Does Drinking Spearmint Tea Help Clear Acne?
Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MDMedically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MDSpearmint tea is made from a type of mint plant called spearmint (Mentha spicata). Some people wonder if drinking spearmint tea can help clear up acne, particularly hormonal acne caused by conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Medicinal plants and teas have been used in traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine to prevent and treat acne for years. However, the evidence about their effectiveness is ongoing and not yet conclusive. The alleged benefits of spearmint tea for acne are largely anecdotal and based on its general properties.
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Spearmint Tea Properties Ideal for Acne TreatmentSpearmint has several properties that may make it effective as a treatment for acne, especially when consumed as a tea. These include:Anti-Inflammatory PropertiesSpearmint reduces inflammation and swelling. This may help with pain, irritation, and other types of inflammation. Antibacterial and Antimicrobial PropertiesResearch suggests that spearmint has a cleansing effect. It can also kill harmful bacteria and other germs, preventing them from spreading.Antiandrogenic EffectsA growing body of evidence suggests that spearmint tea has anti-androgenic properties. Androgens refer to the sex hormones, which tend to be imbalanced in people with PCOS. This hormonal imbalance often leads to acne breakouts, as well as other symptoms like ovarian cysts, infertility, and irregular menstrual cycles.Studies have found that drinking spearmint tea can lower testosterone levels and increase the levels of other hormones, such as luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol (estrogen), in people with PCOS. Some researchers speculate that this could make it a successful treatment for PCOS-related acne.Antiproliferative ActivitySpearmint has antiproliferative qualities, meaning it inhibits cell growth. Researchers are primarily interested in this property due to its potential as an anticancer agent, but it may also be promising as a treatment for acne.How to Use Spearmint Tea for Clear SkinSpearmint leaves and oil can be used in a variety of ways. It’s often consumed as a food additive. Oral capsules are available in supplement form, while spearmint oil can be applied topically via creams, serums, and essential oils. Most people who use spearmint for its antiandrogenic properties (i.e., in hopes of clearing up PCOS-related acne) drink spearmint tea. In most cases, the typical dose of spearmint tea is up to two cups on a daily basis for up to four months at a time.Spearmint Tea vs. Regular Mint TeaPeppermint and spearmint are both members of the Lamiaceae family. They are used for their flavor and aroma in food, cosmetic products, and hygiene products, such as toothpaste. Peppermint tea contains significantly more menthol than spearmint tea, which gives it its sharper, mintier flavor. Spearmint tea is sweeter and milder. The higher menthol content in peppermint may also increase the risk of skin irritation or an allergic reaction if it’s applied topically or inhaled. Some people drink peppermint tea or use peppermint oil for its purported health benefits, such as reducing nausea and treating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In comparison to spearmint, studies suggest that peppermint has a higher antioxidant effect and is more helpful in reducing oxidative stress (an imbalance between harmful free radicals and beneficial antioxidants).Side EffectsWhen used in recommended amounts, spearmint tea is safe for most people to consume. In very large quantities, spearmint tea could increase the risk of health complications like:Excessive drowsinessKidney damage or diseaseLiver damage or diseaseSlower breathingIf you have conditions or take medications that affect your kidneys, liver, breathing, or energy levels, let your healthcare provider know before consuming spearmint on a regular basis. For example, it may be unsafe to use large amounts of spearmint while taking depressants, such as sedatives. In very rare cases, people have reported allergic reactions to spearmint. However, this typically occurs when it’s used topically.Other Proven Spearmint Tea BenefitsOutside of potentially clearing up acne, spearmint tea has several other potential health benefits. For example, studies suggest it may relieve other effects of hormonal imbalances due to PCOS, such as hirsutism (excessive hair growth in women).One study also found that it could decrease pain and joint stiffness and increase mobility in people with osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease when cartilage and bone break down). People have traditionally used spearmint tea to address other health concerns, such as nausea and vomiting after surgery and boosting memory, as well as improving digestion. However, these purported benefits aren’t yet backed up by substantial evidence.When to See a Healthcare ProviderWhile natural remedies like spearmint tea may help to reduce acne breakouts, there are many evidence-based treatments available to treat persistent acne. If your acne doesn’t clear up with at-home care, reach out to a dermatologist. Other potential treatments include:Topical acne medications, such as retinoids, antibiotics, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxidePrescription drugs, such as the birth control pill or spironolactone (especially for hormonal acne)Corticosteroid injectionsChemical peelsLaser therapySummaryDue to its antiandrogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, spearmint tea is sometimes used in an effort to prevent and treat hormonal acne. In particular, people sometimes report drinking it to address acne caused by hormonal disorders, such as PCOS. While the testosterone-lowering effects of spearmint tea have been confirmed, its effectiveness in clearing up breakouts has not been proven. If you’d like to try drinking spearmint tea to clear up your skin, it likely will not do any harm. Still, consider reaching out to a dermatologist to learn about further treatment options if your acne persists or gets worse. Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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