Written By Taiwo Kazeem
Benefits of Spearmint Tea for Acne: Natural Acne Remedies in 2025
Dealing with acne can be challenging both physically and emotionally. Achieving clear skin often requires a holistic approach, addressing both internal and external factors. If you're exploring new additions to your anti-acne routine, consider spearmint tea. Unlike traditional topical treatments, spearmint tea works internally to support clearer skin and can even serve as a preventive measure.
In this article, we’ll dive into the benefits of spearmint tea for acne, tips on incorporating it into your daily routine, safety considerations, and more. Stay tuned to discover how this natural remedy could enhance your skincare journey in 2025!
Why Is Spearmint Good for Acne?
Spearmint tea (Mentha spicata) is a variant of the mint plant that has been linked to acne treatment because of its potential ability to reduce masculine hormones (androgens) levels. Various symptoms of acne such as increased facial oil production are associated with increased androgen levels. Hence, the likely benefit of spearmint tea in treating acne.
The following provide more information on how spearmint tea can help with acne:
Anti-Androgen
Androgens are male hormones. An excess of these hormones in women translates to acne breakouts in some women. This is because androgens increase the production of sebum (oil) causing clogged pores that subsequently lead to acne.
Anti-Inflammatory
Due to the presence of polyphenols, particularly rosmarinic acid, spearmint tea has anti-inflammatory properties that help cull inflammation specifically inflammation associated with acne. This property reduces swelling, irritation, and redness.
Antimicrobial
In some cases, bacteria are involved in acne breakouts, and in such situations, the antimicrobial effects of spearmint tea might be helpful.
Antioxidant
Its antioxidant effect helps protect the skin from free radicals that may harm the skin.
Spearmint Tea Routine: Effective Doses and Tips for Acne Control
Although research is still limited, some women with PCOS and hormonal acne have sworn that spearmint tea reduces the levels of testosterone after routine usage.
Research on this has further suggested that the ideal quantity is one-two cups daily- recommended to be taken as one cup twice daily. You can start your day with the first cup and end the day with the other or just take it after a particularly heavy meal to aid digestion. However, start small and observe any potential effects before amping up the quantity. Also, consult a professional before embarking on this treatment even though it is a natural remedy.
You can make spearmint tea by adding a few fresh leaves or a spoon of dried leaves to a cup of hot water, and you can drink the tea with or without the leaves. You may even add other extracts like cocoa, fruits to spice things up or make it into a juice or smoothie.
You can also have spearmint tea hot, warm, or for a renewed twist, iced as in iced spearmint tea.
Is Spearmint Safe for Acne?
While generally considered safe due to it being a natural remedy, avoid consuming large amounts of spearmint tea as that could be problematic. That said, before taking spearmint, consider the following:
Allergic Reaction
As with everything, it is possible to be allergic to even natural herbs, and as a first-time user, you'll most likely be unaware of such allergy. So, you want to look out for any unusual symptoms following the consumption of spearmint tea. Then, if allergy to spearmint is confirmed, avoid it completely.
Hormonal Imbalance
Consuming spearmint regularly may be good for women with high androgen levels as it helps reduce testosterone levels. However, regular consumption may have the opposite effect on people who need a stable level of testosterone.
Low Iron Level
If you have low iron levels or a low ability to absorb iron, you should avoid spearmint tea (and some other herbal teas) as it can contribute to your iron deficiency.
Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women
Avoid spearmint tea if you are pregnant or lactating as it could be potentially dangerous to you and your unborn child. Why? Well, spearmint tea may contribute to hormonal fluctuations and damage to the uterine lining. For a lactating mother, there is not enough information on what may happen, so it is better to be safe than sorry.
Kidney and Liver Damage
Spearmint tea may worsen liver and kidney conditions as it contains compounds that may strain these organs. It may also interact with drugs for these conditions, potentially reducing their effectiveness or increasing side effects. Generally, if you have a liver or kidney condition, you should avoid consuming herbs, and if you must, consult with your doctor first.
The precautions above not only refer to the tea but also the supplements and, in some cases, the topical solutions.
Can Spearmint Cause Acne?
No, there's currently no evidence that spearmint can cause acne. In fact, according to some researchers, it may help alleviate symptoms that may lead to acne.
Other Benefits of Spearmint Tea
Beyond its usefulness in treating acne, spearmint tea offers the following benefits:
- Stabilizes hormonal imbalance by reducing hirsutism (excessive hair growth in women with PCOS).
- Reduces the tension in joints and bone
- Improves the digestive process
- Boosts the immune system
Other Natural Remedies for Acne
Besides spearmint tea, here are some other natural remedies for acne:
- Aloe Vera
- Honey
- Green Tea
- Tea Tree Oil
Final Thoughts
Spearmint tea might be a beneficial addition to an existing acne treatment routine, but its use as a standalone treatment is not established yet. That said, before consuming spearmint tea or products, ensure they are safe for you and consult physician.