There are many natural remedies and treatments for acne, but I know you fear they may go wrong after trying. However, fear not, as in recent times, people have found a magical herbal tea that works wonders in clearing acne and skin irritations. Still, we need the thoughts of dermatologists on this topic for us to believe in spearmint tea. Let's go through this blog post to decide whether to say yes or no to spearmint tea for acne.
Table of Contents
1. Why do you suffer from acne or hormonal acne?
2. How can spearmint treat acne?
4. How does spearmint tea react to hormonal acne?
5. Does spearmint tea work even after applying makeup?
6. Can we continue drinking spearmint tea while taking derma medicines and antibiotics?
7. Can we take spearmint supplements?
8. What are the side effects according to dermatologists?
9. Side Effects of Medicine Interaction
10. How Spearmint Tea works to treat Acne
11.How to use spearmint tea for acne?
Acne and Spearmint
Why do you suffer from acne or hormonal acne?
Acne causes would be from:
- Hormones
- Abnormal skin keratinization
- Abnormal skin cell exploitation
- Excess sebum production
- Changes in skin microbiome
- Increase in P.acne bacteria
To be specific, hormonal acne in the female body is often linked to an increase in and an imbalance of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, which can lead to hormonal acne.
We know that androgens upregulate sebum production and also make the lining of the oil ducts more sticky, resulting in clogged pores that can lead to acne.
Females commonly experience hormonal acne a week before and during their period. This is also associated with conditions like PCOS, which exhibits symptoms such as hirsutism and irregular periods.
In summary, hormonal imbalances can lead to changes in body functions, including the regulation of male hormones.
Some popular medications used to treat acne include tretinoin, spironolactone, and Accutane. Have you ever wondered if spearmint tea offers similar benefits to these acne-fighting medications?
How can spearmint treat acne?
Do you know that there are no medications with identical compounds to spearmint tea?
The compounds in spearmint tea that are believed to offer potential benefits for managing acne are primarily phytoestrogens. These are plant compounds that have estrogen-like effects on the body and can help in balancing hormones, especially androgens (male hormones), which can contribute to acne. This is why most women prefer to drink spearmint tea.
How effective would spearmint tea be compared to medications specifically designed for treatment? Do dermatologists truly endorse spearmint tea for treating acne?
Dermatologists on acne
How strongly do dermatologists endorse spearmint tea for acne? Many of them express support because they observe real-life improvements in people with hormonal acne. As spearmint tea has gained popularity in recent years on platforms like Google and Reddit, dermatologists and aestheticians need to stay updated. When individuals witness positive results, it prompts further research to ensure the efficacy of spearmint tea. Let's delve deeper into what they have to say about common questions related to using spearmint tea for acne.
How does spearmint tea react to hormonal acne?
As mentioned earlier, spearmint tea lowers testosterone, which in turn reduces the excess production of sebum oil. The decrease in sebum oil can help clear acne and prevent future clogged pores. This is a natural treatment for your skin and health that balances hormones with no side effects.
Does spearmint tea work even after applying makeup?
Keep in mind that "less is more." When you add more chemical-based products to your skin, it may feel more suffocating, and your skin may find a way to react, potentially leading to more acne and skin irritations.
To address the question, spearmint tea can help you to the maximum by reducing acne scars and skin irritations. However, it's up to you to prioritize healthy skin by considering avoiding makeup, at least until you clear your acne or manage it on your own.
Can we continue drinking spearmint tea while taking derma medicines and antibiotics?
Yes, you can consume spearmint tea as it is natural and healthy. However, it is advisable to consult with your dermatologist, as everyone's bodily functions and needs can vary.
Can we take spearmint supplements?
No, to be clear, it won't be that effective. You should not opt for shortcuts when it comes to your health. Did you know that aromatherapy with spearmint leaves alone can provide significant benefits to people? When it comes to the complete process of brewing and sipping, it is the right way to provide your body with what it needs and in the right amounts.
In this drinking process, you will learn when to drink, as your body will crave the taste and aroma of the tea, and you will also know how much to drink, which means you will understand how much is sufficient for you. However, when you take it as a supplement, it becomes a quick job that only involves swallowing, and the contents may be in excess of what your body requires, which can result in side effects.
What are the side effects according to dermatologists?
There are no side effects when you consume 2-3 cups a day. However, if you wish to drink more than 3 cups, it's essential to consult with your doctor for guidance, as excessive intake of spearmint tea can lead to certain issues.
- Spearmint tea may cause gastrointestinal discomfort and worsen acid reflux symptoms in some individuals.
- Large doses of spearmint can potentially harm the liver or kidneys, but this is mainly a concern if you already have liver or kidney disease, as spearmint may exacerbate existing damage to these organs.
Side Effects of Medicine Interaction
It's generally a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before combining any natural remedies, like spearmint tea, with prescribed acne medications. They can guide potential interactions and ensure that the combination is safe for your body and health.
Still, let us check the potential interactions that have side effects.
|
Medication |
Interaction with Spearmint Tea |
|
Oral Contraceptives |
Spearmint tea with contraceptives may mildly decrease effectiveness due to potential liver enzyme effects. |
|
Spironolactone |
Potential for increased potassium levels or hormonal imbalances. Monitor closely if used together. |
|
Isotretinoin (Accutane) |
Spearmint tea may have mild liver enzyme effects when consumed together. |
|
Minocycline |
Spearmint tea may reduce the antibiotic's absorption or effectiveness when consumed with minocycline. |
How Spearmint Tea works to treat Acne
- Antimicrobial Properties: Spearmint tea contains compounds that have been studied for their potential antimicrobial properties. These compounds can help inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, including Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), which is one of the key bacteria associated with acne. By reducing the proliferation of these bacteria on the skin, spearmint tea may contribute to a reduction in acne lesions.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Inflammation is a fundamental aspect of acne development. When hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, the body's immune system responds with inflammation, leading to redness, swelling, and pustules. Spearmint tea has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne. By calming the inflammatory response, it may help improve the overall appearance of the skin and lessen the severity of acne.
- Antibacterial Properties: Spearmint tea's antibacterial properties can help eliminate or reduce the bacteria on the skin's surface, which, when combined with excess oil and dead skin cells, can lead to acne. By targeting these bacteria, spearmint tea may play a role in preventing new acne lesions from forming.
How to use spearmint tea for acne?
Brewing the perfect spearmint tea for clear skin - boil 2 cups of water to 200°F, steep 1 spearmint tea bag or 5-7 leaves for 5-7 minutes, then sip it up.
What Not to do while drinking spearmint tea for acne?
Don’t add honey if you want to treat acne with spearmint tea
Why not?
While spearmint tea is often consumed for its potential benefits in managing acne, adding honey or sugar to it may not be recommended for the following reasons:
- Potential Impact on Blood Sugar: Adding honey or sugar to spearmint tea can lead to blood sugar spikes, which may exacerbate skin issues like acne by destabilizing blood sugar levels.
- Counterproductive Effects: Sweeteners like honey and sugar can counteract the potential benefits of spearmint tea for acne, as they promote inflammation and provide nourishment for acne-causing bacteria.
- Empty Calories: Honey and sugar are calorie-dense and offer little nutritional value, potentially leading to weight gain and indirectly impacting skin health when consumed excessively in spearmint tea.
Others:
- Don’t overconsume
- Avoid extreme heat
- Don’t expect immediate result
The Bottom Line
It would definitely be a "yes" to try spearmint tea instead of medicines with harmful side effects. Spearmint tea is genuinely benefiting people who have hormonal acne and PCOS issues, with the acceptance of dermatologists and researchers. Still, more study needs to be done on them to give a clear picture. But people are getting results from this natural herb, so why not you? Ask your doctor or dermatologist and add this to your diet for acne-free living.
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