5 Best Teas For Acne, Science-Backed & Dermatologist-Approved

We know tea has tons of health benefits for your full body—so it makes sense that it helps skin, too. In fact, tea's skin-healing qualities have been well documented anecdotally, historically, and yes, in modern research. Many of the acne-healing qualities associated with tea stem from the drink's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers; getting in enough antioxidants to fight free radicals as well as tempering overall inflammation is vital for glowing, healthy skin. And since acne is, by its very nature, an inflammatory condition, you'll help keep angry, red breakouts at bay. 

A calming, soothing tea is a popular drink, along with being a popular ingredient in many topicals. "Chamomile tea is the best choice to reduce redness. It acts as an anti-inflammatory, inhibits inflammatory acne and rosacea, and has all-around calming properties," says licensed acupuncturist Antonia Balfour, LAc, who specializes in skin care. "Internally, it also aids in reducing stress and benefiting sleep." The latter has a more indirect effect, but as stress and lack of sleep wreak havoc on the skin and will exasperate acne, ingesting anything to help those will also help your complexion. 

There's a reason green tea has such a long history of use: "Green tea is widely regarded as one of the best all-around 'superfoods,' packed with antioxidants that reduce inflammation," says Balfour. "Topical use of green tea reduces sebum production, gets rid of oiliness, and protects against acne-causing bacteria. For rosacea sufferers who have sun sensitivity, green tea decreases the skin's reactivity to UV light."

"Rooibos tea is an excellent choice for dryness. It leaves the skin moist and supple," notes Balfour. "It's a wonderful caffeine-free alternative, too, if you're not one to opt for that." 

This bitter tea has plenty of anecdotal information about helping reduce acne and improve overall skin appearance, as well as some studies confirming its medicinal use for overall health4. This is because of its high nutritional content: It is packed with vitamins A, C, and K; the minerals magnesium, potassium, and calcium; as well as chlorophyll and folic acid.

Hibiscus tea has plenty of skin care qualities, from helping your natural levels of collagen and elastin to reducing breakouts to balancing oil production. Hibiscus is known for its rich level of antioxidants6, including vitamin C and beta-carotene7. These can aid in the skin cell regeneration process; yet for acne specifically, the plant also has natural alpha-hydroxy acid properties, making topical use beneficial as well. 

It contains malic acid and citric acid8, explains Michele Green, M.D., a cosmetic dermatologist in New York City, which gently exfoliate and brighten the skin. And while scientists haven't studied AHAs specifically found in hibiscus, the benefits of AHAs9, in general, are well established. 

While drinking tea will give you an inside-out glow, you can also DIY some tea spot treatments or toner. (Bonus: It's easy and cheap, and you can do it at the same tea you're drinking up; we're all for multitasking here, folks.)  

For a spot treatment, one classic route is to simply brew your cup, let the bag cool, and then place it directly on your breakout for a few minutes. The tea will infuse antioxidants to your epidermis, help hydrate the skin, and calm inflammation. (Just be mindful you are not putting it on already irritated or broken zits, as that can worsen the skin; also use organic tea bags.)