Can Eating Raw Garlic Get Rid of Acne? Or Will It Just Scare Off Vampires

Put your hands up if you’ve done something totally strange in hopes of clear skin. I know we all have our hands up. Like all of you, that’s because I will try virtually anything for perfect skin (well, almost anything — I will not be putting beef tallow on my face). So when I saw the latest trend of people eating raw (yes, raw) garlic for clear skin, I was mentally preparing myself for what biting into garlic would feel and taste like. But of course, I had to do my due diligence first and consult an expert.

“While I focus primarily on medical and topical treatments, I often discuss dietary choices with my patients, especially when managing inflammatory skin conditions like acne or eczema,” dermatologist Dr. Hannah Kopelman tells Betches. “I suggest incorporating foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins — such as fruits, vegetables, fatty fish, and nuts—while limiting high-sugar and processed foods, which can exacerbate inflammation and contribute to breakouts.”

We all know that what we consume can directly impact our skin. It’s why we’re always told to stay extremely hydrated and to eat on the healthier side. Now, that’s not to say that these things can fix all your skin problems, but they are an excellent way to start. And if you see a dermatologist for any of your skin concerns, they’ll likely give you some dietary suggestions as well. So, does eating raw garlic help with acne?

Will Eating Raw Garlic Help My Skin?

“Garlic is an interesting food when it comes to skin health,” Dr. Kopelman says. Garlic contains allicin, which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which in turn can help your skin out. “While it’s not a magic bullet for clear skin, incorporating garlic into your diet in reasonable amounts can contribute to overall health, which can positively impact your skin,” she says.

But when it comes to the question of eating it raw for clear skin? Dr. Kopelman says it’s a little overstated.

“There isn’t strong scientific evidence to suggest that raw garlic alone can dramatically improve skin conditions,” she says. “It can be part of a healthy diet, but it’s not a standalone solution for clear skin.”

Plus, garlic really isn’t something that’s easy on the stomach when you eat it raw. Dr. Kopelman explains that it can even lead to gastrointestinal discomfort and irritation. And honestly? Eating raw garlic, especially in large amounts, can make your breath and your body smell bad. And I don’t know about you, but I’d risk a few blemishes if it means I can keep smelling good.

But that doesn’t mean that incorporating some garlic into your diet won’t provide any benefits. “Cooking garlic lightly in your meals or taking odorless garlic supplements are both effective ways to incorporate it into your diet without the harshness,” Dr. Kopelman says.

But remember that garlic isn’t some magic drug that’ll fix all your skin concerns. “I always remind my patients that a balanced diet, rich in a variety of nutrients, is far more impactful for skin health than focusing on a single food,” she says.