Experts have weighed in on a garlic trend sweeping TikTok and how participating could leave you with chemical burns.
If you’ve ever found yourself on BeautyTok - the social media community covering everything from tattoo care to teeth whitening hacks - then you may have come across a wild skincare trend or two.
Previously, the world was captivated by the moisturising ‘slugging’ technique, while others were obsessed with the idea of ‘skin cycling’.
However, this year there has been a dramatic boom in acne prevention videos.
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Some gurus have made a serious case for blue light killing particular acne-causing bacteria, while others are swearing by the ‘miracle’ that is beef tallow.
But arguably the wildest trend of them all is rubbing or chomping down on raw garlic to smooth out your skin.
What is the ‘Raw Garlic for Acne’ trend?
After typing ‘Raw Garlic for Acne’ into the TikTok search bar you’ll be greeted with reems of people rubbing raw bulbs of garlic on their face.
TikTokers believe this will help to ‘cure’ your acne, while others swear by ingesting raw bulbs for the same reason.
Reaction videos from registered dermatologists are also expected to appear as experts try to deliver an informed lowdown on the reported spot prevention method.
Is there any science behind the raw garlic acne prevention method?
According to Healthline, garlic contains allicin - an inflammation-easing compound that gives a bulb its distinctive odour.
A 2013 study, published in the popular Science Direct journal, found that allicin awarded fresh, raw garlic anti-inflammatory properties.
Results suggested there could be ‘potential therapeutic use of allicin in the treatment of chronic inflammatory disease.’
However, there is a lack of strong scientific evidence that raw garlic helps to clear up acne.
Experts have delivered warnings on using garlic for acne prevention
While it appears social media is obsessed with the trend, two dermatologists aren’t impressed and have recently issued warnings to those practising the alleged prevention method.
Speaking to Vogue about the health risks attached to rubbing garlic on your skin, Dr. Ketaki Bhate, a consultant dermatologist at Self London said doing so can ‘cause irritation or even chemical burns, which could leave behind post-inflammatory marks.’
She also added that because everyone’s skin is unique, a ‘blanket approach’ to dealing with acne isn’t exactly ‘ideal’.
Another expert staunchly claimed that garlic unquestionably cannot clear up acne.
“The majority of videos online where people are using garlic to ‘cure’ their acne depict those struggling with hormonal acne,” said fellow dermatologist Dr Shereene Idriss.
“More often than not [acne] requires prescription medication. It is so important to treat the root cause in order to minimise any unwanted side effects such as long-term scarring.”
What are some tips for managing acne during treatment?
Those who are seeking help to treat there acne can do a number of things to manage it at home, says the American Academy of Dermatology.
The institute recommends that sufferers gently wash their face twice per day and after sweating using gentle skin care products.
It’s also advised that you shampoo your hair regularly as oil can worsen acne as it sits on your forehead and to stop touching your face during the day.
“While it can be tempting to pick, pop, or squeeze your acne, doing so will make the acne take longer to clear and increase your risk for scarring and dark spots called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation,” the academy states.
Ella Scott