If you have acne-prone skin, it can sometimes feel like anything can make your acne symptoms worse, or cause you a nightmare called – acne breakouts.
And you are constantly seeking solutions and things that can help you reduce acne and you’ve probably already tried all the over the counter treatments and every face wash or skincare product claiming it will help you get rid of those stubborn acne.
One of those things that you may be worried about and wonder if it can worsen acne is – very popular – kombucha.
Or, can it help you improve your acne-related skin issues?
Actually, there haven’t been so many studies on its effects on skin and acne. But, some things are already clear – that kombucha is beneficial for your skin.
Thanks to its probiotic properties (yes, kombucha contains probiotics), kombucha is known to improve gut health, and has many health benefits, overall.
Research suggests that drinking kombucha can help you improve your skin health, too1.
However, be careful, as taking too much kombucha can upset your guts. Allergic reactions can also occur, in rare cases2.
Ok, I understand you have some question marks above your head now.
Well, I have some good news for you. This article will give you all those answers, explaining kombucha-acne relationship.
What Is Kombucha?
Kombucha is a health beverage, more precisely – sweet fermented tea. In fact, kombucha is a really unique drink, thought to have many (purported) health benefits. Its antioxidant properties are probably among its most important benefits. However, there are many more.
Keep on reading to find out why kombucha has gained worldwide popularity.
First, let’s define what the kombucha actually is. Kombucha is an herbal drink, mainly based on black and green tea, combine with sugar.
However, kombucha has also been produced with many other raw materials such as rice, honey, fruit peels, barley, and wheat, to add nutritional value to it3.
What is so special about it? Well, besides antioxidant power, it is important to note kombucha contains probiotics.
Drinking kombucha can help regulate gut health, as raw kombucha contains good bacteria in its live cultures, that help you fight bad bacteria, but also have many more benefits on overall health, including benefits for skin health.
Namely, beautiful and glowing skin starts with the gut. So, if you have healthy guts, you will probably also have great skin, regardless of your skin type, or skin condition. And gut health starts with healthy bacteria. That is how (raw) kombucha – and kombucha probiotics can help your skin.
And how can you use it? Well, you can drink kombucha in the form of kombucha tea, you can make kombucha soap, or you can use face masks and make kombucha face wash.
So, you can consume kombucha as a tea, or you can use it locally, as a topical application, on the skin, depending on your wishes.
Health & Skin Benefits Of Kombucha
- Gut health boost
You need “good” types of bacteria for your health, overall. Your gut microbiome needs those bacteria, as healthy gut bacteria are very important to combat bad bacteria, and reduce digestive discomfort, improving the health of your digestive system.
Furthermore, a healthy gut microbiome is also essential for your immune system. Fermented tea or food, including kombucha, contain probiotics that help you achieve – and keep a healthy balance of gut bacteria.
- Reducing inflammation
The fact is that kombucha is full of antioxidants and polyphenols, which both have a protective role in your organism, protecting it from damage.
In turn, kombucha can help reduce inflammation, as well, as chronic inflammation which can lead to some chronic health concerns, such as cancer, arthritis, or cardiac disease.
- Detox
Kombucha is rich in various enzymes and acids which may help your liver get rid of undesired compounds in your organism.
Also, if you are worried about weight gain, you should probably drink kombucha. Namely, drinking kombucha can be beneficial for weight loss and “keeping” your body shape.
Of course, you should avoid sweets and greasy foods when on kombucha detox.
- Skin health – acne free
Last but not least – kombucha is a great asset to your skincare routine, especially if you have acne.
Namely, kombucha is thought to help reduce acne (and reduce inflammation related to acne). As previously mentioned, gut health is key for skin health. Acne occurs, mostly due to sebum overproduction, accumulation of dead skin cells, excess sebum oil, and the release of inflammatory chemicals.
But the story of acne doesn’t start or end there. It is much more complicated.
It is actually thought that acne has – a gastrointestinal mechanism of occurrence and it all starts in guts!
In fact, emotional states, such as depression or anxiety (even stress) could affect gastrointestinal flora, leading to inflammation4. Taking probiotics, or drinking kombucha, or consuming fermented foods rich in probiotics – could reverse it.
In other words, if you drink kombucha, it can help you prevent acne, blemishes, pimples, and/or reduce acne symptoms.
Keep in mind tho, that there’s lots of other things that could cause acne. For example, hormonal changes, even during ovulation, can increase acne breakouts. Some products, especially when used in a wrong way, like using micellar water without rinsing it, can also cause to more pimples.
What Are The Negative Effects Of Kombucha?
While kombucha is generally considered safe, it can produce some side effects – as it is for almost all ingredients.
In fact, drinking too much kombucha could potentially cause you headaches, nausea, and gastrointestinal distress.
Also, too much kombucha can lead to a medical emergency where there is too much acid in your blood – called ketoacidosis.
So, be careful with the amount of kombucha you consume, and if you notice any side effects, stop drinking kombucha, or simply reduce its intake.
It would be best if you could start drinking kombucha in smaller amounts and see how your body reacts.
Another issue related to homemade brewing kombucha is sanitation, as it can become contaminated, and potentially harmful.
That is why pregnant women and people with suppressed immune system should probably avoid it.
Is Kombucha Bad For Your Skin?
No, kombucha is not known to have any negative effects on your skin. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that kombucha causes skin problems, including skin irritation, or breakouts.
It is, actually the opposite, as the probiotics from kombucha are beneficial and may help treat and prevent pimples, and skin inflammatory conditions, including a fairly common skin condition – eczema.
However, some people experienced acne after using kombucha. It is unlikely that such outbreaks are caused by kombucha itself, but it is still worth mentioning, for your information.
Does Kombucha Affect Acne?
According to research findings on its effects on acne, it is evident that probiotics in kombucha can help you with mild and moderate acne5.
These probiotics improve gut health, and consequently prevent acne, by regulating the gut-skin axis responsible for acne appearance6.
On the other hand, there are some people with acne-prone skin, who still find kombucha triggering their acne. While there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, some skin experts say that this might be due to the high acidity levels of kombucha.
If you suffer from severe acne, or you are concerned about kombucha and its effects on your skin (including acne), talk to your dermatologist or try reducing its intake.
Does Kombucha Help Skin Acne?
Yes, it may help you fight acne, as it is rich in probiotics, but also antioxidants. It is scientifically proven that probiotics can help you treat and prevent acne.
So, if you have those annoying whiteheads, give it a try. Kombucha can be found over the counter, and you can easily find it – even as the face masks.
Generally, consider incorporating probiotics into your diet, along with E and B vitamins and skin-friendly minerals, for your skin health- in general. Kombucha is a great start to “feed” and clear your skin – of course without causing new acne.
Final Answer: Does Drinking Kombucha Cause Acne Breakouts?
There is no enough evidence that drinking kombucha can cause acne. It seems, from the research, that it is the opposite, and that consuming kombucha can help you with the nightmare called – acne.
When To Stop Consuming Kombucha? – Safety Tips
First of all, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or you have a compromised immune system, it would probably be good to choose another drink. Also, it is not recommended for young children to drink kombucha, as well.
Of course, if you experience an allergic reaction after kombucha – you will immediately cease its consumption.
Experiencing headache, nausea, vomiting, or other gastrointestinal symptoms, usually implies that you’ve had more than enough of kombucha, so you should consider – either stopping it completely, or, at least, reduce its intake.
In case you experience acne after using kombucha, consult your dermatologist, and reduce its intake, or stop drinking kombucha and see what happens. The latter is not very likely, don’t be scared.
The purpose of this article is informative and entertaining. It’s not a substitute for medical consultation or medical care. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Safety should be your priority.
Sources of pictures:
- https://www.mdpi.com/
- https://www.researchgate.net/
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/
- https://www.wageningenacademic.com/
