Doctors issue stark warning against ‘garlic skin’ trend sweeping TikTok which can cause irreversible scarring and burns
IF you’ve been on TikTok this week, you might have seen people rubbing garlic on their face.
With promises of it being the secret to banishing acne and evening out skin tone, it might seem like a tempting budget (and organic) hack.
But doctors and dermatologists are begging people not to try it, despite rave reviews.
Garlic has a potent chemical composition that can BURN your skin off, they have warned.
The hack has come about based on a loose understanding of garlic’s antibacterial and antifungal properties.
However, using the seasoning directly on your face is a recipe for inflamed and itchy disaster, say dermatologists.
Allicin, the main active compound formed when garlic is crushed or chopped, has strong antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.
While beneficial internally, the same can’t be said for the skin.
When garlic is applied directly, especially raw and crushed, it can lead to second-degree burns or blistering.
Cases have been reported of patients developing serious burns after using garlic as a topical remedy for their skin concerns.
Not only will it intensify existing issues, say doctors, it can also spark contact dermatitis – an itchy, red and inflamed skin reaction caused by direct contact with garlic.
In some cases, people have developed chemical burns or blisters due to garlic’s potent enzymes interacting with their skin.
Lesley Reynolds, skincare expert and co-founder of The Harley Street Skin Clinic, has slammed the trend.
Content creators are urging those who suffer with acne to give it a go in the hope of busting spots and evening out their skin tone.
But Lesley staunchly disagrees.
“TikTok’s latest trend involving the incorporation of garlic within your skincare routine is not only misleading,” she tells Fabulous.
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Coconut oil for hair and skin
Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids that nourish both hair and skin, making it a great all-around moisturiser.
Green tea for puffy eyes
Green tea contains antioxidants and tannins which can reduce inflammation and puffiness, particularly around the delicate eye area.
Castor oil for longer eyelashes
Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which helps strengthen and promote hair growth. This can be particularly effective on your lashes.
“It does not have the ability to clear acne, but could lead to causing serious damage to the surface layers of your skin.
“Rubbing garlic on your skin can lead to chemical burns and serious skin irritation, worsening the pre-existing inflammation caused by acne.
“It can lead to further discomfort and damage to the skin, and can even lead to post-inflammatory scarring.”
Instead, Lesley urged people to adopt a more simplistic skincare routine, especially if they suffer from acne.
“The overuse of too many products can actually lead to irritating the skin as opposed to curing the skin,” she adds.
“Everyone’s experience with acne, and therefore their skin types, is different.
“A one-size-fits-all approach should be avoided.
“However, incorporating some acne-friendly products (non-comedogenic) such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide into your skincare routine can help to reduce the build-up within the pores on your skin.
“These products can also combat any bacterial properties to support the reduction of the frequency of a flare-up.”