Search “Raw Garlic For Acne” on TikTok right now, and you’ll be met with posts depicting acne sufferers either chomping on cloves or gently patting them on their pimples, but is there any truth to users’ claims that the allium has magical spot-vanquishing powers? Three experts—Dr Ketaki Bhate, consultant dermatologist at Self London; board-certified dermatologist Dr Shereene Idriss; and Emily English, nutritionist and founder of epetōme—weigh in.
While all three experts understand the appeal of simple, at-home “solutions” to common dermatological problems, they couldn’t be clearer: Rubbing garlic on your skin isn’t a good idea. Doing so can “cause irritation or even chemical burns, which could leave behind post-inflammatory marks,” explains Dr Bhate, while Dr Idriss is unequivocal: applying garlic “topically to the skin cannot clear your acne.” Dr. Idriss continues, “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.”
So what should you be using in terms of topical products? Bhate is keen to highlight that the best plans are tailored to your specific needs by a dermatologist. “Everyone’s skin is so different, so a blanket approach isn’t ideal,” she notes. “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.” Idriss has some more specific tips for less extreme inflammatory acne cases. “Exfoliating acids – in particular, BHAs like salicylic acid – can assist in clearing out excess sebum build-up within your pores to minimise further breakouts, while ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide can help reduce the bacterial load on your skin… 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.”
While we’ve established that rubbing garlic on your skin is an absolute no-go, eating garlic as part of a healthy, balanced diet isn’t a bad idea, assuming you don’t have any allergies or sensitivities. “Garlic is an excellent source of vitamins C and B6, manganese, and selenium,” English tells Vogue. “Additionally, garlic contains sulfur compounds, such as allicin, which have been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.” So, what else should you be eating besides alliums for optimal skin? English recommends acne sufferers follow a low-glycemic, antioxidant-rich diet heavy on Omega-3s (think oily fish and walnuts); probiotics (kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi); and zinc (pumpkin seeds and quinoa included).
