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Garlic for Acne Treatment

Rajib Singha
Although no clinical evidence backs the benefits of garlic for acne, most people have found this bulbous herb as a cost-effective treatment for their acne problem.
Acne - even the very name strikes frustration and annoyance in most people; especially among teenagers. This is one of those medical problems that are distressing, and annoyingly persistent. Also known as pimples, blemishes, or zits, acne is something that everyone experiences at some point of life; more particularly during his/her teenage days.
The body has what is known as the sebaceous glands. These glands do the work of secreting sebum (an oily substance) in order to keep the skin and hair lubricated. Under normal circumstances, this sebum is secreted from the gland, travels up and finally reaches the skin.
However, the body may start secreting an excess of this very oily substance and dead skin cells too. And when this happens, the hair follicle gets blocked, and a plug is formed in it. And when this plug causes the hair follicle to get inflamed or infected, raised red spots with a white center may develop, and these spots are what are known as pimples.
Specific causes behind the excess oil production in the skin are not known, however, doctors suspect the contribution of hormones, bacteria, certain medications and heredity to be substantial. Speaking of the treatment, commercial acne-cleaning products are not only pricey, but also come with risky side effects. So for people who want to choose the natural way of dealing with their acne outbreak, garlic can be a natural solution.

How to Use Garlic for Treating Acne Problems

# Make a paste of some grated garlic cloves with 2 tablespoons of water. This paste is to be massaged on the acne-affected area of the face or the body. However, it is advisable to wash the face with a mild cleanser, and lukewarm water, before applying the paste. After massaging, wait for 5 minutes before rinsing the face thoroughly with warm water.
# In another method, you may crush some garlic cloves and squeeze out the juice. Mix an equal quantity of vinegar with the juice. Dip a cotton ball in the solution, and gently apply it on the pimples. Give it a wait of 5 minutes, and rinse off with lukewarm water.
# Oral use of garlic also helps in reducing acne outbreaks thus, managing the problem internally. Mince some garlic cloves, and mix with applesauce to make a paste. Regular consumption of this mixture may help in preventing or reducing the frequency of outbreaks.

How Does Garlic Reduce Acne

This herb is known for its impressive natural antibiotic and antibacterial properties. As mentioned above, since bacteria is known to be one of the common contributors in acne outbreak, it is in this respect that garlic helps in treating acne the natural way. Also, this herb has also known to shown antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. So in someway or the other, all these properties also add to the treatment of acne.
Although, garlic is generally considered safe for most people, there is no denial to the fact that it may cause heartburn, gas, nausea, burning sensation in the mouth, vomiting, bad breath, skin irritation, increased risk of bleeding in people who have undergone surgery, and worsened symptoms in asthmatics.
To repeat what I cited in the opening lines of this story, the use of garlic for medical ailments is a subject that is highly debatable, given the lack of medical evidence to back it. So there are chances that it may work for you, or it may be otherwise. And only way to find it out is a self-trial, but start with small amounts.
To repeat what I cited in the opening lines of this story, the use of garlic for medical ailments is a subject that is highly debatable, given the lack of medical evidence to back it. So there are chances that it may work for you, or it may be otherwise. And only way to find it out is a self-trial, but start with small amounts.