If you search on TikTok “Raw Garlic For Acne” right now, you’ll find posts depicting people with acne either chew cloves, or apply them topically to their pimples. But there is some truth to user claims that the garlic does it have magical powers and can it make pimples disappear?

Three experts Dr. Ketaki Bhate, Consultant Dermatologist at Self London, Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss and nutritionist and epetōme founder Emily English answer.

Although all three experts understand how tempting it sounds that the solution to the disappearance of those pesky pimples is “hiding” in a material you can easily find in your home, they couldn’t be more clear:

Rubbing garlic on your skin is not a good idea. This can “cause irritation or even chemical burns, which could leave behind scars after the inflammation,” explains Dr. Bhate, while Dr. Idriss is adamant: applying garlic “topically to the skin cannot cure your acne.”

@misspeytonsmith

🧄 got rid of my hormonal acne in 7 days & here’s why.

♬ original sound – misspeytonsmith

Dr. Idriss continues, “the majority of videos online where people use garlic to ‘cure’ their acne depict those struggling with hormonal acne,” which “usually requires prescription medication. It is very important to treat the root of the problem to minimize any unwanted side effects such as long-term scarring.”

So what should you use when it comes to local produce?

Bhate points out that the best treatments are tailored to your specific needs by a dermatologist. “Everyone’s skin is so different, so a one-size-fits-all approach isn’t ideal,” she notes. “In general, I recommend acne-friendly products (non-comedogenic) and a simplified routine, as too many products at once can irritate the skin.”

Idriss gives you more specific advice for less severe acne breakouts. “Exfoliating acids, particularly BHAs like salicylic acid, can help remove excess sebum from your pores to minimize further breakouts, while ingredients like benzene peroxide can help reduce the bacterial load on your skin. .

Retinol and retinaldehyde are great for helping to regulate cell renewal. Finally, hydrocolloid patches can be a final solution if you have a large, mature pimple that you’re trying to get rid of quickly, but it’s not a long-term solution.”

@misspeytonsmith

Eating 1 Clove of 🧄 a day to heal my hormonal acne from my gut health ( 3 day update ) natrual remedies is something im very into when it comes to fixing my gut heath & eating raw garlic or with honey has been around of centuries, my grandparents would even eat this to help with illnesses, when my guy’s health is unbalanced i get bad breakouts! It has NOTHING to do with what im putting on my skin xxx ( so far im seeing amazing results & will be continuing this for the next week, chop it to be safe x

♬ original sound – kardashianshulu

While we’ve established that rubbing garlic on your skin is absolutely wrong, eating garlic as part of a healthy, balanced diet isn’t a bad idea, assuming you don’t have any allergies or sensitivities. “Garlic is an excellent source of vitamins C and B6, manganese and selenium,” English tells Vogue.

In addition, garlic contains sulfur compounds, such as allicin, which have been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. What else should you eat besides alliums for optimal skin health? English recommends that acne sufferers follow a low-glycemic diet, rich in antioxidants, and heavy in Omega-3s (think fatty fish and walnuts), probiotics (kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi), and zinc (including pumpkin seeds and the quinoa).