Does toothpaste help pimples?
It’s a legit question. Here’s what really happens when you put toothpaste on pimples (hint: it’s NOT good):
Why did people start using toothpaste for pimples?
Believe it or not, toothpaste is an effective treatment for pimples. Thank Triclosan for that. It’s an antibacterial agent you’ll find both in toothpaste and anti-acne treatments.
Triclosan dries out pimples, making them disappear faster. It doesn’t play alone either. Other common toothpaste ingredients, like menthol, hydrogen peroxide, and alcohol, do the same thing.
No wonder your pimples look so smaller the next morning! But, there’s a catch….
Does toothpaste help pimples?
Here’s the thing: you can’t dry out pimples without drying out and irritating your skin, too.
That’s not even the worst of it. Leave that toothpaste on your pimple a little too long and your skin could literally burn.
Just because an ingredient is safe in a toothpaste, doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want with it. Things that are safe for their intended use can turn nasty when you use them for stuff you shouldn’t.
Is it worth risking all that when there are much more effective and safer spot treatments available? Thought so.
The fastest way to get rid of pimples:
Nothing gets rid of pimples faster than sulfur. This natural mineral plays an essential role in the health of your skin. It’s especially good at keeping acne away. Here’s how:
- It has antibacterial properties, so it kills the bacteria that cause acne
- Prevents acne-causing bacteria from spreading
- Exfoliates dead skin cells, accelerating cellular turnover and preventing breakouts
- Dries out blemishes
- Reduces oiliness, keeping breakouts at bay
Sulfur is very drying and irritating. Brands will tell you you can safely use sulfur treatments as masks, but don’t fall for it. Sulfur is a spot treatment only!
P.S. If sulfur is too harsh for you, try Benzoyl Peroxide. It has antibacterial properties that kills the bacteria that give you acne. The best part? Bacteria don’t grow resistant to it. Again, use it on pimples only.
Putting toothpaste on pimples isn’t a good idea. It’s true it can help you shrink them and make them go away faster, but the price to pay for that is serious irritation. Heck, in the worst case scenario it can burn your skin! Stay safe and opt for a dermatologist-approved spot treatment, like sulfur or Benzoyl Peroxide.
