Toothpaste is often referred to as a home remedy that can help treat acne. Meanwhile, according to dermatologists, the use of toothpaste is not an effective way to treat skin, and can actually damage it. Toothpaste can cause the skin to turn red and peel. Some of the ingredients contained in toothpaste can also make the skin dry, and there is no evidence to support that using toothpaste is more effective than regular treatments. So, if you decide to use toothpaste, just try a little.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Toothpaste at Certain Points
Step 1. Check the ingredients in the toothpaste
Before using toothpaste to clean your face, check the list of ingredients in the package first. Some of the ingredients commonly found in toothpaste can be very irritating to the skin.
- If toothpaste contains sodium lauryl sulfate, triclosan, and/or sodium fluoride, reconsider using it.
- These ingredients are known to cause skin irritation.
- Ingredients such as calcium carbonate and zinc may have a more positive effect on the skin, but may be contained in special products without irritants.
- Regular white toothpaste may contain fewer irritants than clear gel toothpaste.
Step 2. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to clean skin
If you decide to use toothpaste, test it out a bit first. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to different parts of the skin. If your skin is red or very dry, or discolored, stop applying toothpaste directly to your skin.
- If your skin doesn't react negatively, rub a small amount of toothpaste on a spot and let it dry.
- You can use a cotton swab to apply toothpaste. If you want to use your fingers, be sure to wash your hands first.
- Observe the skin around the toothpaste. If the skin around the toothpaste is irritated or red, clean it immediately.
Step 3. Wash the skin
Because the benefits of using it are not clear, the length of time toothpaste should be left on the skin is uncertain. Some people leave toothpaste on their skin overnight. However, if your skin is sensitive, using toothpaste for that long can cause irritation. Take care to minimize the risk of damage to the skin.
- When washing your skin, use warm water and gently rub in a circular motion.
- Splash a little cold water on your face and apply moisturizer if your skin feels tight and dry.
Method 2 of 3: Using Toothpaste As A Facial Cleanser
Step 1. Make a facial cleansing solution from diluted toothpaste
If you want to use toothpaste not only for a certain point, you can make a facial cleanser from toothpaste. However, because of the potential to irritate the skin, the use of toothpaste like this is generally not recommended. Be sure to test the toothpaste on the surface of the skin before considering using it as a facial cleanser.
- There's no fixed formula, but you can mix a little toothpaste with a cup of water.
- Maybe you shouldn't use more than a teaspoon of toothpaste. However, you can determine for yourself how much toothpaste can irritate the skin.
Step 2. Gently apply to face
After mixing the solution, you can gently rub it onto a clean face. Gently rub the liquid onto the surface of the skin so it doesn't sting or cause irritation. Use plenty of water and don't rub your skin with your hands.
- If your skin feels sore or irritated, wash it off immediately.
- Don't take dry, red, or tight skin as a sign that the solution is working effectively to dry out pimples.
Step 3. Wash your face and apply moisturizer
Gently wash your face as usual, and pat dry with a soft towel. This treatment has the potential to dry out and irritate the skin. So, you should use a moisturizer after using the toothpaste solution. Make sure your hands are clean before applying moisturizer. If your skin is red, sore, or irritated, consider other ways to clean your skin.
Method 3 of 3: Considering Other Ways
Step 1. Try a free product
Toothpaste does contain ingredients that can dry out pimples. However, you can get products specifically designed for acne without the other potentially irritating ingredients found in toothpaste. Instead of using toothpaste, try an acne cream or gel to treat excess oil.
- In particular, you should consider products that contain the active ingredients benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
- You can buy products like this at your local pharmacy or drugstore.
- To prevent acne and get clear skin, using skin care products will be better than experimenting with home treatments.
Step 2. Consult a doctor or dermatologist
If you have persistent skin problems and you can't find an effective over-the-counter product, make an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist. The doctor will examine and give advice on what treatment best suits your skin type.
- You may be prescribed topical and/or oral medications.
- Commonly prescribed topical medications include retinoids, antibiotics, and dapsone.
- You may be given antibiotics to take.
Step 3. Consider tea tree oil.
If you still want to try using home remedies to get clear skin, tea tree oil is one of the best options you can try. Tea tree oil is often used in skin care products, but it can also be purchased directly at pharmacies or drug stores. There is research showing that tea tree oil is as effective as benzoyl peroxide as a topical treatment for acne.
- Gently dabbing tea tree oil with a cotton swab onto the pimple may be more effective than toothpaste.
- The potential for negative side effects and skin irritation due to the use of tea tree is also smaller.
Tips
- Do not rub toothpaste around the eyes.
- Use hot or warm water.
- Use a soft towel.
