Benefits Of Mint Leaves For Acne
Mint can help you get rid of acne due to the following reasons:
1. Mint Contains Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is used for treating acne. It is an anti-inflammatory agent and is used for clearing clogged follicles. You will mostly find this ingredient in acne cleansing and skin peeling solutions. It reduces comedones, and compared to retinoids, it causes less irritation on your skin. Mint contains salicylic acid, and it has been widely used in Ayurvedic formulations for treating acne and other issues (1).
2. It Is A Free Radical Scavenger
Mint contains flavonoids and phenolics. They have excellent antioxidant properties and can inhibit the actions of the harmful free radicals. A study evaluated the antioxidant activities of wild mint and found that they help in reducing oxidative stress and treating skin issues, such as acne and hyperpigmentation (2). Hence, mint leaves can help in:
Unclogging the skin pores, reducing microbial activities, and causing the acne to dry up and heal faster. Reducing inflammation (by lowering oxidative stress) and acne scars, thus helping in brightening your skin. Prohibiting bacterial growth, which leads to less outbreaks. Keeping your skin soft and supple.
Here are a few ways you can use mint leaves to treat acne and acne scars.
How To Use Mint Leaves For Acne And Acne Scars
1. Mint Leaves Paste For Acne
10-15 mint leaves A few drops of water
Once daily. Mint leaves are antimicrobial and contain antioxidants that suppress the acne-causing bacteria and reduce oxidative stress. This helps in reducing acne scars as well.
2. Mint Leaves And Honey For Acne
10-15 mint leaves 1 teaspoon Manuka honey (or organic honey)
Once daily. This treatment works exceptionally well for those with dry skin. Both honey and mint have antibacterial properties that work on acne and blemishes like magic. Moreover, this face pack will not dry your skin as honey is a humectant, and it doesn’t let the moisture escape from your skin.
3. Mint And Rose Water For Acne
10-15 mint leaves 1 teaspoon rose water
Once daily until the acne is gone. Rosewater not only controls excess oil secretion but also helps in maintaining the pH balance of your skin. It keeps your skin hydrated and soft and is a natural astringent. Together with mint, it protects your skin from acne-causing bacteria and prevents skin issues.
4. Mint And Oats Face Pack For Acne
10-15 mint leaves 1 tablespoon rolled oats 1 tablespoon cucumber juice (or pulp) 1 teaspoon honey
Thrice a week. This face scrub can rejuvenate your skin and help you get rid of excess oil and bacteria. Oats gently exfoliate the dead skin cells, preventing them from accumulating in the follicles. Mint, honey, and cucumber keep the skin hydrated and reduce inflammation.
5. Mint, Olive, And Lemon Juice For Acne
15-20 mint leaves ½ teaspoon olive oil 1 tablespoon lemon juice (diluted with water or rose water)
Thrice a week. This face pack works well for all skin types. And if you think that olive oil is going to make your skin more oily and cause acne breakouts, that’s a misconception. Olive oil contains antioxidants and oleic acid, and, along with mint and lemon, it helps in getting rid of acne-causing bacteria.
6. Mint Leaves, Yogurt, And Cucumber Face Pack
10-15 mint leaves 1 tablespoon yogurt 1 tablespoon grated cucumber (or you may use juice)
Thrice a week. This is an extremely rejuvenating face pack that soothes inflammation and heals acne, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation. Yogurt hydrates your skin and minimizes blemishes. Cucumber and mint cool your skin and help in soothing acne and scars. Tip: Before using the face pack, store it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes for a relaxing effect.
7. Mint And Multani Mitti Face Pack
10-15 mint leaves 1 tablespoon multani mitti 1 tablespoon yogurt
Twice a week. Multani mitti exfoliates and cleans all the dirt and excess oil from your face, unclogging the pores and reducing acne inflammation. Mint and yogurt kill the bacteria, nourish your skin, and make it glow. This face pack is also good for removing sun tan and pigmentation.
8. Mint And Basil Face Pack For Acne
10-12 mint leaves 10-12 basil leaves 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
Twice a week. Mint and basil are your skin’s best friends. These herbs not only eliminate breakouts but also clear your skin of infection and keep it glowing and healthy.
9. Mint Toner For Acne
1 cup mint leaves (shredded) 1 ½ cups water
2-3 times a day. This toner has astringent properties and is a rich source of salicylic acid (thanks to the mint leaves) that prevents acne and keeps scars at bay. It also makes your skin feel refreshed and is your perfect companion during summers.
10. Mint And Clay Face Pack
10-15 mint leaves (crushed into a paste) 1 tablespoon bentonite clay (or any other clay that’s available) 1 tablespoon yogurt
Twice a week. This easy-peasy face pack is both cooling and rejuvenating. The clay cleans the dirt from your face while yogurt and mint clear blemishes, kill the acne-causing bacteria, and prevent any further breakouts – without stripping your skin of its natural oils.
Takeaway
Can mint leaves remove dark spots? Yes. Mint leaves can help you deal with hyperpigmentation and reduce dark spots (2). Can you rub mint leaves on your skin? Yes. Mint leaves are packed with astringent, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties that help address many skin issues. So, you can rub them gently on your skin. Is mint water good for pimples? Yes. The benefits of mint are passed on to mint water, and its anti-inflammatory properties may help deal with pimples.
