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Facts Checked
Toothpaste on Pimple: Does It Work or Cause Harm? Dermatologist Explains
The remedy of applying toothpaste on pimples has been circulating for generations. Not to mention, most of us have tried toothpaste on pimple as a quick fix to dry it out overnight. We might think it is a good idea. Nevertheless, the truth is, toothpaste will do more harm than good for your skin. Yes, using toothpaste on pimples is a rumour, rather, a popular myth. In this article, we’ll help you bust the myth and answer questions like “Can toothpaste remove pimples?” Additionally, we will uncover the facts about the side effects that toothpaste can cause and discuss the safe and effective solutions for treating acne.
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Common Ingredients In Toothpaste & Their Effects On Skin
Using toothpaste on pimples can make things worse because of its ingredients. Keep reading to find out why toothpaste is not the best idea for your skin.
| Ingredient | Believed Benefit | Potential Side Effect |
| Baking Soda | Dries out the pimple | Can disrupt pH and irritate skin |
| Hydrogen Peroxide | Kills bacteria | Can cause burns or inflammation |
| Triclosan (in some) | Antibacterial | Banned in many places, may cause issues |
| Menthol / Fluoride | Cooling or soothing effect | May lead to redness and dryness |
| Alcohol or Whitening Agents | Drying agents | Can over-dry or burn sensitive skin |
How To Remove Pimples With Toothpaste?
The claim is that applying toothpaste on pimples helps it clear up overnight. While it might sound like a quick and easy solution, it is highly not recommended. It contains drying ingredients like baking soda, which makes people assume that toothpaste can dry your skin and help shrink your pimples. However, the truth is that this home remedy can actually make acne worse. Teeth are different from your skin, and toothpaste is meant for the mouth and does not belong on your skin. The ingredients in toothpaste are to clean your teeth and not to treat your acne. The best alternative you can look for is to consider over-the-counter products. You can also consult a dermatologist who will prescribe stronger medications or effective solutions.
What Are The Side Effects Of Toothpaste On Pimples?
If you ask, “is toothpaste good for pimples?” the answer is an echoing NO. One must know that it can irritate and damage your skin. Here are the reasons why you should not use toothpaste as your go-to acne treatment:
- Irritation and Burning: Toothpaste contains ingredients that can be harsh on your skin. Using toothpaste for the skin can dry it out and strip it of its natural oils, causing irritation. These ingredients can also cause burning or inflammation on your skin and damage it.
- Dryness and Potential for More Breakouts: Toothpaste can make your skin too dry. Ultimately, it makes the oil glands produce excess oil, which can lead to clogged pores and more breakouts.
- Scarring: Using toothpaste on pimples can cause a burning sensation and dry out the pimple, eventually leading to scars.
- Chemical Burns: The ingredients in toothpaste can be abrasive for the skin and cause chemical burns when you leave it on for too long.
Safe And Advanced Treatments For Acne
If you are using toothpaste as your go-to acne treatment, you should know that it is not worth the risk. Consider alternative medications that are effective at targeting acne without causing damage or irritation.
- Oral Medications: Oral medications generally include antibiotics that help reduce bacteria and inflammation. They are ideal for treating moderate to severe acne. Other oral medications like oral isotretinoin and hormonal therapy help with minimising recurring acne.
- Topical Medications: Topical acne medications include creams, gels and lotions for direct application on the skin. These work by targeting acne-causing bacteria to reduce inflammation and unclog pores. Additionally, they help regulate excess oil production at the skin’s surface. Topical medications are ideal for treating mild to moderate acne.
- Chemical Peels: Chemical peels are an advanced acne treatment that involves applying a chemical solution of varied concentrations. This causes a controlled exfoliation of the top layer of the skin, removing debris, excess oil, and dead cells from the pores to reveal clear smooth skin beneath. Chemical peels effectively treat mild to moderate acne, improving skin texture.
- Comedone Extraction: This treatment involves extracting blackheads and whiteheads using specialised tools in a sterile environment.
- Intralesional Injections: Dermatologists administer these specialised injections to reduce severe inflammation and pain. These are ideal for treating nodules and cysts.
Oliva Clinics specialises in offering personalised acne treatment solutions that effectively target the root cause and deliver long-lasting results.
Takeaway
Toothpaste is neither a skincare product nor an effective option to treat acne. Dabbing toothpaste on pimple does far more harm than good. It is abrasive, irritates your skin, causes dryness and can severely damage your skin, leading to redness, peeling, and even chemical burns. While it might seem like a quick fix, there is a risk of long-term skin damage. If you’re struggling with breakouts, skip the DIY myths and choose science-backed treatments that truly work without causing long-term damage.
Ready to get a clear, healthy skin safely? Consult an expert dermatologist at Oliva Clinics today for a personalised, science-backed acne treatment plan!
Frequently Asked Questions For Toothpaste on Acne
No, toothpaste does not help blind pimples and can actually worsen them by causing irritation and inflammation deep within the skin.
Leaving toothpaste on a pimple overnight can lead to severe dryness, redness, irritation, chemical burns or increased post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Yes, repeated or prolonged use of toothpaste on the skin can cause long-term damage, including persistent dryness, sensitivity, irritation, and stubborn discolouration.
