For years, toothpaste has been used as a common at-home treatment for acne, but is it effective? This blog discusses the drawbacks of using toothpaste to treat acne and suggests some other options.
Toothpaste might be too abrasive for the skin. Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and other compounds found in toothpaste can be too abrasive for the sensitive skin on your face. Using toothpaste on your face can cause redness, inflammation, and even chemical burns.
Toothpaste can dry out the skin:
Although toothpaste is intended to clean and dry out the mouth, applying it on acne can also cause facial skin to become dry. Dry skin can lead to additional breakouts and inflammation, making acne worse in the long run.
Toothpaste does not contain acne-fighting ingredients:
Although toothpaste may have compounds that can dry out acne, these ingredients do not particularly target the bacteria that cause skin inflammation . It’s unlikely that using toothpaste to treat skin inflammation will help, and it might even make it worse.
There are better alternatives for acne treatment:
There are many other skin inflammation-treatment options available that are made specifically for the skin, so avoid using toothpaste on your pimples. To help clean up your acne without harming your skin, look for solutions containing chemicals like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or tea tree oil.
Toothpaste can cause discoloration:
Toothpaste contains chemicals like hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, which can cause discoloration or even bleaching of the skin. For those with darker skin tones, this may be especially problematic.
Toothpaste can clog pores:
Some toothpaste formulations contain compounds that might clog pores, such as sodium lauryl sulfate or menthol, which can aggravate skin inflammation and lead to more breakouts.
Toothpaste can cause allergic reactions:
Many people are prone to allergy responses and have sensitive skin. The chemicals in toothpaste, including peppermint oil or sodium fluoride, can cause skin irritation or allergy.
Toothpaste is not formulated for facial skin:
The sensitive skin of your face is not intended for use with toothpaste; rather, it should only be used on your teeth and gums. Using toothpaste to treat skin inflammation might further aggravate the condition by depleting the skin’s natural oils and upsetting its pH balance.
Toothpaste can lead to scarring:
Picking or popping pimples is never a good idea, but applying toothpaste to your skin inflammation can make it worse. The abrasive ingredients in toothpaste can harm the skin and cause scarring, which can be challenging to remove.
GoodRx suggests that applying toothpaste to reduce acne isn’t scientifically supported. Although many people use toothpaste to erase pimples, it can actually irritate your skin deeper. Skin inflammation can be treated more safely with over-the-counter treatments that have received dermatological approval, for example.
There are many skin inflammation-fighting products available that are specifically designed for use on the skin.
Here are some options to consider:
Salicylic acid:
A beta-hydroxy acid, salicylic acid exfoliates the skin and clears clogged pores. Dryness, peeling, and redness are a few salicylic acid side effects that are frequently experienced. As soon as it is applied to the skin, it could also burn or sting.
Benzoyl peroxide:
Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial chemical that helps to eliminate skin inflammation-causing germs and prevent fresh outbreaks. Benzoyl peroxide frequently causes dryness, redness, and peeling as side effects. It may also bleach materials, so be careful when applying it around clothing or bedding.
Retinoids:
Vitamin A in the form of retinoids aids in controlling cell renewal and lowering inflammation. Dryness, redness, peeling, and increased UV sensitivity are typical side effects of retinoids. When beginning a retinoid medication, some patients may also notice a brief exacerbation of their skin inflammation.
Sulfur:
Mineral sulfur aids in absorbing extra oil and clearing clogged pores. Sulfur frequently causes dryness, peeling, and redness as side effects. It could also have a foul odor.
Tea tree oil:
A natural oil with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties is tea tree oil. Tea tree oil may cause allergic or irritant reactions in some people, especially if it is used in high amounts. It may also cause dryness or peeling of the skin.
Use sunscreen:
Numerous skin inflammation-treating substances, like retinoids and benzoyl peroxide, might make your skin more sensitive to the sun. When utilizing these substances, it’s crucial to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and to reapply it every two hours.
Use as directed:
Follow the instructions on the packaging carefully when using any skin inflammation-fighting product. Using too much or too often can cause irritation and dryness, and may even make your skin inflammation worse.
In a nutshell..
Overall, because of its abrasiveness, drying effects, and lack of specific acne-fighting chemicals, toothpaste is not a good option for acne therapy. Instead, use acne-prone skin care products, and if your acne is particularly bad or chronic, talk to a specialist.
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