Garlic has been used as a preventive remedy since ancient times to ward off infections. Scientific evidence reports that garlic does have anti-microbial properties against other species of bacteria like Staphylococcus, Salmonella, Vibrio, Mycobacteria, and Proteus (2). However, the exact mechanism of how garlic works to fight acne is yet to be studied. For now, we can speculate that the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of garlic may help manage acne. If you are wondering how to actually use garlic to treat acne, we have got you covered. Read on to learn the different ways you can use garlic to treat your acne.

How To Use Garlic For Acne?

1. Garlic Puree

This simple homemade remedy is believed to be effective due to the antibacterial properties of garlic. Raw garlic can also be used, though a diluted version will be gentler on your skin. You can use this remedy thrice a week for the best results. You will need

3 to 4 cloves of garlic 1 tablespoon of water

Process

2. Garlic And Yogurt

Yogurt has probiotics that may help treat acne (3). It is believed yogurt may also clear out clogged pores and dead skin cells that may otherwise contribute to acne. You can use this every alternate day to help get clear, blemish-free skin. You will need

2 to 3 cloves of garlic 1 tablespoon of yogurt

Process

3. Garlic And Rosewater

Rosewater is soothing and gentle on acne-prone skin. Rosewater and the plants extracts have been reported to be effective against acne, thanks to their antibacterial properties (4). You will need

3 cloves of garlic 1 tablespoon of rosewater

Process

4. Garlic And Aloe Vera

This natural remedy is applied topically on the skin. It can be helpful to prevent future breakouts (5). Apart from hydrating the skin, aloe vera also has an anti-acne effect (6). This home remedy is perfect for people with sensitive skin. You will need

2 tablespoons of garlic juice 2 tablespoons of aloe vera

Process

5. Garlic And Honey

Honey is a natural humectant and has anti-microbial properties (7). This remedy is perfect for those with dry skin. You should use this only once a week. You will need

2 to 3 cloves of garlic 1 tablespoon of water 1 tablespoon of honey

Process

6. Garlic And ACV

ACV has anti-microbial properties that may help treat acne-prone skin (8). However, keep in mind to use diluted ACV on the skin. Undiluted ACV could be too strong for your skin. You will need

3 cloves of garlic 2 tablespoons of diluted apple cider vinegar

Process Anecdotal evidence suggests that drinking garlic water or raw garlic juice may also help clear acne. However, keep in mind that consuming too much garlic has its own risks.

Precautions To Be Taken

Garlic is very strong in nature and can cause a slight burning or stinging sensation when applied to the skin directly. It is recommended to dilute it with water or other ingredients before topical application. Contact a doctor if you notice the following symptoms after applying garlic:

Redness Swelling Persistent tingling or burning sensation Allergic reaction, skin irritation, or rash

Garlic is known to interact with various drugs and medications (mentioned below) (9). Keep this in mind before you ingest garlic-based home remedies.

Warfarin Antiplatelets Saquinavir Antihypertensives Calcium channel blockers Quinolone family of antibiotics such as Ciprofloxacin, and hypoglycemic drugs

Note: Garlic is a potent irritant and can cause severe irritant reactions, especially on sensitive skin. Hence, always dilute garlic juice and never apply it directly. It can be used on an occasional acne breakout, but if you have persistent acne, applying garlic daily can cause irritation, leading to pigmentation, and is hence not advisable. Can garlic burn your skin? Yes, garlic contains chemicals such as allicin and allyl propyl disulfide that may cause your skin to burn (10). Avoid applying raw garlic on your face. Are tomatoes and garlic good for acne? Yes, using a combination of garlic and tomatoes may be good for your acne. Tomatoes and garlic contain anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may help soothe and manage acne (2), (11). Can garlic remove pimples overnight? There is not enough scientific evidence that suggests garlic may help reduce pimples overnight.

Sources

Development And Evaluation Of Anti-acne Gel Containing Garlic (Allium Sativum) Against Propionibacterium Acnes,https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Irma-Herawati/publication/318855135_Development_and_evaluation_of_anti-acne_gel_containing_garlic_Allium_sativum_against_Propionibacterium_acnes/links/5eaee37ea6fdcc7050a65150/Development-and-evaluation-of-anti-acne-gel-containing-garlic-Allium-sativum-against-Propionibacterium-acnes.pdf A Review: Anti-microbial, Anti-inflammatory effect and Cardiovascular effects of Garlic: Allium sativum ,https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Imad-Hameed/publication/322909963_A_Review_Anti-microbial_Anti-inflammatory_effect_and_Cardiovascular_effects_of_Garlic_Allium_sativum/links/5aa171d30f7e9badd9a43e9d/A-Review-Anti-microbial-Anti-inflammatory-effect-and-Cardiovascular-effects-of-Garlic-Allium-sativum.pdf The effect of probiotics on immune regulation, acne, and photoaging,https://www.mdpi.com/2311-5637/5/2/41/htm Pharmacological Effects of Rosa Damascena,https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3586833/ Acne-causes And Amazing Remedial Measures For Acne,https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340874478_ACNE-CAUSES_AND_AMAZING_REMEDIAL_MEASURES_FOR_ACNE#:~:text=antiseborrheic%20medications%2C%20anti%2Dandrogen,nicotinamide%2C%20and%20keratolytic%20soaps.&text=mild%20baby%20soap%20and%20water,and%20gently%20pat%20it%20dry.&text=The%20following%20are%20some%20of,may%20influence%20for%20developing%20acne Aloe Vera: A Short Review,https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/ Medicinal and cosmetic uses of Bees Honey A review,https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3611628/ Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression,https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788933/ A Review: Anti-microbial, Anti-inflammatory effect and Cardiovascular effects of Garlic: Allium sativum,https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Imad-Hameed/publication/322909963_A_Review_Anti-microbial_Anti-inflammatory_effect_and_Cardiovascular_effects_of_Garlic_Allium_sativum/links/5aa171d30f7e9badd9a43e9d/A-Review-Anti-microbial-Anti-inflammatory-effect-and-Cardiovascular-effects-of-Garlic-Allium-sativum.pdf How fast can a naturopathic medicine cause skin burn? a case report of garlic burn https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4883610/#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20most%20commonly Enhancing the Health-Promoting Effects of Tomato Fruit for Biofortified Food https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3972926/