If you’ve ever caught yourself in front of the mirror, eyeing a recalcitrant pimple and grabbing the toothpaste, you’re certainly not alone. This trick has been shared like a secret beauty tip for decades. But before you apply that minty paste to your skin, let’s consider why it may not be the magic solution it’s been made out to be.
The Myth of Toothpaste as a Pimple Fix
The concept of applying toothpaste to pimples likely stems from the fact that it appears to dry them up. And so, people believe that it has to be because it’s effective. But the thing is, dermatologists have been warning about this practice for years. Toothpaste is designed to be used on your teeth, not your skin. And the very substances that make it perfect for sanitizing your mouth can be too strong—and even toxic—for your face.
Harsh Ingredients That Backfire
The majority of toothpastes contain ingredients such as baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, menthol, and even alcohol on occasion. They work magic on your teeth, but they’re not as kind to your skin. Toothpaste can strip your skin of its natural oils, making it red, irritated, and dry. In rare cases, it can even peel.
There was once a time when certain toothpaste products contained triclosan, an antibacterial compound that folks believed might combat acne. But little did we know, triclosan isn’t all that good for your health. It’s been discontinued from most products due to fears regarding hormone disruption and antibiotic resistance. So, even if you were able to locate toothpaste containing triclosan today, it would not be a good or healthy acne treatment.
The Risk of Making Things Worse
Although toothpaste may cause a pimple to appear as though it is drying up initially, it can end up making the problem worse. Over-drying your skin can make it produce more oil to compensate for the loss, which can clog pores and result in even more breakouts.
And let’s not forget the chance for irritation or even chemical burns. That can leave your skin more sensitive and reactive to other products—or the environment. Worst case? Scarring which is much more difficult to handle than a temporary pimple.
What to Use Instead
The best news is that there are lots of safe and effective products out there that are designed to treat breakouts. Over-the-counter acne treatments are designed to fight pimples without harming your skin.
Some good ingredients to seek out are:
- Benzoyl peroxide – This one kills bacteria that cause acne and reduces inflammation.
- Salicylic acid – It unclogs pores and removes dead skin, preventing breakouts.
- Adapalene – A gentle retinoid that promotes skin cell turnover and reduces inflammation.
Try tea tree oil or aloe vera if you’re more into natural remedies. Tea tree oil has antimicrobial benefits, and aloe vera is super soothing. Just be sure to dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil before using it on your skin.
When to Seek Professional Help
If nothing appears to be working—or your ac, e is leaning more toward the severe side—it may be time to consult a dermatologist. He or she can suggest more powerful treatments such as prescription creams, oral antibiotics, or even procedures such as chemical peels or laser treatments. Seeking professional assistance can truly make a huge difference when over-the-counter remedies just aren’t doing the trick.
A Final Word on Skincare Myths
It’s easy to fall for quick fixes, particularly when they’re sitting right in front of you in your bathroom. But your skin is worth more than a shortcut that may end up harming it more than helping. The next time you find yourself tempted to grab that tube of toothpaste, pause for a moment and think about what your skin aeeds—gentle, specific care that’s formulated to help it recover, not deteriorate.