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Acne problem -

Pimples happen when pores on the skin become blocked with oil, bacteria, dead skin cells, and dirt. When you get several of these pimples often and repeatedly, it's called acne.

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Acne scars -

Acne and acne scars can leave visible marks on the face and body, and over time can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and low self-confidence.

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Emotional and physical effects -

Not only can acne cause emotional distress, it can be physically painful, too. Living with acne is common, and there are many purported 'treatments' available.

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Acne products -

There are so many different products and devices that claim to treat acne, that it can be hard to know where to start. It can also be disheartening if, despite your best efforts, nothing works.

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Medication -

Nowadays, there are prescription medications available to treat acne, too. But again, there are no guarantees. Some can have quite severe side effects.

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Hormonal acne -

Fluctuating hormone levels can also affect the skin, leading to acne on the surface. Hormone changes due to puberty or pregnancy, and some kinds of hormonal birth control, can cause acne.

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Spearmint goes viral -

As so many people suffer with acne, it's not unusual for "miracle" cures to appear. One of the latest viral trends? Spearmint tea.

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Spearmint solution -

It's been claimed online that drinking spearmint tea every day has helped some people manage and clear their acne symptoms.

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Hormonal impact -

One of the main reasons why spearmint tea is claimed to help with acne is its role in managing sex hormones. However, these aren't the sole cause of acne breakouts.

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Antioxidants -

Powerful antioxidants present in spearmint tea are great at healing the skin from acne scarring and hyperpigmentation.

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Antioxidants -

Antioxidants can help prevent acne by stopping the oil on the skin from oxidizing and the skin cells becoming damaged.

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Lower insulin levels -

Insulin can be one of the biggest culprits behind hormonal acne. In studies, spearmint tea has been shown to lower insulin in diabetic rats. Spearmint contains polyphenols, antioxidants that are known to lower insulin levels.

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Stress reduction -

Spearmint tea can have a calming effect on the nervous system, thanks to its carvone content. This compound has been shown to improve states of calm.

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Stress reduction -

If you are constantly stressed, your cortisol levels will be high. This hormone can lead to inflammation in the body, one of the root causes of acne. Sipping on spearmint tea can help with feelings of relaxation.

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Improves sleep quality -

Spearmint tea can help you get a better night's sleep, something that's essential for healthy skin. Not getting enough sleep raises cortisol levels, which can lead to inflammation and acne.

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Improves sleep quality -

Spearmint tea doesn't have caffeine, so it won't interrupt your circadian rhythm if you drink a cup close to bedtime. The carvone and temperature of the tea will help you get more quality shut-eye.

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Better digestion -

The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of mint tea can help support digestion. By inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria, digestive issues are reduced.

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Better digestion -

Studies have shown spearmint oil has benefits for IBS symptoms, as well as for the overall health of the digestive system.

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Reduces PCOS symptoms -

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) sufferers can have more testosterone. The hormone has been linked to higher rates of acne. Drinking spearmint tea has been show to be beneficial for PCOS sufferers.

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Reduces PCOS symptoms -

Spearmint tea can help lower DHT and testosterone levels, which women need in much lower levels than men to function optimally.

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Antiandrogenic effect -

The androgen DHT has been shown to impact sebum oil production. Spearmint has a significant antiandrogenic effect. However, it's important to remember DHT is only one part of the picture of hormonal acne.

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How much spearmint? -

If you're curious about using this mint to support your skin, begin by drinking a cup or two of high-quality, organic spearmint tea each day.

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Results -

In one study, spearmint tea was found to reduce inflammation in participants by 25% after one month, and by 51% after three months. This correlates with online users' success using the tea to treat their acne, as inflammation can be a root cause of the condition for some.

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Studies -

While spearmint tea has shown some promising results, more research and studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness as an acne treatment.

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Male hormones -

Men should hold off on trying spearmint tea for their acne. The way the compounds in the tea work to reduce male hormones could lead to lower energy, libido, and mood, so it's best avoided.

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Heartburn -

Mint teas can exacerbate heartburn. For some people, the calming effect relaxes the sphincter muscle, leading to acid reflux.

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Iron absorption -

Drinking mint tea can actually decrease your iron stores. Iron binds to the polyphenols in the tea, which are then passed through the body without being absorbed.

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Consult a dermatologist -

If you're worried about your skin, it's probably best to consult a dermatologist. They can conduct an analysis and create a treatment plan for you.

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Home remedy -

Home remedies, such as spearmint tea, can act as a complement to your skincare routine. If you're planning to try it, make sure spearmint doesn't interact with any other medications you are taking.

Sources: (Byrdie) (Well+Good) (Healthline) (Cleveland Clinic) (The Good Glow)

See also: Discover the anti-aging benefits of matcha

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