The social media domain is witnessing yet another unfounded cure for acne – gobbling up cloves of raw garlic. Videos on TikTok with countless views document users munching on these pungent bulbs in the hope of attaining clear skin. Sounds easy and cost-effective, fit for those who don't have luxury access to skincare professionals, right? Hold on to that garlic clove, though, before you start replacing your acne cream with it.

Since time immemorial, garlic has been touted as a miracle cure for various health woes, including heart ailments and high cholesterol. However, can it genuinely zap that zit? Dr. Rachel Nazarian from Schweiger Dermatology Group advises caution. The scientific community hasn't yet confirmed the humble garlic as an acne panacea.

"Garlic has no scientifically proven ability to blast acne," Nazarian spells out. It doesn't matter how much of the stuff you inhale – it won't cure your acne.

Sure, garlic might possess natural compounds that can battle bacteria and inflammation, thereby maintaining your skin's glow, agrees Dr. Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce from Westlake Dermatology. It may even offer benefits akin to antioxidant-packed foods like berries, pomegranate, and green tea. As for the acne-zapping benefits? The theory remains just that. A theory.

Garlic's potential to inhibit bacterial and fungal growth has been noted in a 2014 review, hence its possible advantage in dealing with certain skin issues. Nonetheless, this doesn't mean it’s your magic bullet against acne.

Acne can have diverse triggers in individuals, from hormonal shifts to blockage of pores by specific skincare or makeup products. The garlic-chomping regimen suggested by viral TikTok videos might not address these root causes, rendering the method a futile effort, argues Dr. Melanie Palm from Art of Skin MD.

Palm emphasizes that tackling acne effectively likely involves more than daily garlic consumption. No controlled trials to date have studied the efficacy of oral garlic in treating acne, leaving the hype unsupported by evidence. If you want to incorporate garlic into your diet anyway, moderation is the key. No need to munch on raw cloves – try seasoning your meals with it.

While garlic could up the quality of your meals, gulping down cloves of raw garlic daily is not recommended, Geddes-Bruce warns. Aside from being overly potent and pungently aromatic, garlic as a cure for acne falls short compared to other available treatments. If you're envisioning applying it directly to your skin instead of eating it, experts strongly advise against it, alluding to the potential skin irritation it can cause.

About garlic's role in controlling acne, Palm observes it's tough to make precise recommendations given the lack of research on garlic's consumption or topical application in this regard.

Garlic does pack a health punch, though, containing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to repair free radical damage, reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer. It's also got manganese for building strong bones and maintaining a robust immune system. Plus, potassium for heart health and muscle function.

However, tread cautiously as consuming garlic, especially in high quantities, isn't safe for everyone. Those with low blood pressure should pay particular attention, as garlic could interfere with bleeding and clotting due to its blood-thinning characteristic. Garlic can also alter the efficiency of certain medications, including blood thinners and even specific HIV drugs.

So, how do you mitigate acne? Palm suggests a nutritious diet rich in antioxidants, fresh fruits, fiber, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limiting processed food consumption, a low-glycemic diet can potentially minimize acne breakouts, too.

Acne's countermeasures include topical gels, creams, lotions, certain antibiotics, retinoids, laser, light therapies, chemical peels, and other products.

If you're still battling your acne, instead of falling for dicey social media fads, talking to a dermatologist might be the answer. So, pass on the garlic gargle. Give scietifically-validated treatments and balanced nutrition a shot instead.