No, you should not rub raw garlic directly on your face.
The Risks of Applying Garlic Directly to Your Skin
While garlic possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties that could theoretically benefit the skin, directly applying it can cause significant irritation and redness. Multiple sources, including Vogue, Verywell Health, the New York Post, and Cosmopolitan, warn against this practice. The allicin in garlic, while beneficial in other contexts, can lead to painful blisters when applied directly to the skin.
Safer Ways to Use Garlic for Skin Benefits
If you're interested in using garlic for its potential skin benefits, consider these safer alternatives:
- Garlic-infused skincare products: Look for commercially available products that incorporate garlic extract in a diluted and properly formulated manner. These products mitigate the risk of direct skin irritation.
- Garlic face masks: Mix crushed garlic with honey, milk, or oil to create a face mask. Cleveland Clinic suggests this approach. Remember to always perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying any mask to your entire face.
The Bottom Line
The potential benefits of garlic for skin health are outweighed by the high risk of irritation and potential harm from direct application. Choose safer methods like incorporating it into a face mask or using commercially prepared skincare products containing garlic extract.
