For years, our genius social media brand manager, Diana, tried everything to fix her hormonal acne. Cleansers, spot treatments, crying into a bottle of micellar water—been there. But it wasn’t until her sister suggested a daily cup (or two) of spearmint tea that things actually started to clear up. “It’s like magic,” she told us.

At first, we thought it was a fluke. Then we fell down the Reddit rabbit hole. Then we read the studies. And suddenly? It started to look like Diana—and those Reddit girlies—were seriously onto something.

Let’s get into the tea.

So… Why Is Everyone on Reddit Drinking Spearmint Tea for Acne?

It all started in the depths of r/SkincareAddiction, where one now-deleted user shared how drinking spearmint tea daily cleared her painful hormonal acne in just a few weeks. She wasn’t alone. Another Redditor chimed in: “No more hormonal acne for me. =) It did take like 3 months for any significant improvement though and 6 for all my cysts to f*** off.”

Across the thread, hundreds of upvotes rolled in. Users talked about jawline breakouts disappearing, mustache hairs vanishing, and feeling like they’d discovered the holy grail of hormonal balance—all for less than $10 a box. One person even said it was “the best less-than-ten-bucks I’ve ever spent.”

What’s Actually In Spearmint Tea That Makes It Work?

According to a 2015 study published by the American Academy of Dermatology, drinking two cups of organic spearmint tea per day reduced inflammatory acne lesions by 25% after one month, and by 51% after three months. For comparison, 100 mg of the antibiotic Minocycline reduced acne by 52% in the same time frame, but with side effects. Spearmint tea had none, according to clinical dermatologist Dr. Carl Thornfeldt.

The secret? Spearmint tea is packed with anti-androgenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. “It’s the most potent of the different mints in killing skin disease-causing bacteria and yeasts,” Dr. Thornfeldt explained. It also has “the most anti-inflammatory activity of the mint varieties.”

Spearmint Tea for Acne Works Best for One Type of Breakout

If your acne tends to show up right before your period or loves to hang out on your chin and jawline, it could be hormonal—and that’s the kind spearmint tea seems to help most. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Lucy Chen, also interviewed by Byrdie, “Research proposes that spearmint tea has anti-androgenic properties, meaning that with acne, the effects of anti-androgens include reduced sebum production.”

Less oil, fewer clogged pores, fewer breakouts. Pretty straightforward.

And while spearmint tea won’t replace prescription treatments for everyone, its mild hormone-modulating properties may explain why it has helped so many.

But Not Everyone Has a Glowing Spearmint Tea for Acne Story

Now, before you sprint to the herbal tea aisle, fair warning: not every Redditor had a happy ending. Some users shared that spearmint tea worsened their cycles, caused heavy periods, or led to extended PMS symptoms.

One user posted: “Spearmint tea f***ed up my cycle. I already have an unpredictable cycle, and it felt like I was PMSing for like three weeks.” Another added, “I’ve been taking spearmint supplements, and I have an IUD. Was caught off guard last week with an unexpected period. Now I’m wondering if this is the reason. Yikes.”

Experts agree that while side effects are rare, high doses of spearmint (especially over long periods) could affect hormone levels in ways that aren’t always predictable. According to Healthline, consuming too much spearmint tea could potentially lead to nausea, drowsiness, or digestive issues. And in very large amounts, liver or kidney problems could occur—though that’s usually more of a concern with concentrated oils or extracts, not a couple cups of tea a day.

Here’s What the Science Does (and Doesn’t) Confirm

So what do we actually know?

  • One 2010 study in Phytotherapy Research found that spearmint tea reduced testosterone levels in women with PCOS.
  • A 2015 study showed that it could help alleviate inflammatory acne over a three-month period.
  • A 2016 review noted spearmint’s anti-androgenic effects, but called for more research.
  • The tea may also help with hirsutism (unwanted facial/body hair), which can go hand-in-hand with hormonal imbalances.

However, as both Verywell Health and Skin Center Boston point out, most acne-related claims are anecdotal. More studies, bigger sample sizes, and more diverse participants are still needed.

Thinking About Trying It? Here’s What to Know First

If you’re curious to try spearmint tea for acne, here’s a safe place to start:

  • Dosage: Most dermatologists recommend 1–2 cups a day.
  • Timing: Give it at least a few weeks to a few months to see results.
  • Quality matters: Go for organic, loose-leaf if you can. Brands like Traditional Medicinals and Celebration Herbals got shoutouts from Reddit users.
  • Track your cycle: Since it can affect hormones, pay attention to any changes in your period or PMS symptoms.
  • Consult your doctor: Especially if you have PCOS, an irregular cycle, or take hormonal meds.

TL;DR: Is Spearmint Tea for Acne a Miracle or Myth?

There’s no single cure for acne, and spearmint tea isn’t a magic potion. But if your breakouts are hormonal, and you’re looking for a gentle, inexpensive, and (mostly) side-effect-free option to add to your routine, it might be worth a shot.

Just like Diana. Just like Reddit. And just maybe—just maybe—like you.

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