Experts warn against viral TikTok trend involving rubbing garlic on your face

As a seasoned gamer who’s had his fair share of battles against digital adversaries, I can’t help but draw parallels between our virtual skirmishes and real-life skincare routines. Just like in games, it’s essential to know your enemies, understand the rules, and most importantly, choose the right weapons.


As a skin enthusiast, I’ve come across some buzz about a TikTok skincare trend where people are applying garlic to their faces. However, word on the street is that beauty experts are urging caution with this viral hack.

Lately, I’ve been noticing an intriguing trend on social media platforms like TikTok – beauty influencers are using garlic as a spot treatment for acne! A simple search for “raw garlic” on this platform shows more skincare tutorials than culinary ones. It seems garlic has found a new purpose beyond the kitchen!

On TikTok, there’s been an infectious craze about applying garlic to the skin, particularly for individuals with acne-prone complexions, which is quite common among teenagers. The clips showing this treatment have gathered tens of thousands of likes and views on the platform.

By touting rapid outcomes using a common kitchen item known as garlic, advocates argue that its antimicrobial qualities might aid in reducing acne outbreaks.

Yet, Sarah Millecam, Beautiful Brows and Lashes’ Director of Education, issues a word of caution: while garlic might offer certain advantages, misuse can lead to substantial risks.

As Sarah explains, incorporating garlic into skincare offers several benefits such as its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, plus its rich antioxidant content. Yet, it’s essential to be aware that due to its potency, garlic can potentially cause skin irritation when applied directly and without dilution, leading to discomfort.

The beauty advisor cautioned that individuals using garlic on their skin might experience a burning sensation, redness, or even blistering, as some have reported. This is because garlic has a high sulfur content which can be excessively harsh, particularly for people with delicate or damaged skin.

Applying garlic directly onto your skin might cause allergic reactions in some individuals, potentially leading to itchiness, swelling, and significant discomfort. It’s important to remember this when considering such treatments, as a patch test should be conducted prior to use to avoid adverse reactions.

In more serious instances, prolonged exposure to garlic may result in chemical burns, making the skin exposed and susceptible to infections. As Sarah explained, people have experienced second-degree burns from garlic due to extended contact, and the possible risks significantly exceed any potential advantages when such treatment might lead to permanent harm.

Rather than opting for homemade solutions such as garlic, Sarah advocates for using scientifically validated treatments instead. She recommends salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, both recognized as effective acne treatments that deliver reliable outcomes, devoid of potential risks.

It’s best to consult a dermatologist for any skin problems, as this will help guarantee that the treatment selected won’t end up causing additional damage.

Here’s a suggestion for paraphrasing the given sentence in a more natural and easy-to-read manner: “Experts have warned against the newest TikTok craze, which is known as the Balkan Breakfast challenge.

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2024-10-08 18:18