Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages and is caused by inflammation of the sebaceous glands. The onset of acne is due to different reasons such as hormonal changes, unhealthy diets, and poor hygiene habits.

While there are various treatments, some people may experiment with natural remedies like toothpaste to alleviate their acne troubles. Toothpaste has been believed to be a quick and effective home treatment to cure acne overnight by reducing inflammation, killing bacteria and drying out the excess oil.

What is Toothpaste?

Toothpaste is a popular oral hygiene product that contains fluoride, which helps to prevent tooth decay, and other ingredients such as surfactants, abrasives, humectants, and preservatives.

These surfactants and abrasive ingredients help reduce plaque and remove stains from the surface of the teeth.

What Causes Acne?

Acne can be caused by hormonal imbalances that increase sebum production or by an excess buildup of dead skin cells and bacteria on the skin’s surface, which clogs the skin’s pores.

Hormones, bacteria, genetics, medicines, stress, and other environmental factors can cause or worsen acne. Acne can appear as blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, cysts, and nodules, often leaving scars if left untreated or treated ineffectively.

How Does Toothpaste Help Clear Acne ?

Toothpaste contains some of the ingredients that help you get rid of pimples like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and triclosan. Baking soda possesses alkaline properties that help to diminish pimples and lighten dark spots on the skin.

It also helps to exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells, thereby unclogging pores. Hydrogen peroxide works as an antiseptic, killing the bacteria that contribute to acne eruptions. Triclosan is an antibacterial agent that is added to toothpaste for oral care, but it also helps to kill acne bacteria that can infect the skin pores.

The menthol in toothpaste, when applied topically to the skin, has a cooling effect that can soothe the inflammation of acne.

How to Use Toothpaste for Acne Treatment?

Before applying toothpaste to the affected area, you should clean the skin with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and excess oil. Then, dry the skin with a clean towel. After that, apply a small amount of toothpaste onto the acne or pimple.

Gently massage it into the skin using your fingers and let it dry overnight. In the morning, wash it off and apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer to hydrate the skin because toothpaste can dry out the skin, which can make your skin vulnerable to further acne issues.

Do not use toothpaste as a long-term solution for acne treatment because it can inflame or irritate the skin if used excessively, causing further breakouts, and you should check with a dermatologist before using this method.

: Not all Toothpaste is Good

While some toothpaste can aid in clearing acne, others cannot. Some types of toothpaste contain ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium fluoride, which can irritate the skin and cause breakouts.

Remember to avoid toothpaste with added colors, flavors, or fragrances as these may also cause pimples. Additionally, toothpaste should be used in moderation, and before applying the product to the skin, it is essential to check the packaging for any harmful ingredients or warnings from the manufacturer.

: Conclusion

To summarize, toothpaste has been used as a home remedy for acne, and while it can provide short-term relief, it shouldn’t be relied upon as a long-term solution.

While toothpaste contains useful ingredients like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and triclosan, it’s crucial to use the correct type of toothpaste and apply it appropriately. Someone looking for quick relief can use toothpaste to get rid of acne, but they should not view this as an alternative to a more comprehensive acne treatment plan prescribed by a dermatologist.

The best acne treatments vary based on individual needs and the severity of the condition, so it is always best to get professional advice.