Arguably social media has as many downsides as it does upsides. While it helps people stay connected, studies have shown that social media use can negatively impact mental health, particularly in teens. Moreover, certain trends and challenges are sweet and heartwarming, while others are dangerous, if not fatal. Currently, experts are concerned about a new trend involving raw garlic for skin care and they’re issuing a warning.
The Garlic Trend Started on a Beauty Channel
TikTok has numerous communities where people can share common interests or learn new skills. For instance, BeautyTok is a channel devoted to beauty, skin, and hair care. The channel covers everything from tattoo care and teeth whitening hacks to applying flawless makeup and DIY hair care products. In a new trend, people are putting raw garlic on their skin to help “cure” acne, and skin experts are warning about possibly damaging the skin.
Experts Respond to the Garlic Trend
Dr. Ketaki Bhate, a consultant dermatologist at Self London, explained that “a blanket approach” to treating acne or other skin conditions isn’t “ideal.” Instead, participating in the garlic trend can “cause irritation or even chemical burns, which could leave behind post-inflammatory marks.” Meanwhile, Dr Shereene Idriss attributes the biggest cause of acne to be hormonal. “More often than not [acne] requires prescription medication. It is so important to treat the root cause in order to minimize any unwanted side effects such as long-term scarring,” the dermatologist explained.
Health Benefits of Raw Garlic
The garlic trend misconceptions likely stem from a correlation between garlic’s anti-inflammatory properties and skin health. Although nutrients, such as the compound allicin, provide health benefits and may promote healthier skin, there’s no science-backed evidence that the herb can “cure” acne.
An Alternative to the Topical Garlic Trend
Alternatively, some eat the raw bulbs, rather than rub them on the skin. While an upset stomach, thinner blood, and bad breath are possible side effects of eating raw garlic, ingesting the herb raw has many potential health benefits.
Boosting Immunity
It’s already been established that eating raw garlic isn’t a scientifically backed skincare method. However, eating raw garlic is beneficial to maintaining one’s overall health. The herb has been shown to boost immunity, stabilize blood sugar, and support a healthy heart and brain.
Acne-Treatment Alternatives to the Garlic Trend
While the garlic trend isn’t the cure for acne, the AAD has offered some tips to help manage acne at home.
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser 2 times a day.
- Avoid perfumed or artificially fragranced products, including the laundry soap you use to wash your sheets, pillowcases, clothes, and towels.
- Wash your face after sweating or doing physical activity.
- Don’t touch your face.
- Popping, squeezing, or picking at acne can make it worsen or leave behind scarring.
- Sit with warm compresses for a few minutes a day, a few times a week.
- Spend a few minutes massaging problem areas with soap when washing your face. The stimulation will bring blood flow to the area and help acne heal faster.
- Avoid toners, astringents, and products containing alcohol.
Trends and Challenges Cause Mixed Events
People often seek out home remedies as they save money and time. As such, it’s not surprising that social media is full of suggestions from others on how to do things correctly, easily. or more cost-effective. Yet, there’s more to be found online. Challenges and trends make their way around the internet, creating a heartwarming sense of community or ending in disaster.
Dangerous Social Media Challenges
Several trends and challenges have caused bodily harm. For instance, the cinnamon and nutmeg challenges had varying side effects, including severe difficulty breathing and death.
Here are some other trends and challenges that have gone viral in recent years and caused mayhem.
- The Benadryl Challenge
- The Coronavirus Challenge
- The Silhouette Challenge
- The Blackout Challenge
- Scalp Popping
- The Stand-Up Challenge
- Filing Teeth
- The Penny Challenge
- The Skullbreaker Challenge
Interestingly, people often find creative ways to injure themselves in pursuit of a great story to tell. However, using raw garlic for skin care, and following other trends or challenges can result in serious injury or death.