Myths or reality: Can rubbing raw garlic on your race cure acne?

Acne is the ultimate Equal Opportunity Annoyance: it strikes teens and adults alike. Considering all the gazillion different products and remedies available on the market, the search for a product that does its job appears to be an endless one. One of the weirdest old-school suggestions that just seems to pop up in conversations every now and then is rubbing raw garlic on your face.It’s one of those far-out ideas, but let’s find out whether it’s a useful tip or another beauty myth.

The garlic appeal

Garlic has been around since long before recorded history and has traditionally been used as a folk remedy for a myriad of conditions. It’s touted for its potential health benefits, in part because of a chemical in the plant known as allicin. Allicin is purportedly antimicrobial-it could theoretically attack bacteria. Acne is sometimes attributed to bacteria, so that’s a vaguely appealing notion.

The science (or lack thereof)

Indeed, the allicin in garlic has some remarkable properties against microbial action and inflammation. In the laboratory setting, it has been shown to repel a wide range of pathogens, which might make one assume that it would be an excellent candidate for treating acne. And here is the kicker:
Antimicrobial activity: Indeed, allicin acts to retard bacterial growth, and that sounds good for acne. However, one must remember that in acne, the pathogenesis is not solely from bacteria but involves blockage of pores and increased sebum, leading to inflammation.
Inflammation reduction: The sulfur compounds and antioxidants in garlic could help in reducing inflammation-a major component of acne. Decreased inflammation may help with symptoms related to acne, but here is where the evidence becomes anecdotal rather than scientific.
Sparse research: Most studies regarding garlic pertain to general health benefits rather than those that deal explicitly with acne. So, although garlic possesses some cool properties, there isn’t much hard evidence supporting it as an effective treatment for acne.

The risks of garlic to your skin

Application of raw garlic to your skin may seem straightforward enough, but let’s not forget to talk about some possible downsides:
Irritation to the skin: Garlic is really pungent, and applying it directly on the skin will irritate it. You can compare it to a very strong spice; it tends to burn and redden the skin, which can be rather unwelcome to experience. Not exactly the soothing treatment you might hope for.
Allergic reactions: Some people are allergic to garlic. If by chance you happen to fall in this category, an allergic reaction could be the aftermath of using garlic-leading to rashes or swelling.
Dryness and sensitivity: The sulfur in garlic may be too strong for your skin. This may mean dryness and peeling, which could be just what worsens your acne rather than alleviates it.

In case garlic isn’t what you expect to be your magic solution, here are other options that really work:
Topical medications include lots of such preparations tried and found to contain the ravages of acne: benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids. Each of these works at a different level in combating acne, whether opening up pores or reducing bacteria.
Prescription medications: In cases where the above self-treatments are not effective, dermatologists may prescribe antibiotics, hormonal treatments, or even retinoids. Such treatments have been studied at length and may be individually tailored to your needs.

Professional procedures: For those who want more serious treatment, there are chemical peels, laser therapy, and light treatments. These can help not just with the acne itself but also with any scarring it may cause.
So, does rubbing raw garlic on your face cure acne? The short answer would be no. As great as garlic may sound with its really cool properties, it still does not have enough scientific basis to be an effective treatment method against acne. It also carries a risk for irritation and allergic reactions.
If you do have acne, it’s best to stick with the scientifically-supported treatments and see a dermatologist who will help you sort through the myriad of options to find a treatment plan that works for you. Sometimes, the best avenue to clear skin involves a combination of proven treatments and a bit of patience.
Yes, it may add punch to your pasta, but it’s best to leave it off your face and stick with more tried-and-true acne solutions. Your skin will thank you!