Many of us know by now that our modern lives are filled with pollutants, chemicals, and toxins that are dangerous to humans, animals, and the environment. And, of course, we know we need to detoxify to live a healthier, happier, and harmonious life on this planet. This includes what we use for beauty and health-related fixes, particularly what we put on our skin.

But the thought of giving up on easy-but-toxic skin medications like Acutaine, Retinol, and Clearasil in exchange for a face full of all-natural acne can trigger some powerful middle school anxiety! But, don’t worry — if you are acne-prone and don’t want to be, you don’t have to hide your face in shame in order to still be green. You can give up the chemicals and still get the glow, while keeping breakouts at bay, with one simple plant-based staple in your cupboard: tea!

Tea is the most popular beverage in the world, and its history is ancient, rich, and varied. Originally brewed for its pleasurable drinking power, it didn’t take long for the powerful medicinal properties of the Camellia sinensis leaves to be recognized. Tea has been a staple in Chinese, Indian, and holistic medicine for eons. Used properly, tea can be used to treat a plethora of ailments, from asthma to cholesterol and its powerful antioxidants can clear up your skin. Here are 5 ways to get acne-free skin, just by using tea:

1. Drink It

Tea is chock full of antioxidant properties that can clean and heal your system from the inside out. Chamomile and green tea are particularly effective in reducing acne and acne scaring. Squeezing a little lemon or other citrus into your cup will slow down your body’s digestion of those antioxidants and aid in their assimilation.

While we often think of tea as the green or brown little leaves folded into a paper envelope or pressed into a tea ball, many effective teas can be brewed with roots and vegetables too. This incredible Arrowroot Tea recipe is a great way to reduce inflammation and clear up skin.

2. Use It Topically

Simply brew a batch of green tea and dab it on your skin with a cotton ball, or spritz with a spray bottle onto problem areas daily. This method has been shown to be incredibly effective at reducing acne, shrinking pores, and minimizing scaring.

Another great method for applying tea topically is to freeze it in an ice cube tray and then slide it over skin — this is especially refreshing on hot summer days! Topical treatments can be made with black and caffeinated teas as well. The caffeine will reduce puffiness around eyes, as well as inflammation caused by acne.

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