Teens who suffer from acne are hoping that the latest trend they're seeing on TikTok may be the breakthrough previous generations didn't know about.
Videos of beauty influencers rubbing cloves of raw garlic on their pimples and while some swear by the results, dermatologists say it’s not a good idea. According to dermatologist Dr. Ketaki Bhate, doing it can “cause irritation or even chemical burns, which could leave behind post-inflammatory marks.” Dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss agrees and points out that applying garlic to the skin “cannot clear your acne.”
While you don’t want to apply raw garlic to your skin, eating it could be beneficial. “Garlic is an excellent source of vitamins C and B6, manganese, and selenium,” explains nutritionist Emily English. “Additionally, garlic contains sulfur compounds, such as allicin, which have been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.” Acne sufferers may also see results from eating a low-glycemic, antioxidant-rich diet with lots of Omega-3s, probiotics and zinc.
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