Not only does garlic add an extra flavour to our dishes, making them more nutritious and tasty, but garlic also happens to be useful for skincare. It may help to unclog your pores and decrease blackheads and whiteheads, while also reducing swelling caused by acne and pimples. However, you must watch out! Garlic can be very harsh on the skin sometimes, and it is very important to understand how to use garlic for skin. Read on to know why using garlic for acne is recommended and the right way to apply it.

Can garlic cure acne?

Garlic is effective in treating acne because it helps to reduce sebum production, unclog pores, and diminish the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads. “Its anti-inflammatory properties also aid in reducing the redness and swelling associated with acne, while its ability to promote skin healing can help fade acne scars,” explains dermatologist Dr Raina N. Nahar.

However, garlic must be used carefully, as its concentrated form can be too harsh for the skin. A study published in the Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine states that garlic has compounds that can help in inhibiting the growth of fungi and bacteria. This is what makes garlic good for skin conditions.

Another study published in Food Science & Nutrition states that there are some compounds in garlic that boost antimicrobial effects. One such compound – allicin – helps to fight against the bacteria Streptococcus epidermidis, said to be the primary cause of acne.

One more benefit of using garlic for acne is its anti-inflammatory property. As per a Food and Chemical Toxicology study, allicin, present in garlic, reduced molecules called cytokines that cause inflammation.

Check out the other health benefits of garlic to know how it helps in promoting overall well-being.

How to use garlic for acne?

When it comes to using garlic for acne, people may be divided about whether to eat it in raw form or to make a paste and apply it. In 2024, viral TikTok videos featured people people eating raw garlic cloves in a bid to reduce acne. However, experts believe it is important to dilute garlic to avoid skin irritation.

“You can crush two cloves of garlic and mix the juice with honey or milk to create a thin paste, which can then be applied as a layer on your face, avoiding sensitive areas like the eyes and mouth. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off,” explains Dr Nahar.

Garlic can also be used as a spot treatment, but it should always be diluted with honey or aloe vera gel to prevent irritation. Eating garlic on an empty stomach can also yield some benefits for the skin.

Using fresh cloves of garlic in a diluted form for DIY facepacks can help reduce acne. Image courtesy: Pexels

Can you use garlic for the treatment of pimples?

Yes, garlic can be used for treating pimples as well. Garlic must be used in a diluted form. “Crush two cloves of garlic and mix the juice with honey or aloe vera gel to make a gentle spot treatment. Apply the mixture directly to the pimples, allowing it to work for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off. This method helps to reduce inflammation and prevent scarring while treating active pimples,” explains Dr Nahar.

Precautions to use garlic for acne

When using garlic for acne, it is crucial to take precautions to avoid skin irritation:

• Always dilute the garlic with honey, milk, or another soothing agent, and perform a patch test to ensure your skin doesn’t react negatively.
• Avoid applying garlic near sensitive areas such as the eyes and mouth, and limit the application time to 15-20 minutes, especially if you’re using it for the first time.

How to choose which garlic to use for acne?

For acne treatment, it is best to choose fresh, organic garlic cloves, as they contain higher levels of active compounds like allicin, which are essential for combating acne, explains Dr Nahar. Avoid using pre-minced or processed garlic, as these products may have reduced potency and might not be as effective in treating acne. Check out the best way to eat garlic to get maximum health benefits.

It is important to not overuse garlic on skin as it can be harsh. Image courtesy: Pexels

How many cloves of garlic can you use for acne in one day?

When applying garlic topically for acne, two cloves are sufficient to cover the entire face, explains Dr Nahar. It is important not to overuse garlic, as excessive application can lead to skin irritation. There is no proven benefit to consuming garlic specifically for improving skin clarity, so focus on its topical use.

What are the side effects of using garlic for acne?

The main side effect of using garlic for acne is potential skin irritation, particularly if it is applied in a concentrated form. A study, published in Dermatology Reports, states that the adverse effects of using garlic for acne include irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, protein contact dermatitis or allergic reaction to proteins present in plant or animal origin, zosteriform dermatitis which is another form of rash, contact urticaria or a wheat and flare reaction. Garlic can be caustic, leading to burns or patchiness if not properly diluted. To avoid these side effects, always dilute garlic and use it cautiously on your skin.

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