Why does drinking tea lead to more acne?
Acne refers to the development of pimples. Generally, the reasons why drinking tea might lead to acne could include improper diet, environmental irritation, allergies, folliculitis, and endocrine disorders. It is recommended to seek medical evaluation and follow a doctor's advice for appropriate treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Improper Diet
During tea consumption, eating excessive spicy or stimulating foods may irritate the skin and trigger acne. A light, balanced diet is recommended in daily life to help alleviate symptoms.
2. Environmental Irritation
External environmental factors such as high temperature, humidity, and air pollution may affect skin health. If tea is regularly consumed in such environments, these irritants may interact with tea components and contribute to acne formation. It is advisable to stay in a comfortably temperate environment to support healthy skin.
3. Allergic Reaction
If an individual is allergic to tea leaves, drinking tea may provoke various allergic reactions, including skin itching, redness, and acne. Symptoms can be relieved under medical guidance using medications such as cetirizine hydrochloride oral solution, loratadine tablets, or ketotifen fumarate capsules.
4. Folliculitis
If hands are not properly cleaned after handling tea leaves or tea utensils before touching the face, it may lead to bacterial infection of facial hair follicles, causing folliculitis with symptoms such as redness, swelling, and inflammation, which may further result in acne. Following a doctor’s instructions, topical treatments such as fusidic acid sodium ointment, mupirocin ointment, or compound polymyxin B ointment may help relieve the condition.
5. Endocrine Imbalance
Caffeine and other bioactive substances in tea may affect the endocrine system, potentially leading to hormonal imbalance—an often-recognized cause of acne. Hormonal fluctuations may overstimulate sebaceous glands, increasing oil production and promoting acne development. Endocrine disorders are often accompanied by reduced estrogen levels, which may reduce skin elasticity and lead to skin laxity. Under a doctor’s supervision, traditional Chinese medicines such as Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan, Qi Zhi Xiang Fu Wan, or Wu Ji Bai Feng Wan may be used for treatment.
Engaging in regular aerobic exercise, such as walking, jogging, or swimming, can help promote metabolism and improve skin health in daily life.