Healthy Line: Toothpaste for Pimples: Does It Work or Make Acne Worse?

 

Does Toothpaste Really Help with Pimples?

 

Introduction

Pimples are one of the skin issues that concern individuals of different ages. When one gets pimples, most people rush to some home remedies in order to diminish the redness and size of the pimples. Applying toothpaste on pimples is one of the most controversial homemade remedies. Is it just a myth to use toothpaste on pimples or does it really work?

We will discuss in this article whether toothpaste can be used as a spot treatment to treat pimples, the possible mechanisms of action, any risks that may be involved, and safer options.

 

The Origins of the Toothpaste-for-Pimples Myth

It is not a new concept to use toothpaste on pimples. Prior to the advent of dedicated treatment of acne, individuals used home remedies to deal with acne. Toothpaste, drying and antibacterial, came into use.

But how was this belief born? It can be owing to:

1.    Drying Effect - Most of the traditional toothpastes have elements such as baking soda, alcohol and hydrogen peroxide that makes pimples to dry.

2.    Antibacterial effect - Certain toothpastes may also have triclosan (although less frequently) or fluoride in them, and this can aid in decreasing bacteria.

3.    Easy access – Toothpaste can be easily accessed and it is a convenient go-to medicine.

But even though everybody thinks it, it does not necessarily make it scientifically true.

 

How Toothpaste Might Affect Pimples

Toothpaste is not meant to be used on the skin. Although, there are some of its elements that theoretically would have some effect on pimples:

1. Drying Out Excess Oil

Pimples are usually created by the clogging of pores with too much oil (sebum). Alcohol, baking soda or hydrogen peroxide are some of the contents that are found in some toothpastes and may absorb oil and dry the skin. This can temporarily diminish the looks of a pimple.

2. Mild Antibacterial Action

Some of the ingredients found in toothpaste such as fluoride or menthol are slightly antibacterial and they may aid in decreasing bacteria on skin. But, they are not as potent as those of the specific acne remedies.

3. Reducing Inflammation

Toothpaste (menthol or peppermint oil) can temporarily cool down the redness and swelling. This however does not imply that it is curing the root cause of the pimple.

 

Potential Risks of Using Toothpaste on Pimples

Although toothpaste may appear to be a short-term solution, it has a number of undesirable side effects:

1. Skin Irritation and Redness

Toothpaste is composed of harsh chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) that may deprive the skin of moisture causing irritation, peeling, and even chemical burns with some of the cases.

2. Disruption of Skin Barrier

The good skin is covered with a protective barrier which will not only trap the moisture but also prevent the entry of bacteria. Use of toothpaste may interfere with this protection and increase the susceptibility of the skin to dryness, sensitivity and additional breakouts.

3. Allergic Reactions

Other people may be allergic to the various ingredients like fluoride, artificial taste, or whitening agents and may end up with allergic reactions or contact dermatitis.

4. Worsening Acne

When the skin is over-dried, it may also stimulate the production of excessive oil in an attempt to make up the deficiency of moisture. This can result in additional breakouts long term.

 

What Dermatologists Say About Toothpaste for Pimples?

The majority of dermatologists recommend that toothpaste should not be used to treat acne. Here’s why:

·       Not Formulated to Skin- Toothpaste is not made to be applied to the skin and on the face is a delicate skin.

·       Not as effective as acne treatments Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid over-the-counter acne products are scientifically shown to be more effective.

·       Scarring Risk- The abrasive components of toothpaste may cause peeling and predispose someone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots).

 

Read Also: - How to Identify Your Skin Type at Home – Easy Tips for Glowing Skin

Safer Alternatives to Toothpaste for Pimples

Rather than run the risk of damaging skin with a tube of toothpaste, here are some reliable methods of fighting acne:

1. Benzoyl Peroxide

One type of common acne medicine that destroys bacteria and prevents inflammation. It can be found in cleansers, spot treatment, and creams.

2. Salicylic Acid

Assists in clearing pores and shedding off dead skin cells thus preventing future breakouts. It is present in toners, serums, and spot treatments.

3. Tea Tree Oil (Diluted)

An antibacterial agent that is naturally produced and can lessen acne when applied in a mixture of carrier oil.

4. Ice Therapy

Redness and swelling can be temporarily alleviated by applying ice covered with a cloth.

5. Clay Masks

It absorbs excess oil and skin is not left too dry.

 

The Bottom Line: Is Toothpaste a Good Pimple Treatment?

Although toothpaste can dry out a pimple in the short term, it is not an effective and safe cure against acne. The side effect of irritation, dryness, and permanent skin damage are too high to have any possible benefits. Rather, use acne products which are recommended by the dermatologists and are skin specific.

In case you have issues with frequent breakouts, it is best to go to a dermatologist so they can recommend an individualized skincare routine that would work on your skin type.

 

Read Also: - How to build a morning and night skincare routine

FAQs About Toothpaste and Pimples

1. Does toothpaste really get rid of pimples overnight?

No. It might desiccate a pimple a little, but it will not get rid of it entirely and can result in irritation.

 

2. Which is the least harmful type of toothpaste to pimples?

Provided that you still wish to experiment with it (in the face of the risks), choose a simple white toothpaste that does not contain any whitening formulations or energetic tastes.

 

3. Why does the toothpaste burn the pimples?

It is the burning effect of alcohol or menthol or other sharp ingredients that cause the irritation to the skin.

 

4. Is there any advantage of using toothpaste on the skin?

No significant advantages- stay with products, which are created to take care of the skin in order to prevent unneeded harm.

 

5. How do you get rid of a pimple overnight?

Apply a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid-based acne spot treatment and do not pick the pimple to cause scarring.

 

Conclusion

Toothpaste-on-pimples is not so much a hack as a beauty myth. Although this can be used to offer temporary drying effects, the risk of skin irritation and possible damages to the skin makes it an unwise option. Rather, spend on soft products that fight acne and are developed to keep skin healthy.

When acne becomes a long-term problem, a dermatologist is the most appropriate professional to take advice on how to have a clear and healthy skin without using a DIY approach which is dangerous.

Have you ever put toothpaste on a pimple, or do you have some other method of treatment? Contact us!