When excessive oil production clogs pores and hair follicles, bacteria can infect the trapped oil, leading to pimples. A weakened immune system, a build-up of toxins in the body, malnourishment, an imbalance in hormones, stress, pollution, and irritation of the hair follicles can also cause them.
Even dermatologists agree that using natural remedies instead of harsh chemical-based skin care products can improve skin health. toothpaste to treat acne? Yes, this most unusual method is also one of the most practical and easily obtainable at home.
Is Toothpaste Really Effective in Treating Pimples?
- The clotting property of toothpaste reduces redness and swelling and prevents bacteria from spreading to other pores on the face.
- It dries out pimples and draws impurities out of the pores and reduces the pimple’s size.
- It contains triclosan, an anti-bacterial property which kills kills the bacteria (especially P.acne bacteria that causing acne).
- It’s cleansing, bleaching and absorbent properties heal the acne and other dark spots on skin.
- It contains baking soda which exfoliates to remove toxins, and balances the skin’s pH level.
- Silica in has anti-inflammatory properties and heals the damaged skin.
- Toothpaste contains small amount of hydrogen peroxide which is anti-bacterial and kills the bacteria that cause acne.
Choosing the Right Toothpaste:
Different toothpastes contain different ingredients. Keep the following tips in mind when purchasing toothpaste to use as an acne treatment.
- Start by looking for toothpaste that contains baking soda, triclosan, alcohol, sodium pyrophosphate, menthol, hydrogen peroxide or a combination of 2 or 3 of these. You can prefer mint based toothpaste also.
- Avoid toothpastes with artificial colors.
- Avoid gel-based toothpaste. Its ingredients are different than a regular paste and may not be effective to treat pimples.
- Natural and organic toothpastes are best because they contain fewer harsh chemicals.
- Look for natural toothpastes that contain tree oil, witch hazel, hydrogen peroxide, aloe, or eucalyptus.
- Be careful to choose toothpaste that does not contain ingredients you are allergic to.
- Choose toothpaste that does not contain fluoride.
- Toothpastes that contain bleach for whitening may irritate skin. People with darker skin should take care as bleach reacts highly with the melanin.
Test Your Skin:
Before starting regular toothpaste treatments, apply your chosen toothpaste to a small patch of skin to test for allergic reactions. If you experience, itching, burning, redness, or rash, don’t use it to treat acne.
How to Use Toothpaste to Treat Breakouts:
Toothpaste can be used alone or in combination with natural ingredients that keep skin clear and healthy. Try all the methods below until you find the one that works best for you.
1. Toothpaste
- Wash your hands so as not to infect pores with toxins or germs.
- Wash your face with plain water or your favourite acne wash.
- Pat dry with clean towel.
- Use your index finger to gently apply toothpaste directly to pimples.
- Don’t rub just apply a thin layer wide enough to cover the zit.
- Leave on 1-2 hours or overnight.
- Rinse with cool water, using fingertips to gently massage in circular motions.
- Pat dry with clean towel and apply gentle moisturiser.
- Repeat once a day.
- For added benefit, ice pimples for 5 minutes before moisturising.
- Warning: Using toothpaste as a face mask is not recommended.
2. Toothpaste with Baking Soda
Baking soda has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that help to clear pimples.
- Mix 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon of toothpaste, and 2 teaspoons water until smooth.
- Apply a thin layer over each pimple and leave on for 5 – 10 minutes.
- Rinse with water and pat dry.
- Repeat regularly.
- Or use the toothpaste which has baking soda
- Note: leaving the tooth paste application more than 10 minutes can cause irritation and pain.
3. Toothpaste with Cinnamon
- Mix 1 teaspoon of cinnamon into 2 tablespoons of toothpaste.
- Stir it well and apply this directly on the pimples affected areas of the skin.
- Leave on for 5-10 minutes.
- Wash with water and pat dry.
- Repeat daily.
- Note: It may sting on the applied areas.
4. Toothpaste with Salt
- Mix small amount of salt and toothpaste.
- Stir it well and apply this on the pimples affected areas of the skin.
- Scrub gently to get rid of pimples.
5. Toothpaste with Garlic
Garlic has anti-bacterial property, it kills the bacteria which causes acne.
- Add a small amount of toothpaste in 1 crushed garlic.
- Apply on the pimples.
- Leave on for 5 minutes.
- Rinse with water and pat dry.
- Repeat regularly.
6. Toothpaste with Honey
Honey has anti-bacterial and healing properties. It also reduces the redness and irritation caused by the toothpaste.
- Mix 1 tablespoon toothpaste with ½ teaspoon raw honey.
- Wash and dry face.
- Use fingertips to spread a thin layer over each pimple.
- Leave on up to 20 minutes.
- Rinse with water and pat dry.
- Repeat once a day.
Tips and Precautions:
- Don’t use toothpaste on sensitive, dry, or inflamed skin.
- Before starting regular treatments, do a patch test to see if you’re allergic to toothpaste.
- If you have dry or sensitive skin, don’t leave toothpaste mixtures on more than 10 minutes. Which makes skin more dry and stimulates the production of excess sebum.
- They have menthol and fluoride that irritates the skin and causes itching and inflammation.
- Tooth paste is not a dermatological treatment for acne. Some may not contain anti-bacterial ingredients like triclosan or hydrogen peroxide.
- Toothpaste dries out the skin, causes irritation, patched or peeling if used too often.
- If breakouts persist, consult a dermatologist.
- Eat a healthy diet, including fresh fruits and vegetables, and avoid excess sugar and carbohydrates.
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated and flush toxins from the body.
- Get regular exercise.
- Reduce stress through yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises.
Have you tried treating acne with toothpaste? Do you know of any methods we haven’t mentioned? Share your experience with us!