Seriously! You're going to an event and, suddenly, a big, ugly pimple appears on your face! You need to get rid of that pimple quickly. However, just popping it can actually make the condition worse, and there's little chance that the pimple will actually go away the next day. Luckily, there's a simple way you can follow to reduce those pimples: toothpaste! However, keep in mind that the use of toothpaste has certain side effects, such as the possibility of skin irritation. This article will show you how to get rid of pimples (or at least disguise them) using toothpaste.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Getting Ready
Step 1. Wash your face using warm water and face wash
Warm water can help remove dirt that clogs skin pores, while facial soap helps remove dirt and oil that sticks. By cleaning your face first, it will be easier for you to deal with acne that appears.
- Try using a face wash that is specially formulated for acne-prone skin. Avoid using an alcohol-based face wash because it can dry out the skin and cause damage to the skin.
- Also avoid using facial wash soap that works to remove dead skin cells and contains alcohol because it can irritate or dry out the skin. If your skin is too dry, your body will produce extra oil which can actually lead to more breakouts.
Step 2. Dry your face
Use a soft towel and, gently, pat the towel dry on your face. Do not rub the skin on your face so as not to rub the existing pimple.
Step 3. Make sure your hands are clean
If your hands are dirty, the bacteria attached to your hands can transfer to your facial skin, causing more pimples or damage to appear on your skin. Before you apply toothpaste to the pimple, first wash your hands with warm water and soap.
Step 4. Choose the right toothpaste
Not all types of toothpaste can help eradicate acne. Ordinary white toothpaste is considered the most effective in eradicating acne. However, there are a few other things to consider when choosing which toothpaste to use, such as:
- Choose a white toothpaste.
- Make sure the toothpaste is in the form of a paste, not a gel.
- If you can, use a toothpaste that contains baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, or menthol.
- Try using a mint-flavoured toothpaste for a refreshing effect on your skin.
Step 5. Identify the types of toothpaste you need to avoid
Some types of toothpaste can actually make acne worse, rather than eradicate it. In addition, there are also several types of toothpaste that are completely ineffective in eradicating acne. Below are some things you need to pay attention to or avoid when choosing a toothpaste to use:
- Do not use gel toothpaste. The ingredients in the toothpaste cannot work effectively and may worsen acne conditions.
- Avoid toothpastes that are colored or striped, as well as those that contain additives such as cavities-preventing chemicals, teeth whitening agents, or added fluoride.
- Try to use a toothpaste with a mint flavor because it can produce a refreshing effect.
Step 6. Please note that using toothpaste may not work for you
On the one hand, toothpaste can help dry out pimples, but on the other hand, toothpaste may make your acne worse and cause skin irritation. Before you start getting rid of pimples using toothpaste, try using it first on small pimples in areas of the face that are not too conspicuous.
Part 2 of 3: Getting Rid of Acne
Step 1. Dispense a small amount of toothpaste onto your finger
Use a little toothpaste; the size of the toothpaste that is removed is no larger than the size of a corn kernel.
Step 2. Apply toothpaste on the pimple
Make sure you apply just a thin layer of toothpaste to the entire surface of the pimple. As much as possible do not apply toothpaste to the normal skin around the pimple. Toothpaste works to dry out pimples, so when applied to normal skin, it can also dry out your skin and, possibly, cause dry or cracked skin.
If you have a lot of acne, try using over-the-counter medications prescribed by your doctor or pharmacy. Never apply toothpaste all over your face or use it as a face mask
Step 3. Let the toothpaste dry on your pimple
The length of time it takes the toothpaste to dry will depend on your skin type and the size of your pimple. In general, you need to leave it on for 30 minutes, but if you have sensitive skin, let the toothpaste dry for less than 30 minutes. To make it easier, try following these guidelines:
- For sensitive skin and minor pimples, let the toothpaste dry for 5 to 10 minutes.
- For normal skin or large pimples, let the toothpaste dry for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Try letting the toothpaste dry overnight. However, keep in mind that toothpaste can cause skin irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin. In addition, if you tend to move a lot during sleep, the toothpaste that sticks can actually dirty your face.
Step 4. Rinse with cold water
Do not use soap or face wash again when you rinse your face. You can use water or a wet washcloth, but don't rub the pimple too hard to avoid skin irritation. After applying toothpaste, your pimple will appear smaller and less swollen.
Step 5. Repeat the treatment using toothpaste every few days
Do not use every day or several times a day. If you have stubborn acne, try using a cream specifically made to treat or treat acne. Keep in mind that toothpaste cannot be used as a substitute for drug treatment.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing and Treating Acne
Step 1. Drink plenty of water
Try to drink 8 glasses of water every day. Water can help cleanse your system of dirt and toxins. With a clean body system, your skin will be clean.
Step 2. Avoid eating foods that trigger acne
There are certain types of foods that have the potential to trigger acne, while other types of foods tend not to have the potential to trigger acne. Below are some types of foods that you need to avoid:
- Sugary and sugary foods or drinks, such as candy, biscuits, and soda.
- Snacks or dry processed foods, such as potato chips and French fries.
- Foods that contain starch, such as bread, pasta, and potatoes.
Step 3. Eat healthy foods
Fruits and vegetables, apart from being good for your health, are also good for your skin. Vitamin A is useful for keeping skin clean and bright, and can be found in fruits and vegetables such as cantaloupe, carrots, and sweet potatoes. In addition, several types of healthy foods and contain many vitamins that help take care of the skin, including:
- Salmon. Salmon may be fatty, but it's full of good fats. Good fats can help make the skin more radiant and clean skin pores.
- Avocados, artichokes, and broccoli contain lots of vitamins and antioxidants that help treat your skin and make it look naturally radiant.
- Brown rice, beans and wheat can be substitutes for starchy foods, such as whole wheat bread or white rice. These types of foods are rich in nutrients and vitamins, and help you feel full longer.
- Despite the pungent smell, garlic is rich in antioxidants that are not only able to eradicate acne-causing bacteria, but also other viruses.
Step 4. Pay attention to the environment around you
If you work or spend a lot of time in a dusty (e.g., warehouse) or oily (e.g., restaurant) place, you need to wash your face more often to keep your skin pores from clogging. Clogged pores can trigger acne breakouts.
Step 5. Wash your face twice a day
However, you shouldn't wash your face too often. Washing your face too often can dry out your skin so your body will produce oils that can moisturize the skin. Excess oil production can cause more damage to the skin.
Step 6. Use the right makeup products
If you need to use makeup to cover up your acne, avoid products that contain oil and try to use light, oil-free makeup as much as possible. In general, try not to use too much makeup to disguise your acne. The less clogged your facial skin pores, the cleaner your skin will look.
- Try using a blemish cam or concealer to cover up your acne. Make sure you blend the concealer properly to match your skin tone, and blend it with powder.
- Use a green stain camouflage with care. A green stain can reduce the redness of a pimple, but if your face is exposed to a certain light, using a green color mask can actually make your pimple appear more obvious. If you want to use a green stain mask, apply it to your pimple and make sure you blend the edges neatly. After that, use your regular foundation and blemish cover, and finish by applying some powder on your face.
Step 7. Don't sleep with makeup still on your face and make sure your brushes are always clean
If you use makeup, make sure you clean it with a makeup remover before you go to bed. If you sleep with makeup still on your face, your skin pores will be clogged, resulting in the appearance of freckles or pimples on your face. Also, make sure you clean your makeup brushes once a week with soap and water. This cleaning is meant to prevent the development of acne-causing bacteria on your brushes.
Step 8. Do not touch or pop the pimple
By pressing and popping the pimple, you may be able to drain the pus that makes the pimple so obvious. However, this does not necessarily make the redness caused by acne disappear. Pressing on a pimple can also cause skin irritation, scab, or even leave a scar on the face. If you do need to touch your pimple, make sure your hands are clean before you touch it.
Step 9. Try using the available drugs
Sometimes, the use of toothpaste alone is not enough to eradicate stubborn acne. In this case, try to consult your doctor or pharmacist and buy medicines such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or sulfur and resorcinol from the nearest pharmacy.
Step 10. Try natural remedies to get rid of acne
Natural treatments can help reduce redness and bruising caused by acne. There are several natural treatments you can try:
- Apply ice to your pimple and hold it for a few minutes to reduce redness and bruising. You can use ice made from plain water or green tea.
- Put some tea tree oil or lavender oil on a cotton swab, then gently rub it over your pimple. Tea tree oil or lavender oil is useful for reducing redness and bruising caused by acne.
- Clean the pimple by rubbing a cotton swab that has been dropped with apple cider vinegar or lime juice. If you use lime juice to clear your pimples, don't leave the house or go into direct sunlight without washing your face. Make sure before you leave the house, you have removed the lemon juice that you applied to your pimple.
- Purchase cleansing clay (special clay used as a mask) or mud mask from a health product store.
Tips
- Take a bowl of hot water and bend over to let the hot steam hit your face before you wash your face and apply toothpaste (or other product) to the pimple. Hot water steam hitting facial skin can help open facial pores so that the products used can work more effectively.
- Try using other natural acne treatments.
- If you leave toothpaste on your pimple for one night and, while sleeping, you tend to move around a lot, try applying a patch over the pimple that has been smeared with toothpaste. This is done to prevent the toothpaste from getting on your face, hair, and pillow if you move around during sleep.