Ugh, hormonal acne—just when you thought you’d left breakouts in your teenage years, they come creeping back as an adult. One day, your skin is clear, and the next? A stubborn pimple camps out on your chin like it pays rent.
What Even Is Hormonal Acne?
Hormonal acne is that frustrating skin issue many women deal with after puberty—usually in their 20s and beyond. While teen acne is often caused by clogged pores and bacteria, hormonal acne is tied to—you guessed it—hormones. Specifically, fluctuations in hormones like testosterone and estrogen, which can trigger your skin to produce too much oil (sebum). That excess oil clogs pores, leading to inflammation, bacteria buildup, and boom—breakouts.
When does it strike?
- Around your period (thanks, PMS)
- During pregnancy or menopause
- When you’re stressed (cortisol, we’re looking at you)
- From dietary triggers (dairy and sugar, I’m side-eyeing you)
The tricky part? Even if your skincare routine is flawless, hormonal acne can still pop up because it’s driven by what’s happening inside your body. That’s where herbal teas come in.
How Herbal Teas Can Help
Herbal teas aren’t just cozy drinks—they’re like a soothing, internal skincare treatment. Many herbs have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hormone-balancing properties that can help:
- Reduce excess oil production
- Calm inflammation (goodbye, red, angry pimples)
- Support liver and detox pathways (key for hormone balance)
- Lower stress (which = fewer breakouts)
I personally use herbal teas in multiple ways:
- Drinking them (obviously)
- As a face steam (pour hot tea into a bowl, drape a towel over your head, and let the steam work its magic)
- In DIY toners (chilled green tea as a facial mist? Yes, please.)
- As a hair rinse (hello, dandelion root tea for scalp health)
Now, let’s get into the best teas for hormonal acne—and why they work.
#1 Spearmint Tea: The Hormone Regulator
Hormonal acne loves to flare up when androgens (looking at you, testosterone) go wild. Spearmint tea is a game-changer because it naturally helps lower those pesky androgens.
Taste too strong? Try:
- Brewing it iced with cucumber slices (so refreshing!)
- Adding a squeeze of lemon + honey
- Mixing it with green tea for a milder flavor
#2 Green Tea: The Antioxidant Powerhouse
Green tea is basically the superhero of teas. Packed with catechins (fancy word for hormone-balancing antioxidants), it helps keep sebum production in check. Drinking 1-2 cups daily can make a noticeable difference in breakouts.
Pro tip:
- Swap your morning coffee for green tea to reduce cortisol (stress hormone) spikes.
- Use cooled green tea as a toner to shrink pores and calm redness.
#3 Rooibos Tea: The Soothing Red Bush
This caffeine-free South African tea is my daily staple. Its flavonoids fight inflammation (a big acne trigger) and help balance hormones. Plus, it’s perfect for nighttime sipping—no caffeine jitters!
Best for:
- Nighttime sipping (no caffeine = better sleep)
- Anyone with sensitive skin (it’s super gentle)
Note: If you’re pregnant, check with your doc before drinking it regularly.
#4 Chamomile Tea: The Stress Buster
My grandma swore by chamomile for clear skin—and she was onto something. This floral tea reduces inflammation (key for calming acne) and eases stress (which can mess with hormones). Win-win.
Bonus use:
- Soak a cotton pad in chilled chamomile tea and press it onto angry pimples for instant relief
#5 Dandelion Root Tea: The Detoxifier
Okay, it’s not winning any taste awards, but dandelion root tea is a beast at flushing out excess hormones and toxins. It supports liver function (your body’s natural detox system), helping prevent hormonal breakouts. Pro tip: Add a little honey to make it more palatable.
Taste too bitter? Try:
- Mixing it with cinnamon or ginger for warmth
- Brewing it with a splash of almond milk (sounds weird, but it works!)
Final Words
While these teas won’t magically erase acne overnight, they can make a real difference over time. Consistency is key!
One last thing: If you’re pregnant or dealing with persistent acne, always check with a healthcare pro before trying new remedies. Here’s to happier skin, one cup at a time! ☕✨
Bet you didn’t know that hormonal acne can also be linked to the lymphatic system! Read more here: My 4 Favorite Teas To Cleanse The Lymphatic System That Work
