Garlic is said to have many health benefits, including soothing sore throats and acting as a natural antibiotic. But a new trend is causing some people to worry.
TikTok skincare addicts have suggested that the sharp bulb may contain properties that can help you achieve the coveted “glass skin” and beat acne. They claim this can be achieved by swallowing a raw bulb whole or by rubbing it on your face.
This unusual skin care tip is making the rounds on social media and has already been viewed 9.4 million times by people looking for relief from localized discoloration.
In addition to rubbing garlic on infected areas, several garlic enthusiasts have also praised the benefits of eating this powerful plant, chewing or swallowing one clove at a time for its supposed skin-boosting properties.
Dermatologists, however, are not convinced by this trend. They say that while garlic has long been used in holistic medicine, there are “no studies” to suggest it can cure acne.
According to the latest TikTok skincare trick, one of the best ways to get rid of a pimple in no time is to chew on raw garlic or rub a garlic clove on your face.
A number of clips under the hashtag show women attempting to cure various types of acne – including hormonal acne that can’t be relieved topically – by chewing or rubbing garlic
Several clips under the hashtag feature women attempting to cure various types of acne, including hormonal acne that can’t be treated topically, by chewing or rubbing garlic.
Even model and former girlfriend of Romeo Beckham, Mia Regan, calls this skincare trick magical. She is a big advocate of the solution to smelly spots.
Describe her beauty routine in detail Fashion Earlier this year, the model revealed that she never goes anywhere without a trusty head of garlic.
“I always carry a lamp with me because of the antibacterial properties,” she said.
While some chew or swallow garlic whole, others claim that the benefits can also be obtained by applying it topically.
Farah Dhukai is a popular beauty blogger who previously posted a video extolling the benefits of the herbal treatment, claiming it would “clear away pimples overnight.”
In an Instagram video in which the blogger tries out the remedy herself, she says: ‘Garlic flattens your pimple and makes it disappear overnight, or even instantly!’
“Take a clove of garlic and make some cuts in it to get some garlic juice. Rub the garlic on any pimples you have. If you have a whitehead like me, it will go away immediately and won’t come back.”
One TikTokker, Molly Beth, even filmed a 30-day series where she vowed to fill her gut with garlic in an attempt to combat acne.
Just last week, Molly ate one clove a day for 30 days. She filmed each clove she ate with a look of fear on her face, then gave the camera a hopeful thumbs up.
When she completed the month-long period, she uploaded a video asking her followers to comment on whether they thought it had worked or not. In the caption, she described the journey as one of ups and downs, but admitted that she didn’t feel like it had worked for her.
Another TikTokker revealed that she ate over 3,000 cloves of garlic in an attempt to get rid of her acne, explaining that she wanted to get “glass skin.”
Others are incorporating the pungent remedy into their favorite skin care tips, though almost every video features people using the tip nearly gagging after trying to munch on a piece of garlic.
A number of clips under the hashtag show women attempting to cure various types of acne – including hormonal acne that can’t be relieved topically – by chewing or rubbing garlic
Another TikToker, who goes by the username @selinadasilvaa, claimed in a video: ‘One garlic a day keeps pimples away’
A TikTok user applied garlic directly to the pimples on her skin
Another TikToker revealed she ate over 3,000 cloves of garlic in an attempt to get rid of her acne, explaining she was trying to get “glass skin”
Farah Dhukai, a popular beauty blogger, previously posted a video in which she touted the benefits of the plant-based topical treatment, claiming that it would ‘make pimples disappear overnight’
In one of the clips, a woman gave an update on her experiences with using garlic, saying that she had rubbed the white plant directly on her pimples.
She said that although the bumps under the spots had gone away, the redness had decreased.
Another TikToker, who goes by the username @selinadasilvaa, claimed in a video, “One garlic a day keeps pimples away.”
The same report also claimed that the versatile plant – more often found in a bowl of pasta than in skin care products – also worked as an “eyebrow thickener.”
Others use the pungent remedy in their favorite skin care tips, but in almost every video you’ll see people who use the trick nearly gagging after trying to eat a clove of garlic.
According to dermatologist Dr. Jinah Yoo of MAYLIN x Dr. Jinah Yoo Dermatology, there is no evidence that garlic is in any way helpful for treating acne, despite its several known health benefits.
She further says that the cause of acne must be determined before deciding what measures to take.
Dr Jinah Yoo said: ‘Acne can be caused by several reasons including lifestyle, hormones, stress levels and also diet.
Garlic has been used in holistic medicine for many years for its many benefits, including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, no studies have been conducted on how it can help acne, either topically or ingested.
‘If you are looking for a treatment for acne breakouts, I would recommend consulting your dermatologist, as he or she can delve deeper into the reason for this.’
Instead of opting for a product with a strong scent, Dr. Yoo recommends “adding active ingredients to your skincare routine, such as salicylic acid and azelaic acid, which help unclog pores, as well as niacinamide, which can help with inflammation.”