Fact Check: Can Garlic and cornstarch make our skin look 18 years old?

Claim: A video posted on the social media site Facebook claims that a mix of garlic and cornstarch has anti-ageing effects and can make your skin 18 years old no matter what age.

The link to the video is here.

FACT CHECK:

The claim is FALSE.

Why does skin ageing occur?

Skin aging is a natural process caused by a combination of intrinsic (genetic) and extrinsic (environmental) factors.

UV radiation causes most visible signs of ageing (i.e., photo-aging). Extrinsic ageing causes coarse wrinkles, xerosis, dyspigmentation, skin laxity etc. Ageing skin mechanisms include ROS, mtDNA mutations, and telomere shortening. Hormonal changes, particularly in women, are important for skin ageing. (1)

Aging is further classified into intrinsic and extrinsic ageing:

Skin aging that happens naturally over time varies among people and regions on the body. It's gradual and hard to notice until old age. It results in smoother, paler, drier skin with fine wrinkles and more defined expression lines on the face. This aging process occurs within the skin tissue itself.

Is DE ageing possible ?

While scientific advancements have made significant strides in understanding the biological processes of aging and extending healthy lifespan, the idea of halting or reversing aging entirely is still far from reality. Yet some  studies in animals have suggested that aging may, at least, be slowed.(2)

Does garlic have anti-ageing properties?

A study by Khalid Rehman suggests garlic has strong antioxidant properties and it has been suggested that garlic can prevent cardiovascular disease, inhibit platelet aggregation, and thrombus formation, prevent cancer, diseases associated with cerebral ageing, arthritis, cataract formation, and rejuvenate skin, improve blood circulation and energy levels. (2)

Does Cornstarch have anti-ageing properties?

No robust scientific evidence could be found that directly links cornstarch with anti-ageing benefits for the skin. Cornstarch, known scientifically as Zea mays starch, is primarily used in the culinary world as a thickening agent and in cosmetics for its ability to absorb moisture. Its role in skincare is limited to its physical properties, such as oil absorption, which can give a temporary matte appearance to the skin but does not impact the biological processes related to skin ageing. Suryani et al said cornstarch may be used as an ingredient for traditional skin beauty treatments and contains vitamin E which is beneficial for dry skin. (3)

Expert opinion:

Dr Priti Mahire a consultant Cosmetologist and Trichologist, at Skinshine skin clinic,Mumbai says” Garlic and cornstarch application on the face has been on the rise lately. I had a few patients too who turned up in my clinic, but they had negative effects of this. Garlic has thiosulfinates, which act as an antimicrobial and thus an inflammatory too. Many believe that with regular use, it clears the skin. Garlic also contains other vitamins and minerals that are believed to combat acne, like vitamin C, vitamin B-6, selenium, copper, and zinc.

Cornstarch too, when applied to the skin, absorbs excess oil, then helps in curbing acne as well.

With this, it has side effects as well. Both these, when applied to the bare skin directly, can cause diverse reactions like irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, urticaria and irritation of the skin. Cornstarch can clog pores, and give rise to more pimples and comedones. Those with acne-prone skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, cuts and wounds on the skin, and those with skin prone to allergic reactions should avoid this. Consult your doctor if any reactions.

Speaking to Medical Dialogues team, Dr Ajay Deshpande consultant dermatologist at Sahyadri superspeciality hospital, Pune further highlighted, “Allicin, one of the main ingredients of garlic, has been shown to have antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal effects. The topical use of garlic can be used to address infections and skin disorders, including acne and common infections of the skin. Additionally, it contains anti-inflammatory properties that aid with eczema and psoriasis. However, garlic can irritate, redden, and result in contact dermatitis, especially in parts of the skin that are vulnerable or damaged.

Cornstarch is an efficient moisture absorber and barrier. Using cornstarch on the skin might help control oiliness and relieve irritations. This is why cosmetics use it as well. However, overuse can worsen fungal infections or acne by clogging pores and encouraging the growth of yeast in wet settings.

Both garlic and cornstarch have potential benefits for the skin, including anti-microbial effects and soothing properties, respectively. However, these also pose risks like irritation, allergic reactions, and sometimes the worsening of certain conditions. It's crucial to conduct a patch test before using such substances for the skin and consult a dermatologist or relevant doctor, particularly for people with sensitive skin or existing skin issues to avoid adverse effects on the skin.”

Medical Dialogues Final Take:

Deaging cannot occur. Both garlic and cornstarch may have potential benefits for the skin, including anti-microbial effects and soothing properties but the claim of making skin 18 years old is blatantly false.

References

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0965206X16000280.
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/more-evidence-that-aging-might-be-reversible#:~:text=News%20briefs&text=It%20seems%20that%20every%20living,rapidly%20body%20cells%20are%20aging.
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12437995/.
4. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/365586538_Feasibility_of_Cornstarch_Masks_for_Dry_Facial_Skin_Care.