We’ve all heard the advice: “Just dab a little toothpaste on that pimple, and it’ll go away overnight!” But is there any truth to this popular skincare tip? Quick answer, No. Let’s dive into whether toothpaste can really help clear up acne or if it’s just another beauty myth.
Why People Think Toothpaste Works
The idea behind using toothpaste for pimples comes from its ingredients. Many toothpastes contain ingredients like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and alcohol, which are believed to dry out pimples. Some people claim that toothpaste helps shrink blemishes and reduce redness. But is it effective, or does it do more harm than good?
The Science Behind It
Toothpaste is formulated to clean teeth, not skin, so it’s not designed to treat acne. While some of the ingredients in toothpaste can dry out your skin, they aren’t ideal for treating pimples. Here’s why:
• Baking soda: Though it’s known for absorbing moisture, it’s also abrasive and can irritate the skin, making acne worse.
• Hydrogen peroxide: This ingredient can kill bacteria, but it’s also harsh on the skin and can damage healthy tissue.
• Alcohol: This can dry out your skin, but it may also cause your skin to produce more oil in response, potentially worsening acne.
Potential Risks of Using Toothpaste on Acne
While it might seem like toothpaste can provide a quick fix, it can actually have negative effects on your skin:
• Skin irritation: Toothpaste can be too harsh for sensitive facial skin, causing redness, peeling, or even chemical burns.
• Worsened acne: By drying out the skin too much, toothpaste can lead to more breakouts in the long run. When the skin is overly dry, it may produce more oil to compensate, leading to clogged pores.
• Allergic reactions: Some people may have allergic reactions to the ingredients in toothpaste, leading to more skin problems.
What Actually Helps with Acne?
Instead of reaching for toothpaste, here are some tried-and-true acne treatments:
• Topical acne treatments: Products containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids can help reduce acne by targeting the bacteria that cause breakouts and promoting cell turnover.
• Moisturizing: Keeping your skin hydrated helps balance oil production and prevents dryness that can lead to more acne.
• Avoid picking or squeezing: Touching or popping pimples can introduce more bacteria to your skin and lead to scarring.
Conclusion
While toothpaste might offer temporary relief by drying out pimples, it’s not a safe or effective long-term acne treatment. The ingredients in toothpaste aren’t formulated for skin and can cause more harm than good. Instead, stick to products specifically designed for acne treatment, and if you’re struggling with persistent breakouts, consult a dermatologist for personalized advice.
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/toothpaste-on-pimples Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board