Garlic is a plant belonging to the onion, or allium, family. For centuries, unlike cultures have used garlic to treat and prevent a range of ailments.

Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that can accept a bacterial cause. Studies testify that garlic possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. In theory, these backdrop should aid care for acne. Yet, no enquiry has directly investigated garlic's potential as an acne treatment.

This commodity outlines inquiry into the broader anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects of garlic. Nosotros also talk over some risks of using garlic, both topically and internally.

bulbs of garlic that may be effective for treating acne Share on Pinterest
Garlic has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, simply research into its effectiveness at treating acne is limited.

Acne is an inflammatory skin status. It occurs when excess oil and skin debris accrue within the pare's hair follicles, trapping leaner below the skin's surface. Some of these bacteria produce chemicals that promote inflammation and associated acne lesions.

No studies have directly investigated the use of garlic as a treatment for acne. Nevertheless, some studies take highlighted its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory backdrop. These properties could aid manage and treat acne.

Antimicrobial furnishings of garlic

According to a 2014 review, garlic contains compounds that inhibit the growth of sure bacteria and fungi. Equally such, the authors suggest that garlic may help treat certain skin weather condition. However, they practise not mention whether garlic is a viable treatment option for acne.

The authors of the 2014 review attributed garlic's antimicrobial properties to a chemic called "allicin."

A 2015 laboratory written report investigated the antimicrobial furnishings of allicin and two different garlic extracts against the bacteria Streptococcus epidermidis. S. epidermidis is i of several bacteria that can contribute to acne.

The study showed that allicin inhibited the growth of S. epidermidis. However, the two garlic extracts demonstrated the well-nigh meaning antimicrobial activity overall. The researchers concluded that the garlic extracts contain additional chemicals that boost their antimicrobial furnishings.

Chiefly, the authors did not mention whether allicin or garlic extracts could assist to treat acne.

Anti-inflammatory effects of garlic

Proinflammatory cytokines are molecules that promote inflammation. Experts believe that they may play a office in the development of acne.

A 2013 written report institute that allicin reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a laboratory setting. The study also showed that heating garlic reduces its allicin concentration, thereby reducing its anti-inflammatory furnishings.

The researchers concluded that allicin might be useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. However, they did not state whether it would assist in the treatment of acne, specifically.

Other benign effects of garlic

A 2011 review investigated the potential dermatological uses of garlic. The review included a combination of laboratory studies, animal studies, and clinical trials.

According to the review, applying garlic extract to the skin appears to have both antimicrobial and wound-healing effects. The review also noted that garlic might assist to care for the post-obit skin weather:

  • psoriasis
  • alopecia areata
  • keloid scars
  • warts
  • corns
  • fungal skin infections
  • leishmaniasis

Garlic'southward power to promote wound-healing suggests that it may help to heal acne breakouts and forbid scarring. However, the authors did not bespeak whether garlic would be useful in treating acne or acne scars.

People should have caution when applying garlic to the skin. Garlic can cause agin reactions at the site of application. Such reactions may include:

  • Irritant contact dermatitis: Localized pare rash and redness that develops in response to an irritant.
  • Allergic contact dermatitis: Widespread skin rash and redness that develops in response to an allergen.
  • Contact urticaria: Localized swelling and redness of the pare, in response to an irritating substance.
  • Pemphigus: An allowed system reaction that causes painful sores and blisters on the peel.

At that place is no scientific evidence to suggest that garlic will exist effective at treating acne. Nonetheless, some people may want to try garlic as a potential acne handling.

Below are some tips on how to use garlic safely.

Applying garlic topically

People should take caution when applying garlic to the peel. The topical application of garlic can result in reactions at the site of application. Mixing a small amount of garlic with a carrier oil may help to reduce or prevent such reactions. Some examples of carrier oils include:

  • grapeseed oil
  • jojoba oil
  • kokosnoot oil

A person should test a small amount of the mixture on a small patch of pare before because applying it to a larger area. If a reaction occurs, a person should avoid using garlic on their skin.

Ideally, a person should consult a dermatologist before applying garlic to the skin. Garlic may not be suitable for people with sensitive skin types.

Taking garlic supplements

Garlic is besides available every bit a supplement. Though garlic supplements may provide some health benefits, they are unlikely to help treat or foreclose acne.

Herbal supplements can cause side effects and may collaborate with other medications. As such, a person should talk to their doctor before taking garlic supplements.

An commodity in Dermatology Reports suggested that garlic may assistance to promote wound healing and reduce the advent of scars. Yet, scientists have yet to investigate whether garlic improves the appearance of acne scars, specifically.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) suggest that the post-obit home care tips may help to manage acne breakouts:

  • avoiding touching the acne
  • avoiding picking at or popping the acne
  • washing acne-prone areas twice a day, and immediately later sweating
  • avoiding cosmetics that clog pores
  • thoroughly washing or cleansing cosmetics from the peel before going to sleep
  • avoiding exfoliating or scrubbing acne
  • shampooing oily pilus daily
  • staying out of the sun, and avoiding using tanning beds

People tin can also endeavor over-the-counter (OTC) acne treatments. Creams and ointments containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid may exist particularly effective at managing acne.

Acne is an inflammatory pare condition that may have a bacterial cause. Research shows that garlic has both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. However, scientists accept yet to investigate whether garlic is a viable handling option for acne.

Applying garlic to the skin tin can cause skin irritation. People should talk to a dermatologist to notice out whether garlic is suitable for their peel type. A dermatologist may too provide tips on how to apply garlic safely.

Some people may desire to try garlic supplements. Herbal supplements can crusade side effects and may collaborate with other medications. People should consult with their md before taking any blazon of herbal supplement.