Rooibos Tea for Skin: Does It Help Acne?

by Kalah Garcia

Why Rooibos Tea Is a Rising Star in Skincare

Rooibos tea, also called red bush tea, is a caffeine-free herbal brew made from Aspalathus linearis. It's gaining attention for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that may help reduce skin irritation and acne. With fewer tannins than regular tea, it’s gentle and unlikely to interfere with nutrient absorption.

Check out Medicine Ball Rooibos. It’s a skin-friendly combo of rooibos with green tea and chamomile. Shop Now!

How Rooibos Tea May Help Acne

1. Rich in Antioxidants

Rooibos tea contains aspalathin, nothofagin, and superoxide dismutase. These are powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress on skin cells.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects

These antioxidants also combat inflammation to calm redness and soothe irritated skin —all key factors in fighting acne.

3. Minerals That Support Skin Health

Rooibos tea contains beneficial elements like zinc and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which can help with skin renewal, sebum control, and minimizing blemishes.

4. Gentle Enough for Sensitive Skin

Rooibos is known to calm and restore skin balance, even for those with eczema or rosacea. This makes it a gentle choice for acne-prone individuals.

What the Research Shows

  • A human clinical study found that rooibos significantly reduced oxidative lipid damage and boosted antioxidant status in the blood.
  • Rooibos has been used to treat acne and atopic dermatitis and is backed by anti-inflammatory evidence.
  • Memorial Sloan Kettering notes rooibos is used traditionally for acne, eczema, and wrinkles, although more clinical studies are needed.

Looking for a unique rooibos blend? Try White Chocolate Pistachio Rooibos for a special treat!


Insight on Acne

Acne forms when pores clog with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, causing inflammation. The combined antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of rooibos tea may help address these underlying causes by reducing inflammation and soothing irritation.

How to Use Rooibos Tea for Acne

Drink It:

  • Sip 2–3 cups daily of hot or iced rooibos tea.
  • Enjoy it plain or add natural flavorings like honey, cinnamon, or lemon for a skin-friendly twist.

Apply It Topically:

  • Brew tea strong, let cool.
  • Use it as a toner or face mist after cleansing to calm skin.
  • Soak cotton pads and apply directly to breakouts for soothing relief. Alternately, pour into a mister bottle and spray in a fine mist on the face as needed.

Additional Skin Benefits of Rooibos

  • Reduces redness and soothes sensitivity in conditions like eczema and rosacea.
  • Supports collagen production and skin renewal, thanks to AHAs and a vitamin-rich composition.
  • Free from caffeine, it’s safe for evening use. It will not dry out skin.

Safety & Considerations

  • Rooibos is generally safe for most people, but there are rare cases of liver enzyme changes from extreme use.
  • Always patch-test a topical application and consult a dermatologist if unsure of a personal sensitivity.

Rooibos Tea vs Other Acne Remedies

While not a replacement for prescription treatments like benzoyl peroxide or retinoids, rooibos can be a nourishing natural addition.

Foundational acne care typically includes cleansing, moisturizing, and targeted therapies. Rooibos tea complements these by promoting skin balance and calm.

Final Takeaway

Why rooibos tea is a promising natural skincare aid:

  • Antioxidant-rich
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Mineral-packed (AHAs, zinc)
  • Gentle and caffeine-free

Ideal for reducing redness and supporting clearer skin, it’s a great plant-based tool for acne-prone individuals. Pair it with consistent skincare habits for best results.

Shop all of Yum Cha Tea Company’s antioxidant-rich rooibos teas. Click Here!

For more information:

6 Benefits of Rooibos Tea

Best Tea for Men

Types of Loose Leaf Tea

Sources

Back to Healthy Lifestyle