does green tea cause acne - #14606
I am really confused about something and hope someone can help me. I started drinking green tea a couple of months ago, thinking it would improve my health and skin. At first, I thought it was great! But then I noticed some weird breakouts around my chin and forehead. Just to be clear, I usually have pretty clear skin. I don’t know if it’s just me being hormonal or if I’m allergic to something in green tea. But like, does green tea cause acne? Has anyone else experienced this? My friends said maybe it's the caffeine in green tea that could be triggering my skin, but honestly, I thought it was supposed to be healthy. I even checked the types of green tea I drank, and they were all supposed to be good, like matcha and sencha. So now I'm worried that drinking green tea daily could be the problem. I also tried cutting back on sugar and dairy lately, thinking it would help clear my skin, but no luck so far. Seriously, does green tea cause acne or is it just me? Do I need to switch to herbal tea or something? Any advice would be super helpful!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Green tea is generally known for its health benefits, but it rarely causes acne directly. Acne is usually triggered by factors like hormonal changes, diet, or skincare habits, and not specifically by green tea itself. While green tea can contain caffeine, it’s typically much less than in coffee or black tea. For most people, green tea has anti-inflammatory properties that are actually believed to benefit skin health. However, individual reactions can vary, and it’s possible that something else—either related to the green tea or otherwise—is affecting your skin. Consider whether any other changes in your lifestyle or products might have coincided with starting green tea. Sometimes, ingredients in flavored or packaged teas can cause irritation. Ensure your tea doesn’t have added sugars or synthetic flavors that might affect your skin. Switching to a different type of tea like herbal might not be a bad idea if you suspect a sensitivity, but be cautious with herbal blends as well, as they can contain different substances that might irritate your skin. Keep in mind the possibility of hormonal fluctuations, especially if the timing of your breakouts suggests a pattern. If cutting back on sugar and dairy hasn’t worked yet, it might take more time or additional dietary adjustments to see a change. Similarly, stress, environmental factors, and inadequate cleansing can also play a significant role in breakouts. If the acne persists or worsens, it could be worth consulting with a dermatologist who may provide insight into your specific situation. Keep a diary of your diet and skin changes; this can help identify patterns or triggers. Lastly, make sure to hydrate and cleanse your skin properly to support overall skin health.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.