By TDD Contributing Writer

With more than 50 million Americans reporting they’ve struggled with acne at some point in their life, there are a lot of products that you can apply to boost your skin health. However, some experts believe that treating acne from the inside out, rather than from the outside in, can have a more significant effect. To that end, they recommend consuming natural ingredients, like vitamins for acne or teas for acne, as they are a lot safer, have fewer side effects, and can give you other mind-body benefits.

I was initially shocked to learn that teas can help reduce acne because I’d only ever thought of acne treatments as topical (pimple patches, creams, you get the picture). That said, it makes sense that drinking tea can reduce inflammation and reduce acne, as many of them inherently contain anti-inflammatory properties. 

Taking all of that into account, I felt compelled to share a round-up of teas with excellent acne-healing qualities below.

The 8 best teas for acne

According to the National Institutes of Health, acne happens “​​when hair follicles under the skin become clogged. Sebum—oil that helps keep skin from drying out—and dead skin cells plug the pores, which leads to outbreaks of lesions, commonly called pimples or zits.”

While these teas may help soothe your acne, I wouldn’t go as far as to say they will completely cure it. Since you’re going to be drinking anywhere between one and six cups of tea a day, it likely won’t provide all the minerals you need for a proper acne regimen. That said, every little bit of information helps when you’re struggling with painful and self-esteem-crushing acne.

Rooibos tea

Although it’s not one of the most well-known teas out there, rooibos tea is a superhero when it comes to clearing acne—you can thank the three potent antioxidants this mushroom tea contains: nothofagin, aspalathin, and superoxide dismutase, all which help protect against free radicals that can make your acne worse. According to some experts, you can drink up to six cups of rooibos tea a day.

Chamomile tea

There are several reasons why chamomile tea may be used to treat acne lesions. First up, using the tea bags of chamomile topically can fight acne-causing bacteria because it’s antibacterial. Secondly, even just drinking the tea is beneficial because the plant features astringent and brightening properties. And, lastly, chamomile can also be used to treat pain that results from a hormonal imbalance (like hormonal acne). 

If this is the tea you’re adding to your routine, keep in mind that there isn’t exactly a maximum amount you can drink—though most people will drink between two and three cups a day.

Spearmint tea

As it turns out, drinking a few cups of organic spearmint tea can help clear excess sebum, or the oil that builds under the skin. This tea is anti-androgenic, meaning that it “keeps androgens (male sex hormones) from binding to proteins called androgen receptors,” according to the National Cancer Institute. In turn, this reduces sebum and sebum production, which can prevent acne altogether.

However, if you’re going to start chugging spearmint tea, it’d be good to know that you should stop drinking after your third cup. In fact, experts have said that drinking more than that might just cause you to experience vomiting or diarrhea.

Dandelion tea

Not only does dandelion tea taste delicious and floral, it also boasts antibacterial, germicidal, and anti-fungal properties—which is why it’s perfect as an inside-out treatment for acne. Because of this, drinking dandelion tea may help you get rid of and prevent breakouts.

One thing to note off the bat is that pregnant people or people who are breastfeeding should probably steer clear of brewing this particular tea. If that’s not you, you’re good to consume it, but try to keep it within the two to three cup range. 

Ginger tea 

When you’re searching for an anti-inflammatory tea, look no further than ginger. The fact that it’s anti-inflammatory also makes it perfect for addressing acne, seeing how it can help reduce the redness of any lesions. It can also help your skin’s elasticity and texture.

Unlike the other teas on this list, of which you can drink at most three cups, ginger tea can be consumed in quantities up to four cups a day. You can drink ginger tea during the day or at night, but make sure not to overdo it.

Green tea

Out of all the acne-attacking teas on this list, green tea tends to be the highest in ​​epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is a natural compound that’s an antioxidant. Research has shown that, whether taken orally or used topically, green tea can help prevent breakouts and clear up acne scars.

Since green tea contains a small amount of caffeine, health professional suggest drinking between three and five cups a day. However, even if you drink more than that, there isn’t necessarily a reason to worry since high doses don’t tend to be problematic for many.