Many people have been through that moment when a pimple comes out at the worst time possible, and most of them would do anything to get rid of it. Toothpaste is believed to treat acne when no other remedy is at hand, but does it really work?

Can You Use Toothpaste on Acne?

Yes, you can. Some of the reasons are:

• Toothpaste compounds help open up and clean the skin pores, making it much easier for a pimple to heal.
• The silica present in the toothpaste acts as an anti-inflammatory, reducing the swelling.
• Since toothpaste has a clotting property, it helps reduce the redness and damage to the skin while at the same time preventing microbes and external elements from clogging surrounding skin pores.
• It has compounds named triclosan and hydrogen peroxide, both with antibacterial properties that help eliminate the acne.
• Some elements contained in it, like baking soda, exfoliate the skin and remove impurities.

How to Choose Toothpaste for Acne

For better effects of using toothpaste on acne, you need to choose the right toothpaste.

1. Go for White-Colored Toothpaste

Always choose an all white-colored toothpaste because this way you will avoid some irritant ingredients that colored toothpaste has. The compounds that make toothpaste white usually are hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and triclosan; these ingredients usually help improve the pimple's appearance.

2. Avoid Teeth-Whitening Toothpaste

This kind of toothpaste contains ingredients specifically designed to cause a whitening effect on the teeth, but when used on the skin, it can have counterproductive effects which include bleaching and burning, therefore creating uneven areas. This unwanted effect can be more visible in people with darker skin, but at long term, it can also be noticeable in people with fair skin tones.

3. Steer Clear of Gel Toothpaste

Toothpastes that have more of a gel consistency are usually made of ingredients that can irritate your skin and would not actually be helpful to get rid of pimples; therefore you should avoid them.

4. Choose a Toothpaste on Acne with a Lower Fluoride Content

This will perhaps prove to be a difficult task since most kinds of toothpaste come with added fluoride to prevent plaque and gum diseases. Some of the population can be allergic to fluoride when applied topically on the skin, and it will cause a local reaction known as dermatitis which looks like a rash and can produce a little discomfort. For this reason, it is better to try and find a toothpaste with no added fluoride, or at least find one with the minimum amount of fluoride.

5. Go Organic

Organic toothpaste will prove to be your best option when it comes to handling pimples in a natural way. This toothpaste does not have fluoride or any irritating chemical that could potentially harm your skin, but at the same time, it still contains ingredients like baking soda, aloe vera or tea tree oil, which helps dry out the pimples.

How to Use Toothpaste on Acne

1. Toothpaste

• Make sure to clean your hands with soap.
• Grab a drop of toothpaste with a finger and apply a fine layer directly on the pimple.
• Leave it overnight. If you have very sensitive skin, then 1 hour should do the work.
• Gently wash your face with cold water.
• Pat dry your face with a clean towel.
• Finish with a non-comedogenic moisturizing cream or lotion.

Do not use toothpaste as a face mask.

2. Toothpaste and Baking Soda

Baking soda helps reduce the swelling and dry out most pimples.

• Make a mixture of half a teaspoon of baking soda, half a teaspoon of toothpaste and water until a smooth consistency is achieved.
• Put a thin layer of the paste on each pimple and let it rest for 10 minutes.
• Rinse with cold water and gently dry your face with a clean towel.

Do not exceed more than 10 minutes with the paste on; otherwise, your skin can become irritated.

3. Toothpaste and Cinnamon

Cinnamon has natural anti-bacterial properties; besides, it can also act as a mild exfoliating agent, therefore helping remove impurities from the skin.

• Mix half a teaspoon of cinnamon with one teaspoon of toothpaste.
• Apply the mixture only on the affected areas. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
• Wash your face thoughtfully and dry pat with a clean towel.

Be aware that cinnamon can produce a stinging sensation and perhaps temporary inflammation in the area; if the reaction becomes unbearable, then you should immediately wash your face.

4. Toothpaste and Salt

Salt helps regulate the natural oils produced by the skin, while at the same time you can use it to exfoliate and clean your pores.

• Combine equal parts of salt and toothpaste.
• With circular movements, rub a little bit of the mixture on the affected areas only.
• Wash your face and pat it dry with a clean towel.

5. Toothpaste and Garlic

Garlic has strong antibacterial properties that can help minimize acne and reduce inflammation in the area.

• Grate or crush a small garlic clove, and then mix it with a little bit of toothpaste.
• Put the mixture on the affected areas and leave it on for about 10 minutes.
• Thoroughly clean your face with cold water and dry it with a clean towel.

6. Toothpaste and Honey

Honey is well known to have natural antibacterial properties; it has been widely used to treat infections. It helps reduce the redness and swelling, while at the same time minimizing any risk of scarring.

• Mix half a teaspoon of toothpaste with the same amount of natural honey.
• Apply it directly on the pimples and leave it on for 15 to 30 minutes.
• Wash your face and dry it with a clean towel.

Tips and Precautions

• If your skin has an open wound or is irritated, avoid putting toothpaste on it.
• If you have sensitive skin, do not leave the toothpaste on for more than 10 minutes.
• Do not use toothpaste too often as this may cause your acne problem to get worse.
• Be aware that toothpaste is not a medical treatment for acne. If your skin problem persists or gets worse, consult a dermatologist.
• Doing exercise on a regular basis, eating enough fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty water and reducing stress have been proved to reduce acne breakouts.