According to TikTok users, this plant isn’t just for keeping vampires away.
Intrepid influencers are smearing garlic across their faces, saying the bizarre beauty hack quickly clears up skin imperfections.
Searching “raw garlic for acne” on the app will result in videos of hundreds of people rubbing a clove of raw garlic on their pimples.
But while experts see the appeal for at-home remedies, they warn that plastering the plant on your face isn’t a good idea.
Dr. Ketaki Bhate, consultant dermatologist at Self London, told Vogue that doing so can “cause irritation or even chemical burns, which could leave behind post-inflammatory marks.”
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss agreed, telling the outlet that topically applying garlic to the skin “cannot clear your acne.”
“The majority of videos online where people are using garlic to ‘cure’ their acne depict those struggling with hormonal acne,” which “more often than not requires prescription medication. It is so important to treat the root cause in order to minimize any unwanted side effects such as long-term scarring,” Idriss explained.
While rubbing garlic on your skin should be an automatic no, eating garlic isn’t out of the question.
“Garlic is an excellent source of vitamins C and B6, manganese, and selenium,” Emily English, nutritionist and founder of epetōme, told Vogue. “Additionally, garlic contains sulfur compounds, such as allicin, which have been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.”
On top of garlic, English recommends those suffering from acne follow a glycemic, antioxidant-rich diet, focusing on Omega-3s, probiotics and zinc.
When it comes to topical approaches, it’s important to check in with a doctor before putting anything on your skin.
“Everyone’s skin is so different, so a blanket approach isn’t ideal,” Bhate said. “Generally, I recommend acne-friendly (non-comedogenic) products and a pared-down regime as too many products at once can end up irritating the skin.”
If you’re looking for more specific tips for inflammatory acne cases on the less extreme side, Idriss recommends exfoliating acids.
“Exfoliating acids – in particular, BHAs like salicylic acid – can assist in clearing out excess sebum build-up within your pores to minimize further breakouts, while ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide can help reduce the bacterial load on your skin,” Idriss shared.
“Retinol and retinal are great at helping regulate cell turnover, too. Lastly, hydrocolloid patches can be a final resort if you have a big, juicy pimple that you’re trying to get rid of in a pinch, but they aren’t a long-term solution.”
