Should You Rub Garlic on Acne? Dermatologist Weighs In and Shares Safer Alternatives

Should You Rub Garlic on Acne? Dermatologist Weighs In and Shares Safer Alternatives

11 days ago | 5 Views

Amidst the plethora of skincare trends and fads circulating on social media, unconventional ingredients are often utilized to address various skin concerns. One such ingredient is garlic, which is commonly used as a home remedy for acne by applying garlic cloves directly to the skin. However, despite its antibacterial properties, garlic may exacerbate breakouts rather than promote healing.

Dr Aanchal Panth recently took to Instagram to explain the reasons why individuals should refrain from using garlic as a treatment for acne.

Boon or bane?

At first glance, garlic may appear to be a promising solution for acne treatment. However, one should exercise caution, as its effects can be misleading. Rather than providing relief, garlic may exacerbate existing skin issues and harm healthy skin texture. It has the potential to cause burns and leave behind dark spots.

Dr Aanchal Panth elaborated, “Garlic possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce bacterial overgrowth associated with acne and alleviate redness. However, it can also lead to significant skin irritation and irritant contact dermatitis, resulting in burns that may heal with dark spots. Therefore, applying garlic directly to the skin is highly discouraged, as it can severely damage healthy skin and worsen the condition.”

Alternatives

Individuals often seek to eliminate the bothersome acne that appears just before a date night or special event. In their haste to address the issue, many resort to extreme measures, such as popping the blemish or applying garlic. However, these approaches can exacerbate the problem in the long term. Therefore, if you wish to avoid further complications, it is advisable to take a more measured and patient approach.

Dr. Aanchal Panth suggests utilizing an acne patch or a salicylic acid serum, applied twice a week. She emphasizes that spot treatments with serum should be reserved for occasional breakouts, ideally no more than two per month. A small quantity of the product should be applied and left on overnight. However, given that acne can manifest in various areas of the face, spot treatment is not the most effective strategy for active acne, as new breakouts may occur elsewhere. A comprehensive treatment for the entire face is recommended.

Additionally, Dr. Panth noted that an acne patch can effectively conceal and protect a small red pimple. Composed of hydrocolloid, it aids in accelerating the healing process.

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