Can Green Tea Help Acne?
Our patients often ask us if there are any home remedies for acne. While they understand that in-office treatments and prescription medications are usually the most effective treatments, they often want to do more. Lately, there is a lot of “buzz” about green tea and its potential effects on acne. There is even a popular diet called “the green tea acne diet.” Dr. Schweiger explains that, “There is no research that shows drinking green tea to influence the behavior of acne. Acne is caused by the p. acnes bacteria, and while green tea provides important anti-oxidants that may make your skin healthier, there is no proof that drinking green tea will eliminate acne. There are, however, recent studies showing that the application of green tea directly on the skin can decrease acne.”
A study, published in 2010, showed that the application of 3% green tea emulsion decreased sebum production in male patients. Since excess sebum production can lead to the formation of acne, this study introduces the idea that green tea may be able to decrease acne by decreasing sebum production. We are still awaiting more data, but green tea products are already popping up in drug stores. At this point, we recommend sticking with your prescription regimen and gentle cleansers and moisturizers at home. However, it may not be long before green tea becomes an essential part of every acne regimen. Stay tuned.