Below are comments from dermatologist Dr. Raina N. Nahar (India).
Garlic helps treat acne
Garlic is effective in treating acne because it helps reduce sebum production, unclog pores and reduce the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help reduce redness and swelling associated with acne.
How to use garlic to treat acne
“You should crush two cloves of garlic and squeeze out the juice, then mix with honey or milk to form a paste, then apply on your face, avoiding sensitive areas such as the eyes and mouth. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes and then wash it off,” explains Dr. Raina N. Nahar.
Garlic can also be used as a topical treatment, but it should always be diluted with honey or aloe vera gel to avoid irritation. Eating garlic on an empty stomach may also provide some skin benefits.
Notes when using garlic to treat acne
When using garlic to treat acne, it is important to take precautions to avoid skin irritation:
- Always dilute garlic with honey or milk and test on a small area of skin to make sure the skin is not irritated.
- Avoid applying garlic near sensitive areas such as eyes and mouth and limit application time to 15 to 20 minutes.