Garlic is a common herb which is generally used to flavor food, however it can also be used as a medicine. You can use garlic to treat acne that is caused by bacteria or oily skin.
Does Garlic Help To Cure Acne?
Garlic has anti â bacterial, anti-fungal, anti â viral and anti â septic properties that help to prevent clogged pores and thus, reduces the acne. However make sure it is diluted.
Itâs anti â oxidant property helps to fight against free radicals which can damage the body or skin cells.
Allicin is a compound in garlic which gives pungent taste and smell. It will decompose into the antioxidant called sulfenic acid, which will react very quickly with radicals, limited only by the time in which the two molecules will take to come into contact with each other.
Regular intake of garlic will help to strengthen the immune system.
It has anti â inflammatory properties which help to reduce the pain, irritation and the discomfort caused by acne.
It helps to improve the blood circulation that allows the skin tissues to properly receive all the vitamins and minerals which are essential for healthy skin.
It has sulfur compounds called thiacremonon, which acts as a drying agent and also removes acne scars on the skin.
Using garlic regularly also prevents the formation of pimples.
It has an excellent source of various acne combating nutrients like vitamins (C and B6), minerals, selenium, copper, allicin, zinc (used to control sebum) and other phyto-nutrients.
It fights the insulin resistance which is linked to acne. The use of garlic oil helps to improve the insulin sensitivity.
How To Use Garlic For Acne:
Garlic can be used in many different ways to treat acne effectively. However, garlic is a strong compound and can cause a burning sensation when applied on the skin.
Be sure while following this process, you are applying this garlic directly on the skin. Only use if you do not have sensitive skin.
Finely crush garlic cloves.
Apply to the affected areas of the skin.
This will destroy the bacteria causing acne.
Leave for a few minutes and then remove the crushed garlic.
Remove if the garlic starts to sting.
Wash it off with cold water and pat dry.
Apply moisturizer and repeat regularly.
Or include garlic in diet but avoid eating too much raw garlic as it can overheat the body.
2. Garlic Cloves in Water
Crush 3 garlic cloves to extract its juice.
Add to 1 cup of water and stir well, leave for 10-12 minutes.
Soak a cotton ball in the water for a few minutes.
Apply on the acne affected areas of skin.
Leave on for few minutes until it dries completely.
Continue this process regularly.
Note: You can also use warm water.
Crush 3 raw garlic cloves which will trigger the allicin production.
Mix with 1 tablespoon of water (more water for those with sensitive skin).
Rub the mixture over the acne.
Allow it to sit for about 10 â 15 minutes (if using garlic for the first time) or leave overnight.
Wash off with water and pat the skin dry.
Repeat this process regularly.
3. Garlic Cloves in Aloe Vera
Mix equal quantities of garlic juice and add aloe vera gel.
Gently rub it for a minute or two.
Let it sit for few minutes.
Rinse it off with water and pat dry.
Wash the face and pat dry.
Blend 4 garlic cloves to make a fine paste and add 1 tablespoon of yogurt.
Stir well and apply all over the affected area.
Let it sit for few minutes to dry.
Rinse the area with clean water and pat dry.
Repeat this process regularly.
Finely crush garlic cloves and squeeze to extract the juice.
Add an equal amount of vinegar and stir well.
Dip a cotton ball in the solution.
Apply on the acne affected areas of the skin.
Let it sit for about 5 â 10 minutes.
Rinse with lukewarm water.
6. Homemade Garlic Chemical Peel
Using this garlic mask as a chemical peel for the face is a good option to get rid of acne, as it helps to correct sun damage, removes pimples and blackheads, reduces excessive skin oils, aging, etc.
Peel the garlic cloves and then grate them.
Press the flat end of the spoon on the garlic pieces and smear it onto the bowl to form a fine garlic paste.
Apply a thin layer of garlic paste on all the acne affected areas.
Do not get into the eyes, mouth and nose.
Leave on for about 15 â 20 minutes.
Put the lid on the bowl and place in the fridge.
After it dries completely, wash the face with warm water.
Dry your face with clean towel and moisturize.
Regularize this process to get relief from the acne within few days. But discontinue if there is any burning sensation
The mixture of garlic and olive oil helps to clear up the acne from inside out.
Peel and blend 4 garlic cloves and 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Transfer into an air tight container, you can store in the fridge for 48 hours.
Eat a tablespoon of this, with water, twice a day.
For more effective results, drink 8 oz glasses of water every day with this process.
Pour natural garlic oil into a bowl.
Use a cotton ball to apply to the acne affected areas of the skin.
Massage it gently for few minutes.
Leave on for few minutes to overnight.
Wash with warm water and a mild cleanser.
Continue doing this process regularly.
9. Garlic with Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar helps to regulate the pH levels of the skin.
Smash a few garlic pods with a mallet.
Add 1 teaspoon of raw and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar.
Stir it well and apply this mixture on the acne affected skin areas.
Massage it for few minutes and then allow it to dry naturally.
Wash it off with water and pat the skin dry.
Follow this process once a day.
10. Garlic with any Carrier Oil
Peel a few garlic cloves and allow to air dry for a few minutes.
Pour carrier oil into a pan and heat for a few minute.
Add these garlic cloves in it.
Allow it to heat for 15 â 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir until the cloves change to brown and then to blackish.
Strain the oil and discard the cloves.
Let the oil cool before applying to the affected areas of skin.
Leave it for few minutes to overnight.
Store the remaining oil in an airtight container for further usage.
Wash off with lukewarm water and mild cleanser.
Continue this same process daily.
11. Garlic with Honey and Fresh Comfrey Leaves
Honey moisturizes and soothes the skin and cures the irritation. Comfrey is good for treating acne.
Peel and mash 3 garlic cloves
Pound handful of fresh comfrey leaves and add sufficient amount of warm honey and mashed garlic.
Warm a cloth and dip it in the mixture.
Apply as a mask on the face and leave overnight.
Wash it off with cool to lukewarm water.
Or you can use this mixture particularly on the acne breakouts.
Do this process regularly.
12. Garlic with Honey and Yogurt
This process is especially useful for those people who are unable to bear the stinging sensation of garlic when applied on the skin.
Add œ teaspoon of honey and 2 tablespoons of yoghurt and stir well.
Apply this as a mask all over the face.
Wait for about 20 â 30 minutes or till it dries completely.
Or you can also use garlic oil (2 â 4 drops) or garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon).
13. Garlic with Turmeric and Manuka Honey Face Mask
Turmeric has an anti â inflammatory which helps to soothe the inflammation and the discomfort caused by acne. Manuka honey helps to heal the blemished skin and thus prevents the acne breakouts.
Add 3 teaspoons of manuka honey and Πteasponn of turmeric powder and stir well.
Apply this paste on the acne prone areas of the skin.
Let it sit for few minutes to dry completely.
Wash it off with water and pat the skin dry.
14. Garlic Oil with Salicylic Acid
These ingredients are high in antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties which help to get rid of the bacteria causing acne.
Mix 2 drops each of garlic oil and salicylic oil.
Apply on the acne affected area.
Leave it for few minutes and then rinse off completely.
Repeat the same process regularly.
Eating or drinking garlic will work as an effective remedy for curing acne from the inside out. It fights internally the root cause of acne to prevent it completely. This will help to strengthen the immune system and thus improves the overall health and beauty. It is advisable to take three cloves of garlic once daily for a month to clear this problem.
Crush 2 garlic cloves to extract its juice.
Add this juice to either water or V8 juice etc.
Brush your teeth to get rid of the smell.
Drink once before going to bed..
Cut garlic cloves into small pieces.
Eat these pieces throughout the day.
Or you can add these to soups, salads, curries, gravies, etc.
Mince garlic cloves and add sufficient amount of applesauce.
Stir it well to make a fine paste.
Consume this paste daily.
You can use cottage cheese or yogurt in the place of apple sauce.
Garlic can be in the form of minced, crushed or chopped.
Peel a few garlic cloves and crush into small pieces.
Place in a pan and sauté to get a mild, roasted flavor.
Add olive oil, parmesan cheese and black pepper.
Stir it well and use as a dip regularly.
Is Garlic Good for Acne Scars?
Acne can sometimes cause permanent scarring. These scars will appear as pockmarks or sunken areas of the skin. Garlic cloves will gives long lasting results and minimal side effects.
It has anti-oxidants which help to prevent free radicals that leave scars on the skin.
It has sulphur, zinc, calcium, vitamin E which helps for proper skin tissue formation by clearing the old and dead skin cells.
It enhances for the proper circulation of blood throughout the body that also helps for the scars removal and regenerating new skin cells for proper pH balance of the skin.
Here are the processes that help you to remove the scars from the skin.
1. Garlic with Olive Oil and Honey
Wash the face with mild cleanser and warm water and pat dry.
Grate 2 garlic clove and mix with water.
Apply this on the acne affected areas of the skin.
Massage it gently for few minutes before rinsing with warm water.
The garlic exfoliates the dead skin cells and removes the top layer of the scarred tissues.
It also removes any bacteria or oil in the skin.
Do not to leave the garlic on the skin for longer than 5 â 7 minutes.
Crush 2 more garlic cloves and add 2 teaspoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of honey.
Mix well and apply on the acne affected skin areas.
Let it sit for about 20 â 25 minutes before washing off with warm water.
Be sure to wash it immediately if you get a stinging sensation.
Apply aloe vera to help not to aggravate the acne while moisturizing and to get some hydration back.
This process helps you to get rid of all the acne scaring and blemishes. Here the boiled garlic is not as strong as raw to avoid any burning.
Hit 4 â 5 cloves of peeled raw garlic with a mallet.
Pour 250 ml of water into a pan and place on the heat.
Bring it to boil and add the garlic.
Boil for about 30 â 35 minutes.
Turn off the heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
Mash into a paste and apply on the entire face.
Let it sit for few minutes to dry.
Wash it off with water and pat dry.
Apply some moisturizer and repeat the process regularly.
Garlic Pills or Capsules for Acne:
Make sure to check the allicin level in the garlic capsules as the higher allicin in the capsule the more powerful the capsule will be.
One suppliment is called Allimax, one of the most powerful and safest garlic supplements for treating acne. It is rich in allicin in stabilized form which helps to get rid of the bacteria in the body. So take allimax pills everyday or use Allimax cream.
A second supplement is Garlicin, which is also a very effective garlic supplement but with a special property which leave your body smelling neutral. It is specially coated with organic film that helps to preserve the garlic powder.
You can get them from a herbalist or pharmacy for taking garlic tablets. You will still get the benefits from taking them, but they are not as effective as the fresh form.
Here are few simple tips and precautions to follow while using these remedies.
Make sure to dilute the garlic or its juice with other substance like rose water or water to prevent the burning or stinging sensation on the applied skin.
Never leave garlic on the skin for a long time as it can cause blisters.
Possible side effects are nausea, bad breath, skin irritation, vomiting, burning sensation in mouth, etc. so do a trial run first.
Pregnant women should not try these garlic remedies before consulting the dermatologist and gynecologist. Also do not use on children.
Add these garlic cloves in your favorite dinner recipes to get a delicious taste and to prevent these acne breakouts. Try garlic bread.
Its always better to use fresh garlic rather than stored garlic as it contains more anti â oxidants.
Those suffering from acne rosacea might experience some rosacea symptoms after eating this garlic as it is a trigger.
It has blood thinning properties which may cause bleeding problems. Pregnant women and people who have had surgery should avoid or limit this garlic usage. Also people who are on certain medications are strictly advised not to eat garlic in large amounts.
Avoid applying pure garlic to the skin or leaving it for long periods.
To clear the garlic smell, use with honey or lemon, or soak the cloves in milk for at least an hour before consumption.
Make sure to consult your doctor before using all these garlic remedies.
Remember to brush your teeth after the intake of garlic cloves to get rid of the bad breath.
All these garlic remedies for acne are natural and effective. It wonât give results overnight, you have to continue applying garlic on acne regularly.
