Tea

Although most evidence in support of green tea is anecdotal, some studies have found its antioxidants may be beneficial. According to a study conducted by the Department of Nutrition and Food Science-Nutritional Physiology, University of Bonn, drinking 0.6 to 1.5 liters (or 3-6 cups) of green tea per day may increase antioxidant capacity and reduce lipid peroxidation, which is damage done to lipids by free radicals.

Just as some speculate that the antioxidants in garlic may help fight acne, some believe the antioxidants in green tea could have a similar effect.[relatedarticles}

Essential Oils

A number of scientific studies appearing in journals like the Mahidol University Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Letters in Applied Microbiology attest to the antimicrobial properties of some essential oils like:

• eucalyptus;
• clove oil; and
• kaffir lime leaf.

Some essential oils are believed to kill bacteria that may be associated with acne, such as Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes.

Ingredients like eucalyptus are found in many over-the-counter acne creams and cleansers like Noxzema, Sea Breeze, and their generic drug-store imitators. The study in the Mahidol University Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences found that “lemongrass oil and citronella grass oil had the highest inhibitory activity against P. acnes” and suggested further study of these oils as an alternative treatment for acne.