10 Benefits of Garlic for the Face and the Risks When Applied Directly to the Skin

Although garlic has benefits for skin health, estheticians and dermatologists do not recommend applying raw garlic directly to facial skin. This is because raw garlic can irritate the skin and cause inflammation or allergic reactions on the skin, especially in sensitive skin.

If you want to get the benefits of garlic for your face, you should use skin care products that contain garlic as an active ingredient or consume garlic regularly in reasonable quantities. There are many skin care products that contain garlic as an active ingredient, such as creams or facial masks that can help treat facial skin safely and effectively.

Garlic is a very common food ingredient used in a variety of dishes and has many health benefits. However, consuming garlic in excessive amounts can cause some health risks to be aware of. The following are the risks of using garlic directly on facial skin and if consumed in excess.

1. Skin Irritation

Raw garlic contains very strong sulfur compounds, and its use on facial skin can cause skin irritation which causes redness, itching, and burning of the skin. This is especially true for people who have sensitive skin.

2. Skin Sensitivity

Using raw garlic on facial skin can increase skin sensitivity, which can cause allergic reactions such as itching, redness, or swelling.

3. Reaction with Other Skin Care Products

Raw garlic can react with other skin care products used on facial skin, such as acne products or anti-aging products, which can cause irritation and inflammation.

4. Pungent Aroma

Garlic has a very strong and pungent aroma, which can cause discomfort when used on facial skin or if consumed in excess.

5. Digestive Disorders

Consuming garlic in excessive amounts can cause digestive disturbances such as gas, bloating and diarrhea.

6. Bleeding

Excessive consumption of garlic can affect blood thinning, which can cause bleeding.

7. Respiratory Problems

Eating raw garlic or inhaling the aroma of raw garlic can cause irritation of the respiratory tract and cause coughing or shortness of breath.

8. Drug Interactions

Garlic can interact with certain types of medications, such as blood-thinning medications, and can cause unwanted side effects.