Toothpaste can be used as an emergency treatment for acne to dry it out and reduce healing time. However, toothpaste can irritate the skin, so it is important that you use this remedy in moderation, using the correct technique. Continue reading for more information.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Before Trying Toothpaste
Although toothpaste can quickly treat acne, there are other ways that may be more effective. Before trying to use toothpaste, it's a good idea to try the following methods:
Step 1.
| Other Ways to Treat Acne | Effectiveness | Potential Problems |
|---|---|---|
| Acne medication | It should give long term results after 2-3 weeks. | It may be expensive and must be used every day. |
| Hydrogen peroxide | Easy, safe, and generally effective after 2-3 days. | May cause skin irritation if used repeatedly. |
| Sea salt | Natural, can remove acne without leaving scars | Must be used with a mask and may not remove acne immediately. |
| Baking soda | Regulates skin pH and helps reduce excess oil. | While it's great for nourishing the skin and treating acne, baking soda isn't just acne-specific. |
| Tea tree oil | Natural and can help treat inflamed and dry skin. It can be used in several different ways. | Not yet clinically tested, may be quite expensive. |
| Aspirin | Can reduce swelling and pain in the skin due to acne. | Requires that you crush the aspirin and keep it on the skin for at least 15 minutes. |
| Banana peel | It protects and exfoliates the skin naturally, reduces inflammation and contains vitamin A. | It has not been clinically tested and requires fresh banana peels. |
| Steam | Warm temperatures and humidity can open the pores, making it easier for you to remove irritants and pus. | Reduces acne without damaging the skin, but may not be able to get rid of acne without other treatments. |
| Solve acne | Can get rid of acne instantly, suitable for use with steam treatments and bath salts. | Can cause scarring if not done properly. |
| Disguise acne | Easy, fast, and can prevent scars. | Can't really get rid of acne or nourish the skin. |
Method 2 of 4: Choosing Toothpaste
Step 1. Look for white toothpaste
When choosing a toothpaste for acne treatment, look for an all-white toothpaste, not one with red, blue, or green stripes. This is because ingredients that can help dry out pimples-such as baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and triclosan-are found in the white part of the toothpaste, while the colored part may contain ingredients that will irritate the skin.
Step 2. Avoid toothpaste to whiten teeth
Tooth-whitening toothpastes contain whitening agents (to make teeth whiter), which can actually whiten or burn the skin, resulting in tan, especially noticeable for people with darker skin tones-because the extra melanin in the skin makes the skin whiter. they are more reactive, and therefore more likely to cause blotches and smudges or spots. People with fair skin may be less affected by these ingredients, however it is better to avoid toothpaste to whiten teeth.
Step 3. Avoid gel toothpaste
Gel toothpastes have a different formula than actual “paste” toothpastes, and so may lack the active ingredients needed to effectively dry out pimples. Avoid using it, as it will not do your skin any good.
Step 4. Choose a toothpaste that has a lower fluoride content
Fluoride is added to more than 95% of toothpaste in the United States, because it helps remove dental plaque and prevent gum disease. However, many people actually experience mild topical allergies to fluoride, and this can cause skin disease (skin rashes), if the fluoride comes in contact with the skin. For this reason, it is best to find a toothpaste with as low a fluoride content as possible (or fluoride-free toothpaste if you can find one) to minimize the risk of skin irritation.
Step 5. Look for organic toothpaste
Organic toothpaste is probably your best bet, when it comes to acne treatment. Organic toothpaste contains absolutely no fluoride (unless naturally obtained) and contains no disgusting growth hormones, pesticides, or other chemicals. On the other hand, this toothpaste still contains ingredients that are important for drying your pimples-such as baking soda and tea tree oil-with the addition of soothing substances, such as aloevera, eucalyptus oil, and myrrh.
Method 3 of 4: Using Toothpaste
Step 1. Wash your face
As with the treatment of blemishes or skin patches in general, it is very important to apply the toothpaste on clean and dry skin. This is to ensure that there is no excessive dirt or oil on the skin that might limit the effectiveness of the treatment. Wash your face thoroughly with warm water and your favorite facial cleanser, then pat dry to keep it moist.
Step 2. Dispense a small amount of toothpaste on your finger by squeezing it
Squeeze a small amount of toothpaste on your index finger or in the palm of your hand. The size of a pea should be sufficient, depending on the number of pimples you are treating.
Step 3. Apply directly on the pimple
You only need to apply a small amount of the toothpaste on the pimple for the treatment to be effective. Just make sure you apply the toothpaste "directly" to the pimple itself, not to the surrounding skin.
The toothpaste "never" is spread all over the face or used as a face mask. This is because toothpaste works by drying the skin, which can cause redness, irritation, and peeling, if applied anywhere, except on the pimple itself
Step 4. Let the toothpaste sit there for two hours or overnight
Let the toothpaste dry for two hours or overnight for best results. However, if you have very sensitive skin, it's best to wash off the toothpaste after 15 minutes to half an hour, to see how it reacts to your skin. If your skin doesn't seem to have a problem with the toothpaste, you can leave the toothpaste there a little longer.
Some people recommend placing a piece of plaster over the pimple to help the toothpaste stay in place. However, it is not recommended, as it can cause the toothpaste to spread on the surrounding skin, causing irritation, as well as blocking the skin from breathing
Step 5. Rinse your face gently
You can clean the toothpaste with a damp cloth, using a circular motion. Make sure you do it very gently, as rubbing too hard can damage the skin or irritate it. When all the toothpaste has been removed, splash warm water on your face, and pat dry with your hands or a clean soft towel. You may want to apply a soothing moisturizer if your skin feels very tight and dry.
Step 6. Repeat no more than four times a week
As mentioned earlier, toothpaste can be irritating, especially if you have sensitive skin. So the use of toothpaste is not a treatment that you have to do several times a day, or more than four times a week. After doing this treatment once a day, 2-3 days in a row, you may notice an increase (improvement) in the size and color of the pimple. From here on out, you have to let the pimple heal by itself.
Method 4 of 4: Multiple Alternatives
Step 1. Be aware that toothpaste is not an acne treatment approved by a dermatologist or dermatologist
While using toothpaste as a quick acne remedy is a popular home remedy that has been around for years, there are very few dermatologists, if any, who would recommend it as a treatment. This is because toothpaste can make the skin very dry, causing redness, irritation, and sometimes even burning.
- Ordinary toothpaste also doesn't contain any antibacterial ingredients, making over-the-counter acne creams more effective in treating and preventing acne.
- For this reason, toothpaste should only be used as an emergency treatment for acne. You should stop using it immediately if your skin reacts badly. There are many spot treatments that you can try, which are safer and more effective than toothpaste.
Step 2. Try benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is an excellent topical acne remedy for fighting blackheads, whiteheads, and larger pimples. Benzoyl peroxide works by killing bacteria in the skin pores, thereby preventing acne from appearing in the first place. Although effective, benzoyl peroxide can cause skin to become dry and flaky, so it should be used sparingly. Benzoyl peroxide is available over-the-counter in the form of creams, lotions, gels, cleansers, and medicated pads.
Step 3. Try salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is another effective over-the-counter acne medication. This drug works by reducing inflammation and redness, but also makes the skin peel. Unlike most acne medications, salicylic acid actually helps soothe and relax the skin, making it a great choice for sensitive skin types. Salicity acids are available in various levels (dose) and in various forms, so ask your pharmacist or dermatologist which one is best for your skin.
Step 4. Use sulfur
Sulfur is a powerful acne fighter for those with sensitive skin. Sulfur is very gentle, but also very effective at drying out pimples. Sulfur works by removing oil that clogs pores and regulates sebum production. The only downside to sulfur is that it smells like rotten eggs, so you may need to use it in combination with other products to disguise the smell.
Step 5. Try tree-tea oil. Tree tea oil is a natural acne remedy and smells good. It is an effective antiseptic, which helps reduce the size of existing pimples, and also helps prevent future breakouts. Because it's an oil, tea tree oil won't strip the skin of its natural moisture, so it's a great option for those with very dry skin. Tree tea oil should be applied directly to the pimple, using a cotton bud.
Step 6. Use crushed aspirin
The official name for aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid, which is closely related to the salicylic acid mentioned above. Aspirin is a very potent anti-inflammatory, making it an effective remedy for reducing the size and redness of pimples. You can crush an aspirin or two and mix it with a little water to form a paste. Then you can apply it directly on the pimple. You can also dissolve 5-8 aspirin tablets in a few drops of water to make a face mask, which will reduce redness and make your skin glow.
Step 7. Use baking soda
Baking soda is one of the most powerful and safest home remedies for treating acne. Baking soda contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, and is also an effective exfoliant. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a little water to make a paste. Then you can apply it on the pimples one by one as a blemish treatment, or apply it on your face as a mask.
Step 8. Visit a dermatologist
Finding an acne treatment that works for you can be a trial and error process, but if you continue to suffer from acne, you should consider seeing a dermatologist who can give you harsher oral or topical acne medications. Getting rid of acne forever will give you a huge confidence boost and make you feel proud of your skin!
Tips
- Avoid touching your skin wherever possible. Touching or squeezing a pimple can cause the pimple to become infected and take longer to heal.
- Acne treatment using this toothpaste rarely works, but some people have reported that it does work. Use it as a last resort.
- For best results, leave it overnight and then wash your face with warm water the next day.
