Garlic for Acne
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Garlic for AcneAcne is the most common skin problem faced by teenagers and young adults. It occurs when bacteria grow in the clogged pores. The excess oil produced by the sebaceous glands clog the pores.

Hormonal changes, improper hygiene, stress, and poor diet are the main triggers for acne. Proper hygiene, diet and skincare routine prevent the breakouts but to deal with the present acne, simple ingredients like garlic is effective. You can check out the results by searching garlic for acne before and after pictures over the net and you will be surprised.

So, garlic is very helpful in treating present acne. But wondering how to prevent new acne breakouts? HERE we have mentioned a clear route map to achieve this.

Is Garlic Good for Acne?

  • The allicin present in garlic possesses anti – bacterial, anti-fungal, anti – viral and anti – septic properties which kills the bacteria causing acne.
  • The anti – inflammatory properties of garlic help reduce the swelling, pain and irritation.
  • The better blood circulation allows the skin tissues to properly receive all the vitamins and minerals which are essential for healthy skin.
  • Garlic has sulfur compounds called thiacremonon, which acts as a drying agent. With its regular use, you can achieve clearer skin with no acne scars.
  • Not only that, it is also 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.
  • Garlic also fights with insulin resistance which is linked to acne. The use of garlic oil helps to improve the insulin sensitivity.
  • The anti – oxidant property helps to fight against free radicals causing damage to the skin cells.
  • Regular intake of garlic will help to strengthen the immune system.

Dealing new acne breakouts regularly even after trying many topical solutions? Then it’s time to heal from inside rather than just outside
Check Our Guide How To Cure Acne From Inside to know why and how…

How to Use Garlic for Acne

There are different ways of using garlic for treating acne. We have listed them below with a detailed description. Before trying our garlic treatments, cleanse your face with a face wash which contains acne-fighting ingredients.

1. Garlic Cloves

In this process, as garlic is directly applied to the skin it may cause some irritation or burning sensation So, people with sensitive skin should avoid using this process.

  • Peel, mince, and puree 3 garlic cloves.
  • Apply to the affected areas of the skin.
  • Leave it on for a few minutes. Remove the application immediately if causing unbearable burning sensation.
  • Wash it off with cold water and pat dry.
  • Apply non comedogenic moisturizer and repeat regularly.
  • Eating garlic for acne can also help but avoid eating too much raw garlic as it can overheat the body.

2. Garlic with Water

Some people cannot tolerate the strong nature of garlic if applied directly. So diluting it with water will reduce the discomfort.

  • Crush 3 raw garlic cloves which will trigger the allicin production.
  • Mix it 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 – 15 minutes (if using garlic for the first time) or leave it overnight.
  • Wash it off with water and pat the skin dry.
  • Repeat this process regularly.

Alternatively: Dilute garlic juice in rosewater or water and apply it on the acne. Rinse off the application after 15 minutes.

3. Garlic with Yogurt

The lactic acid present in yogurt dissolves the dead skin cells, gently exfoliates and rejuvenates the skin.

Process 1: Topical Application

  • 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
  • Gently massage for a minutes and leave it on for another few minutes to dry.
  • Rinse the area with clean water and pat dry.
  • Repeat this process regularly.

Process 2: Internal Consumption

For added benefits, you can consume the garlic infused yogurt to treat the pimples from inside.

  • Combine ½ teaspoon of honey, few crushed garlic pods and 2 tablespoons of yogurt.
  • Stir it well and apply the mixture as a garlic mask for acne on the affected area.
  • Wash it off with water after 20 – 30 minutes.
  • Repeat the process regularly for best results.
  • Note: You can add garlic oil (2 – 4 drops) or garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon) instead of garlic.

4. Garlic with Vinegar

The acidic nature of vinegar balances the pH level of the skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties will reduce the swelling and pain.

  • Crush few garlic cloves and squeeze to extract its juice.
  • Add an equal amount of vinegar (preferably apple cider vinegar) and stir well.
  • Dip a cotton ball in the solution.
  • Apply on the acne affected areas of the skin.
  • Let it dry for about 5 – 10 minutes.
  • Rinse with lukewarm water.
  • Repeat the process daily.

5. Garlic with Olive Oil

Olive oil reduces the redness and inflammation without clogging the pores. It restores the natural oil balance of the skin.

  • Peel and blend 4 garlic cloves and 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
  • Transfer the mixture into an air tight container, you can store it in the fridge for 48 hours.
  • Apply the mixture on the affected area and leave it on for 15 minutes.
  • Rinse with cool water and pat dry.
  • Repeat the process 2 times in a day.
  • For added benefits: Eat a tablespoon of this mixture with water, twice a day. Apart from it, drink 8 oz glasses of water every day for effective results.

6. Garlic, Honey and Comfrey

Honey moisturizes, soothes the skin and reduces the irritation. Comfrey helps in speeding up the healing process and lightens the scars.

  • Peel and crush 3 garlic cloves
  • Pound handful of fresh comfrey leaves and add sufficient amount of warm honey and crushed garlic.
  • Using a washcloth or cotton ball, apply the garlic paste on the face.
  • Leave the application overnight.
  • In the morning, rinse off the application with warm water.
  • Repeat the process regularly to treat the pimples.

Note: If you don’t want to apply the mixture on the entire face then you can apply it only on the pimples.

7. Garlic and Aloe Vera

The glycoproteins present in aloe vera reduce the inflammation, irritation and redness. It stimulates healthy growth of skin cells.

Process 1:

  • Peel, crush, and squeeze 3 to 5 garlic cloves to extract its juice.
  • Mix juice with 2 teaspoons fresh aloe vera gel or juice.
  • Using fingertips, gently massage the mixture on the skin.
  • Leave it on for 15 minutes, rinse with water, and pat dry.
  • Repeat the process daily.

Process 2:

  • Crush 2 – 3 garlic cloves and add it to 1/2 cup of water.
  • After 5 minutes, add a teaspoon of aloe vera gel.
  • Apply it on the pimples affected areas and leave it on until it dries.
  • Rinse with water and pat dry.
  • Repeat the process daily.

8. Garlic, Manuka Honey and Turmeric

Turmeric has an anti – inflammatory properties which helps to reduce the swelling and other discomfort caused by acne. Manuka honey helps to heal the blemished skin and thus prevents the acne breakouts.

  • Crush 6 garlic cloves.
  • Add 3 teaspoons of manuka honey and ¼ teasponn of turmeric powder and stir well.
  • Apply this paste on the acne affected areas of the skin.
  • Let it sit for few minutes to dry.
  • Rinse it off with water and pat the skin dry.
  • Repeat the process regularly.

9. Garlic Oil

Garlic oil contains all the benefits of garlic in a potent form. People with sensitive skin should avoid applying garlic oil as it can cause irritation, redness and other discomforts. It is better to patch test before trying out the treatment.

Process 1:

  • Using a cotton ball, apply a small amount of garlic oil on the acne affected areas of the skin.
  • Massage it gently for few minutes.
  • Leave it on for few minutes to overnight.
  • Wash with warm water and a mild cleanser.
  • Repeat the process regularly.

Process 2: 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.
  • Using a cotton ball, apply the mixture on affected skin.
  • Leave it on for few minutes, rinse with water, and pat dry.
  • Repeat the process daily.

10. Garlic and Egg White

Egg white is rich in proteins and nutrients which skin needs to stay healthy, and when applied as a mask, it shrinks pores and dries out excess oil to prevent infection.

  • Peel and slice few garlic cloves and rub the slices on your skin, focusing on breakouts.
  • Wait for 5 minutes for garlic juice to dry then apply whipped egg white over it.
  • Leave it on until it dries completely then rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
  • Repeat the process daily to prevent acne.

11. Garlic and Carrier Oil

  • Peel and mince 3 garlic cloves.
  • Heat olive or coconut oil over low flame and add minced garlic.
  • Let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • When minced garlic turns dark brown, remove from heat and strain.
  • Allow garlic-infused oil to cool then use fingertips to gently massage into clean skin.
  • Leave it on for 30 minutes or overnight.
  • Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
  • Repeat the application daily.
  • You can store the mixture in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days for daily use.

Does the Consumption of Garlic Work in Treating Acne?

Consuming garlic will work as an effective remedy for curing acne from the inside. It strengthens the immune system, deals with the root cause of acne to prevent it completely. It is advisable to take three cloves of garlic once daily for a month to clear this problem or you can add it to your dishes, dips or juices.

Can Garlic Treat Acne Scars?

In most of the cases, acne leaves a scar behind. These scars will appear as blotches or hollow areas of the skin. Garlic is helpful in reducing the appearance of acne scars. Let’s have a look at its properties…

  • Garlic contains anti-oxidants which help to prevent free radicals that leave scars on the skin.
  • Sulphur, zinc, calcium, vitamin E present in garlic help proper skin tissue formation by clearing the old and dead skin cells.
  • The blood circulation improves by using garlic which in turn helps regenerating new skin cells for proper pH balance of the skin.

Are you wondering how you can use garlic for the scars? Here is how…

1. Garlic with Olive Oil and Honey

Garlic exfoliates the dead skin cells and removes the top layer of the scarred tissues. It also removes any bacteria or excess oil on the skin.

  • Wash the face with mild cleanser and warm water. Pat dry.
  • Grate 2 garlic cloves and mix it with water.
  • Apply the mixture on the acne affected areas of the skin.
  • Massage it gently for few minutes.
  • Wash with warm water after 5 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.
  • Leave it on for 20 – 25 minutes before washing off with warm water.
  • Rinse it immediately if you get a stinging sensation.
  • Finally, apply aloe vera to avoid the aggravation of acne while moisturizing and hydrating the skin.
  • Repeat the process regularly.

2. Boiled Garlic

This process works well for people with sensitive skin. As the boiled garlic is not as strong as raw, it doesn’t caused any irritation.

  • Crush 4 – 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 crushed garlic.
  • Simmer the mixture for about 30 – 35 minutes.
  • Turn off the heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
  • Apply the solution on the entire face.
  • Let it sit for few minutes to dry.
  • Wash it off with water and pat dry. Apply any moisturizer that doesn’t clog the pores.
  • Repeat the process regularly.

Tips and Precautions:

  • 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 the garlic application for a long time as it can cause blisters.
  • It’s always better to use fresh garlic rather than stored garlic as it contains more anti – oxidants.
  • Possible side effects of garlic consumption are nausea, bad breath, skin irritation, vomiting, burning sensation in mouth, etc. so do a trial run first.
  • Add garlic cloves into your favorite dinner recipes to get a delicious taste and to prevent acne breakouts.
  • Those suffering from acne rosacea might experience few rosacea symptoms after eating garlic. Because garlic 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.
  • To reduce the garlic smell, use it with honey or lemon, or soak the cloves in milk for at least an hour before consumption.
  • To avoid bad breath, brush your teeth after eating garlic cloves.
  • Even after trying garlic methods, if your skin doesn’t show signs of clearing up after 10 days, consult a dermatologist.

As with any other acne treatment, garlic will be most effective when combined with a healthy diet and proper hygiene. Avoid excess sugar and carbohydrates, and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Share your experience, suggestions or queries in the comment section below…

114 comments
  1. Hi, Ver comprehensive article. However I have developed garlic burns as I directly applied on my face. Do you suggest any remedy to cure garlic burn.
    Thanks

          1. After applying garlic and yogurt I rubbed a bit now that pimple area became black

            Is it symptoms of cure or something else please let me know?

          2. It may be just post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation. Skin will produce excess amounts of melamine to heal or protect itself. Don’t worry and continue using the remedy.

  2. How much time to get rid if the scar if I rubbed it on my face (just garlic nothing else ) I need to get rid off it in 7 days does it work ??

    1. It is a little difficult to tell the exact time as everyone’s problem and healing capacity is different. The sulfur, allicin and other beneficial ingredients slowly reduce the discoloration. Don’t apply garlic more than 5 minutes. Garlic removes oil and dries out the skin so after each garlic treatment, apply aloe vera to hydrate the skin. Apart from that exfoliate regularly and drink plenty of water. Include garlic in your daily diet to boost your immune system and improve your healing power.

  3. Is it safe for me to have a daily consumption of 2-3cloves of garlic? Can this consumption cure acne and still not cause over heating of the body….?

    1. Yes you can consume 3 garlic cloves per a day. If you feel body heat, drink coconut water or buttermilk.

  4. I mixed 3 cloves of garlic with aloe vera gel I made, can I use the paste for more than a day without preparing new one each day on my acne?

    1. You can make the paste and store in refrigerator for few days not more than a week. But freshly made paste can be much effective.

    1. As per your description it is unclear whether the pimples blackened or the skin. Continue the application of garlic until you the blackened goes away.

  5. I started using garlic and my face got worse is it part of the healing process or is there something I should note? I swallow four cloves each in the morning, afternoon and night daily for 3 days now

    1. May be it is just a way of healing. Wait and see for 2 days. If the problem still persists, then try different remedies. You can find more remedies for acne here -http://wellness.guide/acne/

  6. I rub raw garlic (by it’s self) not mixed with anything , I sleep with it on (its disgusting ) but I feel like it works. Is it okay to leave it on the skin for that long or should I just have it for a while and wash it off ? I don’t what it to cause any damage to my skin .

    1. Leaving garlic on skin overnight or for longer periods of time can lead to skin burn. So it is better to rinse off after a while.

    1. Most of the remedies work for chest and back acne as well. Hormonal imbalance is the main reason behind chest and back acne. So eat a nutrition diet, exercise regularly and drink plenty of water.

  7. I have applied garlic on my face after a pimple was seen. Now my skin becomes brunt gray after the application of garlic. It happens in an hour or two. How could I get remedy?

    1. As per your description the garlic application might have caused the skin burn. You can apply honey on the burn and rinse off after 30 minutes. Repeat for few days to get the results.

  8. Hey I used Honey+Garlic and applied it on to acne. I use it at night and leave it for 10 mins, the burn’s bearable some of my acne disappear when I wake up the next morning.
    Just wanted to know if I could use method twice or more like that in the morning and night time or is that too much?

      1. Hi, ma skin is light brown and I have ance problem after days… go ance convert into black spot on face can I apply garlic to the black spot ???

  9. Can I mix garlic oil with black-seed oil and rub it on my face before bed and wash it in the morning?

    1. Try following any remedy mentioned above in the article as per your convenience. Apart from that maintain hormonal balance by eating a nutritional diet, drink plenty of water to flush out toxins, remove make up before going to bed and exfoliate regularly.

  10. hello,
    i tried putting
    garlic with water, and than it started burn so bad that i had to wash my face, is it working or??? please help

  11. Hi ?
    I soak a garlic clove in very little amount water for few hours and I apply it on my whole face before going to bed and wash it in the morning. I dont feel any such burning sensation. So is this process safe for face? Should I continue? I also got very minute boils on my chin and acne

    1. If the application is working for you then you can continue. Instead of soaking a garlic clove, you can mince the garlic clove first and then soak the mixture in a little amount of water. The garlic solution also helps to treat boils as it contains antibacterial properties.

      1. Is the garlic good for black spots on my face.and there are tiny white things coming out of small pimples on my face when I squeeze it what should I do or use ??

        1. Yes, garlic is helpful for treating black spots. Those tiny white things are puss filled in the pimples. Once you have squeezed them, carefully clean the areas with water and pat dry. We don’t recommend squeezing the pimples as it can lead to spreading of infection and leave scars behind.

          1. So what can I do to remove the blackspot and the pimples with white things inside it

  12. 2012 I started noticing pimples all over my face, I tired using. Different acne creams and products just to get read of it but none work until my sister introduce a cream named lemon fresh that helped Reduced it, but. Once in a while it comes up so full that it makes me ashamed To go out with friends cause. The black heads and black spots are just too much. Yesterday it has started coming out again so this night I decided to minced 2cloves of Garlic with coconut oil and honey to sleep over night with it hoping that it will help fight and remove the pimples, black heads, black spots and smooth my face. Please ma is there any other thing to be added so I can remove this marks and have a more smoother face in 5days time.

    1. Yes, the combination helps in reducing the pimples, black spots and black heads. But it difficult to tell the exact time as everyone’s skin is different. So try it regularly until you achieve results. If this application is not fetching you results then try different remedies mentioned in this article – http://wellness.guide/pimples/.

  13. hi,i chew 3 cloves of garlic and take 1 spoon of honey every day, will this help to remove my pimples,scare,blackhead and funny face?

    1. The combination of garlic and honey helps to treat root cause of the pimples. It boosts your immune system which fights with the bacteria causing the pimples from inside. Apart from that you have to eat a nutritional diet, exfoliate regularly and drink plenty of water for effective results.

  14. hey.
    i started using minced garlic with honey on my face. I have painful bumps with heads filled with pus on my cheeks. I as well rat 3 Pieces of garlic daily. its really irritating me, am losing my confidence.

    please help me

    1. The garlic application might have brought the pus to the pimple head. The pus indicates the bacterial infection. Continue the process for another 2 – 3 days. Once the pus drains out the pimples will also reduce. If you haven’t got relief even after trying out the remedy for another few days, then try a different remedy mentioned in the above article – http://wellness.guide/acne/

        1. Leaving the garlic application for more than the specified time leads to burns. Apply ice compress on the burns to get relief from the irritation and pain. Apply aloe vera 2 – 3 times in day on the affected to heal the burns.

        1. In your comment, you haven’t specified which method you tried. If you have tried garlic method then If it is left on the skin for more than the mentioned time, then it may burn the skin. Apply ice to get relief from the pain or irritation. Apply aloe vera gel to heal the burn.

  15. I applied garlic overnight , but it burns i thinked it as the process of healing. But when i woked up i saw blisterand redness.Please tell me how long it will take to be nomal.

    1. If the garlic is left more than required time then it can lead to burns. Apply aloe vera gel few times in a day to heal the blistered skin.

      1. thanks, how long will it take to fade the scar by this method. And please suggest other effective methods which fade the scar fast.

        1. It is difficult to tell the exact time as everyone’s skin is different. So, try the process regularly until you achieve the results. Application of olive oil, honey or castor oil are also helpful in fading the scars.

  16. I have applied garlic paste on my face and when i clean it, the area becomes red and swallon….
    Tell me how can i heal the red and swallon skin…….

  17. I had applied garlic paste to the acned area and when i washed it, the area become red and swallowen
    Can you Tell me how can i heal this problem.

    1. Yes, it works. The allicin component present in acne deal with the bacteria or fungus causing acne. Its anti-inflammatory properties will reduce the swelling and dries out the pimples. It repairs the damaged skin.

    1. It depends on the person’s skin texture, food habits and healing capacity. So, try the method regularly with some patience until you achieve the results. Apart from that exfoliate regularly, reduce stress levels, drink plenty of water, eat nutritional food and avoid oily foods.

    1. Yes, consuming garlic also helps to reduce pimples. It fights with insulin resistance which is one of the reasons for acne. It strengthens the immune system which helps to prevent bacterial activity that may cause pimples.

  18. i have breakouts but they are not at all painful…they are just red bumps on the face…how can i remove it without leaving any mark.

  19. I am having lots of pimples and blackheads on my nose.. should I apply garlic clove on my nose?? Please help me..

  20. I used the remedy and it has caused burn marks on my face can u plz tell me how much time will it take for those burn marks to disappear or will it remain forever…plzz suggest some effective way

  21. Hi, can I use the prepared garlic paste in the market? It contains mixture of garlic, vinegar & canola oil. Can canola oil block skin pore?
    Thank you

    1. Canola oil doesn’t block the skin pores. However, we don’t recommend using garlic paste sold in the market as they contain preservatives that may not be helpful for treating acne. Use freshly prepared garlic paste for treating acne effectively. If you have been suffering recurrent acne, then you can find permanent solution in this article – http://wellness.guide/acne/

    1. Avoid using baking soda daily as it can be too harsh on the skin. Once or twice in a week should be enough. However, you can use garlic daily.

  22. I tried using the garlic directly. It hurts so much but I forced to leave it at the face for 20 minutes. In the end, black spots appeared everywhere in my face. What should I do? Should I send a photo of my face to show the result?

    1. If garlic has caused the dark spots then avoid its application further. Try to apply some freshly extracted aloe vera gel to lighten the dark spots.

  23. I have small pimples just started on my cheeks and it’s very itching and red,can u suggest what kind of treatment should i do??

    1. You can try any method mentioned above in the article regularly to achieve the results. If you want to prevent the new breakouts by treating the root cause then follow the treatment mentioned in this article – http://wellness.guide/acne/

  24. My skin is getting burned when using garlic,and becomes red. What should i do ??plzzz suggest for me.

  25. Hi,

    Does the garlic treatment can remove Blackhead or whitehead ?

    or any suggestion anyone instead of garlic.

    Thanks for your help

    1. Yes, garlic can be used to remove blackheads or whiteheads. Mince 2 – 3 garlic cloves into a paste. Add 2 ½ tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of honey into it. Mix well and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, cleanse your face and massage the garlic mixture on the affected areas. Leave the mask for another 15 – 20 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water and pat dry. For effective results, try this method 3 – 4 times in a week. You can find more remedies and information in this article – http://wellness.guide/blackheads/

  26. i used garlic (mashed)with little water yesterday nite,and i left it till dis morning,tho av nt seen any improvement on my face but should i continue to use it or try another method

    1. You have to use the method for at least few weeks to notice the improvement. Even after trying the remedy for 1 – 2 months, if you haven’t observed any improvement then you can try any other method.

  27. Hi so I used garlic on my face but instead of clearing the spots my face it increased the pimples on my face. Am so confused and sad

    1. Yes, you can. The combination of garlic and turmeric helps to reduce black spots. Try it regularly and share your experience.

  28. i wanna try to eat up the 2 cloves of garlic right now , i wonder what its gonna happen to my body if im gonna eat this twice a day , there any side effect on this method ?

  29. Hi… I just started using this remedy- after washing the garlic juice is it ok if i use the snail gel extract instead of an alovera and can I apply the garlic juice twice a day? ( morning and evening)..

    Thanks so much

  30. I used option #7, process 1, because that is what I had on hand at home and Aloe Vera reduces the inflammation, irritation and redness and stimulates healthy growth of skin cells as the author stated. Afterwards, I applied a microdermabrasion scrub from Derma E Essentials and then did some acne extraction. I know that extraction is not recommended, but I’ve had a few pimples and blackheads that have lasted on my face and became very hard for a very long time. I was able to remove many of the long time acne marks after the first application of option #7.

    I did find that my hands and face smelled of garlic, so I applied lemon to my hands (not my face yet) to get rid of the garlic smell. Be sure to wash or rinse your hands and face afterwards so it does not dry out your skin.

    At some point, I may use the Garlic and Egg White mixture since the author mentioned that it is rich in proteins and nutrients which skin needs to stay healthy, and when applied as a mask, it shrinks pores and dries out excess oil to prevent infection.

    I do also like options 6, 8 and 11 and will experiment to see which does best for my normal to dry skin.

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