The Secret to Clear Skin: Does Kombucha Help with Acne?

May 9, 2025

Kombucha is everywhere nowadays—a staple in many fridges, a go-to for gut health, and a refreshing pick-me-up. But did you know that its true power might lie beyond your gut and in your skincare routine? If you've been battling constant breakouts, feeling like you've tried every cream, cleanser, and potion under the sun, kombucha might be the unexpected ally your skin needs.

Are you wondering how kombucha helps with acne? This blog explores kombucha's potential as a natural acne remedy. It discusses the science behind its skin-clearing properties, offers practical ways to incorporate it into your routine, and uncovers the connection between your gut and your glow. Prepare to say goodbye to acne, as the journey to clearer skin might be just a sip away!

What is kombucha?

Kombucha is a fermented tea beverage that has gained immense popularity over recent years due to its unique flavour and potential health benefits. It is essentially sweetened tea—typically black or green—that has undergone a fermentation process.

To make kombucha, a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) is added to sweetened tea. The SCOBY, a gelatinous, rubbery disc, is a living matrix of beneficial microorganisms that acts as the catalyst in the transformation process. As it ferments the sweetened tea, the SCOBY consumes much of the sugar, resulting in a drink that's tangy, slightly sweet, and effervescent.

The fermentation continues under controlled conditions over a period of 7-21 days, allowing the culture to produce various beneficial compounds:

Organic acids such as acetic acid give kombucha its distinct tang.
Carbon dioxide creates the natural effervescence.
Probiotics are essential for supporting gut health.
Antioxidants derived from the tea help protect cells from damage.

This distinctive mix of flavours and health-promoting ingredients makes kombucha stand out on supermarket shelves and is often pictured in beautifully crafted bottles.

Now that you know what kombucha is, let's explore the skin issue you're trying to tackle—acne.

Understanding acne

Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages, though it's most prevalent during adolescence. It occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. These blockages result in whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples, which most commonly appear on the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders.

But what triggers these annoying blemishes? The following are the main causes:

Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy, increase the levels of androgens. These hormones enlarge sebaceous glands, resulting in more sebum production. The excess oil can clog pores, facilitating acne.
Excess sebum production: Overactive sebaceous glands produce too much sebum. This excess oil can mix with dead skin cells, blocking hair follicles and leading to acne.
Bacteria: Clogged pores allow Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacteria to thrive and cause inflammation. Though naturally present on the skin, the bacteria can multiply in blocked follicles, worsening the condition.
Inflammation: Acne is more than a surface-level problem. When clogged follicle walls break down, bacteria, sebum, and skin cells spill into surrounding areas, causing redness, swelling, and typical inflammatory symptoms of acne.

Symptoms

Recognising acne becomes simple once the symptoms are known. The most common symptoms include:

Whiteheads: Closed, plugged pores appearing as small, flesh-coloured bumps.
Blackheads: Open plugged pores with dark centres due to oxidation.
Papules: Small, red, tender bumps indicating inflammation.
Pustules: The classic pimples with pus-filled tips.
Nodules: Large, solid, often painful lumps beneath the skin.
Cysts: Deep, painful, pus-filled lumps notorious for causing scarring.

Knowing the underlying causes and symptoms of acne is crucial in managing this common skin concern.

You've met the villain, acne. Now, let's introduce kombucha as the potential hero of this tale!

Is kombucha effective for reducing acne?

It might sound weird to drink something with a distinct tang to clear up your skin. After all, skincare is about topical creams and cleansers, right? Yet, kombucha is packed with beneficial components that might help with acne. Let's explore the potential of this fermented tea drink in this regard:

Antioxidants: Kombucha is a rich source of antioxidants, especially the polyphenols derived from tea. These antioxidants protect your skin from free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress, leading to inflammation and breakouts. By reducing oxidative stress, the antioxidants in kombucha can help calm inflammation associated with acne, reducing redness and swelling.
Organic acids: The fermentation process of kombucha produces various organic acids, including acetic acid, gluconic acid, and lactic acid. These acids, especially acetic acid, have potent antimicrobial properties. They can help fight off acne-causing bacteria like P. acnes on the skin's surface. By inhibiting bacterial growth, acetic acid can contribute to clearer pores and fewer breakouts.
Probiotics: Kombucha is teeming with probiotics, those beneficial bacteria known for supporting gut health. The health of your gut is closely linked to the health of your skin. An imbalance in gut bacteria can contribute to inflammation throughout the body, including the skin, potentially leading to acne. By promoting a balanced gut microbiome, the probiotics in kombucha can help reduce systemic inflammation and improve the overall appearance of your skin.

Speaking of kombucha's powers, one of its greatest tricks lies in the connection between your gut health and skin health.

The gut-skin connection

The notion that what happens in your gut can reflect on your skin is gaining widespread recognition, primarily through the gut-skin axis. But how do probiotics address your gut issues? Do they work from the inside out to create a clearer complexion? Let's explore the gut-skin connection further by understanding the root causes of acne:

Dysbiosis: The delicate balance of microorganisms within your gut plays a significant role in overall health, including skin health. Dysbiosis, an imbalance where harmful bacteria outnumber beneficial ones, can trigger systemic inflammation and weaken the immune system. This can lead to several skin problems, including acne. Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria and restore balance to the gut microbiome, reducing dysbiosis and its associated skin problems.
Inflammation: Chronic inflammation is a major contributor to acne. When the body's immune system overreacts to triggers like gut imbalance or the presence of P. acnes bacteria on the skin, it leads to inflammation. This manifests as redness, swelling, and painful lesions associated with acne. The anti-inflammatory properties of probiotics help modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation, thus significantly improving acne symptoms.
Hormonal imbalance: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly an increase in androgens, can stimulate sebum production and contribute to acne. Gut bacteria play a role in the metabolism and regulation of hormones. An imbalanced gut microbiome can lead to hormonal imbalances and worsen acne. Probiotics can support a healthy gut environment, indirectly influencing hormone regulation and reducing hormone-related acne.

A 2013 study further illustrates the role of probiotics in acne management. This study involved 45 female participants aged 18 to 35, divided into three groups:

Group A received probiotic supplementation.
Group B received antibiotic treatment.
Group C received both probiotics and antibiotics.

After 12 weeks, all three groups showed significant improvements in acne-related issues. Notably, the group that received both probiotics and antibiotics showed slightly better results than the other two groups. This study reinforces the idea that probiotics can be a valuable tool for therapeutic relief from acne issues.

With probiotics proving their point, let's not forget that kombucha isn't just about tackle-fighting acne. It's got more tricks up its sleeve for your skin!

Additional benefits of kombucha for skin

Kombucha isn't just a one-trick pony when it comes to skincare. Beyond its acne-fighting power, this tangy brew can help you achieve clearer skin and tackle a range of other skin issues. Think of it as your all-in-one skincare solution, especially if you're battling more than just acne:

Hydration: Staying hydrated is key to achieving that enviable glow and keeping pesky breakouts at bay. Well-hydrated skin is more resilient and better equipped to heal. With its high water content, kombucha helps flush out toxins and hydrate your body from within, keeping your skin supple and balanced.
Detoxification support: Kombucha is packed with glucuronic acid, which naturally helps your body clear out unwanted toxins. By supporting liver function, it ensures that toxins that might aggravate acne and other skin conditions get efficiently removed, leading to clearer skin over time.
Prevents eczema: Kombucha's anti-inflammatory properties and probiotic content can help soothe and manage eczema. By calming inflammation and supporting a healthy skin barrier, it can provide relief from eczema symptoms.
Exfoliation: Dead skin buildup can clog pores and lead to breakouts, but kombucha comes with a natural solution. Thanks to its lactic acid and enzymes, it acts as a gentle exfoliant, sloughing off dead skin cells and diminishing hyperpigmentation. This prevents further breakouts and revives the skin's barrier, leading to a fresher complexion.
Reduces signs of aging: The secret to fighting age gracefully might be in your kombucha, which contains vitamin C and polyphenols. Vitamin C promotes collagen production, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Polyphenols are a powerhouse of antioxidants that combat free radical damage and prevent premature aging.

Do you want to know what collagen does for your skin and hair? An expert from The Good Bug breaks down the importance of collagen in the video below.

Are you keen to utilise kombucha's skin-saving abilities? Here's how to make it part of your routine for serious skincare perks.

How to use kombucha to get rid of acne?

You don't need a reason to love kombucha—its tangy taste and potential health benefits are often enough. But if you want another reason, clearer skin is a fantastic bonus! Let's explore how to incorporate kombucha into your skincare routine to tackle those unwanted breakouts:

Face wash: Raw, unflavoured kombucha could be a refreshing addition to your skincare routine. Its low pH helps balance the skin's pH and reduces potential breakouts.
- Simply soak a cotton pad or clean cloth with kombucha and gently wipe it across your face, avoiding the eye area.
- Stick to raw and unflavoured kombucha to avoid the harmful impact of sugars or additives that other varieties may contain.
- Perform a patch test first and discontinue use if irritation occurs.
SCOBY face mask: For an innovative twist on face masks, consider using a SCOBY. It promotes regeneration of skin cells while acting as a natural peel due to its low pH. You can use a SCOBY mask in two different ways:
- Take a thin, pliable SCOBY and carefully cut out openings for your eyes, nose, and mouth. Gently place the SCOBY on your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
- Alternatively, blend a small piece of SCOBY with aloe vera gel or a few drops of essential oils (such as tea tree or lavender) to create a smoother, more spreadable mask.
Oral consumption: Drinking kombucha regularly can support your skin from the inside out. It's recommended to consume around 150-250ml of kombucha five times a week or limit your intake to 4 ounces, 1-3 times a day, as a general guideline. If you're new to kombucha, start with small amounts and increase gradually to sidestep any digestive discomfort. Regular consumption may aid in balancing gut bacteria, which is often linked to improved skin health.

Who knew that a tangy, fizzy beverage could be a game-changer for your gut and skin? Kombucha is a simple, effective natural remedy that helps you overcome acne problems and promote a radiant complexion. Incorporate this fermented elixir into your daily routine and experience the benefits yourself!

Are you ready to see how kombucha can help with acne? The Good Bug's kombucha can be a perfect start to achieving healthier skin and a happier gut. Our kombucha is crafted carefully using natural ingredients and traditional fermentation methods to deliver a truly refreshing and beneficial experience. Visit our website to grab your bottle of wellness drink and prepare to glow from the inside out!