work through different mechanisms, so they might even complement each other.

Pro tip: I have my spearmint tea at home and order green tea as my go-to option when I'm out.

Best spearmint tea for acne

If you're curious about trying spearmint tea for acne, quality matters. Look for:

• Organic options to avoid pesticides (your skin has enough to deal with).
• Pure spearmint tea rather than mixed blends—go get that potency.
• Reputable brands with good reviews.

Palanquin spearmint herbal tea—this is my personal go-to (4.5 on Amazon, based on 1,000+ reviews)

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Handpick Spearmint Tea (4.3 on Amazon, based on 5,800+ reviews)

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Alpi Nature Spearmint Tea - if you're about that loose leaf tea life (4.3 on Amazon, based on 700+ reviews)

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Bottom line: is spearmint tea good for acne?

I'll be completely real with you: while it's not a miracle cure, there is enough evidence to suggest that spearmint tea could be a helpful addition to your acne-fighting toolkit, especially if hormones are behind your breakouts.

The best part? Unlike many acne treatments, it's affordable, natural, and comes with few side effects for most people. Plus, it's a calming ritual that might help reduce stress a little—another known acne trigger.

Remember: Consistency is key, give it at least a month, and check with your healthcare provider if you have any underlying conditions or are taking medications that might interact with spearmint.

Is spearmint tea good for acne? The science suggests it might be, especially for hormonal acne. With minimal side effects and some promising research, it's certainly worth a try for those looking for natural ways to support clearer skin.

The content on Crowd Sorcery is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or supplement.