10 Easy Ways To Use Mint Leaves To Get Rid Of Acne Scars

Mint leaves have more benefits than being just a refreshing addition to your summer drinks. They are also popular ingredients in cosmetic and skincare products and are widely used in herbal remedies. Many people use mint leaves to treat acne scars. However, do they really work and minimize breakouts and scarring? This article explains the causes behind acne scars and how mint leaves may reduce acne and thus, the possibility of scarring as well.

Causes Of Acne Scars

1. Inflammation

The inflammation caused by acne may lead to skin damage and eventually cause scars. Inflammatory acne, which causes cysts, is more prone to scarring as compared to non-inflammatory types, like blackheads and whiteheads.

2. Popping Pimples

This is one of the most common mistakes everyone makes that may lead to severe acne scars. Squeezing the pimples may cause tears and damage the skin, eventually leading to scarring.

3. Delay In Treatment

Delaying or inconsistent treatment may increase the risk of acne scars. It is important to treat acne as soon as possible to prevent severe lesions and deep scars.

Keep reading to learn about the benefits of mint leaves for acne.

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 comedonesⁱ  Small, flesh-colored, white, or dark bumps caused by bacteria, oil, and dead skin clogging skin pores. , and compared to retinoidsⁱ  A class of chemical compounds derived from vitamin A. Retinal, retinoic acid, adapalene, etc., are different types of retinoids. , it causes less irritation on your skin. Mint contains salicylic acid, and it has been widely used in Ayurvedic formulations for treating acne-prone skin and other issues (1).

Trivia

Salicylic acid, when used as a peeling agent in chemical peels, can reduce pigmented lesions and skin roughness.

2. It Is A Free Radical Scavenger

Mint contains flavonoidsⁱ  Natural substances with health benefits found in many fruits, grains, roots, flowers, vegetables, bark, stems, tea, and wine. and phenolicsⁱ  Colorless crystalline solid and aromatic compounds formed by a reaction between phenol and formaldehyde. . phosphorus, vitamin C, calcium, and vitamin E.phosphorus, vitamin C,  calcium, and vitamin E. They have excellent antioxidantⁱ  The property of a substance that can prevent oxidation and delay some type of cell damage caused by free radicals. 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 have healing properties that can help with:

• Unclogging the skin pores, reducing microbial activities, and causing the acne to dry up to cure 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.

When it comes to acne management, the topical application of mint leaves works better than consuming them. 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
2. Mint Leaves And Honey For Acne
3. Mint And Rose Water For Acne
4. Mint And Oats Face Pack For Acne
5. Mint, Olive, And Lemon Juice For Acne
6. Mint Leaves, Yogurt, And Cucumber Face Pack
7. Mint And Multani Mitti Face Pack
8. Mint And Basil Face Pack For Acne
9. Mint Toner For Acne
10. Mint And Clay Face Pack

1. Mint Leaves Paste For Acne

You Will Need

• 10-15 mint leaves
• A few drops of water

What You Have To Do

1. Grind the mint leaves.
2. Add water to give it a paste-like consistency.
3. Apply the paste to the affected area. Let it dry.
4. Wash with lukewarm water.

How Often You Should Do This

Once daily.

Why This Works

Mint leaves have antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties 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

You Will Need

• 10-15 mint leaves
• 1 teaspoon Manuka honey (or organic honey)

What You Have To Do

1. Crush the mint leaves.
2. Take a bowl and add the honey and mint paste to it.
3. Blend the mixture well and apply to the affected area.
4. Let it stay for at least 30 minutes.
5. Wash with water.

How Often You Should Do This

Once daily.

Why This Works

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

You Will Need

• 10-15 mint leaves
• 1 teaspoon rose water

What You Have To Do

1. Grind the mint leaves and make a smooth paste.
2. Mix well with rose water.
3. Apply to the affected areas.
4. Let it dry for 30 minutes.
5. Rinse it off with water.

How Often You Should Do This

Once daily until the acne is gone.

Why This Works

Another effective remedy is to use rose water for acne. It 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 astringentⁱ  The property of a substance that helps it to draw out water from the tissues, causing them to shrink. . It may also soothe skin inflammation and redness. Together with mint, it protects your skin from acne-causing bacteria and prevents skin issues.

4. Mint And Oats Face Pack For Acne

You Will Need

• 10-15 mint leaves
• 1 tablespoon rolled oats
• 1 tablespoon cucumber juice (or pulp)
• 1 teaspoon honey

What You Have To Do

1. Crush the mint leaves and grind the oats.
2. Mix both the ingredients in a bowl and then add honey and cucumber (juice or pulp) to it.
3. Blend well.
4. If it is too thick, add some rose water.
5. Apply it all over your face, focusing on the affected areas.
6. Let it dry.
7. Gently rinse it with water.

How Often You Should Do This

Thrice a week.

Why This Works

This face scrub promotes skin rejuvenation and helps 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

You Will Need

• 15-20 mint leaves
• ½ teaspoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (diluted with water or rose water)

What You Have To Do

1. Crush the mint leaves and mix with olive oil and lemon juice.
2. Blend well.
3. Clean your face with water and then apply the paste
4. all over your face or just the affected area.
5. Gently massage and let the skin soak it in for 20 minutes.
6. Wash it off with lukewarm water.

How Often You Should Do This

Thrice a week.

Why This Works

You can try this face pack with lemon juice for acne and scarring, as it works perfectly for all the skin types. Also 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

You Will Need

• 10-15 mint leaves
• 1 tablespoon yogurt
• 1 tablespoon grated cucumber (or you may use juice)

What You Have To Do

1. Crush the mint leaves.
2. Mix all the ingredients and then apply the face mask.
3. Wash it off once it is dry.

How Often You Should Do This

Thrice a week.

Why This Works

This is an extremely rejuvenating face pack that soothes inflammation and heals acne, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation. Yogurt hydrates, minimizes blemishes, and promotes skin healing. 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

You Will Need

• 10-15 mint leaves
• 1 tablespoon multani mitti
• 1 tablespoon yogurt

What You Have To Do

1. Crush the mint leaves and make a paste.
2. Blend the multani mitti and yogurt well. Check the consistency. If it is too thick, add more yogurt.
3. Add the mint paste to this and mix well.
4. Apply the mask evenly all over your face and neck.
5. Let it dry.
6. Once dry, wet it with a cloth soaked in lukewarm water.
7. When the pack is soft, gently wash it off using circular motions.

How Often You Should Do This

Twice a week.

Why This Works

Multani mitti aids exfoliation by cleaning 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, and for skin regeneration.

8. Mint And Basil Face Pack For Acne

You Will Need

• 10-12 mint leaves
• 10-12 basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel

What You Have To Do

1. Crush the mint and basil leaves together.
2. Add the aloe vera gel and make a smooth paste.
3. Apply this paste on your face and leave it on for at least 20-30 minutes.
4. Wash it with water.

How Often You Should Do This

Twice a week.

Why This Works

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.

Quick Tip

You can also combine mint leaves with sage, thyme, rosemary, parsley, and coriander leaves (or their essential oils) as they are natural sources of salicylic acid (1).

9. Mint Toner For Acne

You Will Need

• 1 cup mint leaves (shredded)
• 1 ½ cups water

What You Have To Do

1. Add the water and the leaves to a container and
2. Boil on a low flame for 5 minutes.
3. Turn the flame off and place a lid on the container. Allow it to cool down.
4. Transfer to a spray bottle.
5. You can store it in the refrigerator.
6. Spritz the toner on your face.

How Often You Should Do This

2-3 times a day.

Why This Works

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 helps in skin toning, makes your skin feel refreshed and is your perfect companion during summers.

10. Mint And Clay Face Pack

You Will Need

• 10-15 mint leaves (crushed into a paste)
• 1 tablespoon bentonite clay (or any other clay that’s available)
• 1 tablespoon yogurt

What You Have To Do

1. Take a container and mix all the ingredients.
2. If it is too thick, add more yogurt to it.
3. Spread it evenly on your face (leave the eye area) and let it dry.
4. Once dry, soak your hands in water and press them on your face until the pack is soft.
5. Gently massage and wash the pack off.

How Often You Should Do This

Twice a week.

Why This Works

This easy-peasy face pack is rejuvenating and has a cooling effect. 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

Infographic: The Best Ways To Use Mint Leaves To Treat Acne Scars

Acne is a common skin condition that develops when your pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, and it might leave behind unpleasant scars. Many individuals turn to chemical treatments to get rid of them. If you are interested in trying out a more natural solution like mint leaves, which have antioxidant properties, check out the infographic below.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Illustration: Easy Ways To Use Mint Leaves To Get Rid Of Acne Scars

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn how to effectively incorporate mint leaves into facial masks, harnessing their soothing and refreshing properties to reduce pimples. Follow the instructions given in this video to create a rejuvenating mint-based face pack. Check it out now!

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Priya GillMBBCH, MRCP

 

Dr. Priya Gill is a consultant dermatologist in Klang, Malaysia, with over 16 years of experience. She specializes in the management of all medical and surgical dermatology issues and has a special interest in laser therapy and phototherapy.

Read full bio of Dr. Priya Gill

Ramona SinhaEditor

 

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha

Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

Read full bio of Eshna Das

Krati DarakAssociate Commerce Editor

Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.

Read full bio of Krati Darak