Doctors warn of chemical burn-causing ‘garlic skin’ trend sweeping TikTok

IF you’ve been on TikTok this week, you may have seen people rubbing garlic on their faces.

It may seem like a tempting, cheap (and organic) trick, as it promises to be the secret to fighting acne and evening out skin tone.

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But doctors and dermatologists are begging people not to try it, despite the rave reviews.

Garlic has a strong chemical composition that can BURN your skin, they warn.

The trick is based on a vague idea about the antibacterial and antifungal properties of garlic.

But applying the herbs directly to your face can cause inflammation and itching, dermatologists say.

Allicin, the main active compound produced when garlic is crushed or minced, has strong antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.

Although it is beneficial internally, this does not apply to the skin.

When garlic is applied directly to the skin, especially raw and crushed, it can cause second-degree burns or blisters.

There have been reported cases of patients suffering severe burns after using garlic as a topical remedy for their skin problems.

According to doctors, garlic not only aggravates existing problems, but can also cause contact dermatitis: an itchy, red and inflamed skin reaction caused by direct contact with garlic.

In some cases, people have developed chemical burns or blisters as the powerful enzymes in garlic work on their skin.

Lesley Reynolds, skincare expert and co-founder of The Harley Street Skin Clinic, has criticised the trend.

Content creators are encouraging acne sufferers to give it a try, hoping it will tackle blemishes and even out their skin tone.

But Lesley strongly disagrees.

“The latest trend on TikTok of adding garlic to your skincare routine isn’t just misleading,” she tells Fabulous.

“It doesn’t have the ability to clear acne, but it can cause serious damage to the surface layers of your skin.

“Rubbing garlic on your skin can cause chemical burns and severe skin irritation, worsening the already existing inflammation caused by acne.

“It can lead to further discomfort and damage to the skin, and can even lead to scarring after the inflammation.”

Instead, Lesley urged people to adopt a simpler skincare routine, especially if they suffer from acne.

“Overusing too many products can actually cause the skin to become irritated instead of healing,” she adds.

“Everyone has a different experience with acne and therefore also with their skin type.

“A one-size-fits-all approach should be avoided.

“However, incorporating some acne-friendly (non-comedogenic) products like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide into your skin care routine can help reduce the buildup in your skin’s pores.

“These products can also fight bacterial properties, thus reducing the frequency of flare-ups.”