The Truth About Toothpaste as an Acne Solution

Using toothpaste to treat acne is a popular beauty hack based on the theory that, since zits tend to be oily, drying them out helps remove the hidden dirt underneath and clear the complexion faster. Indeed, the composition of toothpaste contains many drying agents such as baking soda, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and sodium laureth sulfate, many of which are also used in skincare products. Hence, this trick seems even more plausible. However, taking care of your skin is not that simple, especially when you use a product that is not made for the face.

You should know that teeth are classified as one of the toughest parts of the body and therefore bleach is used in toothpaste to help remove plaque. However, your skin is extremely fragile, and using tooth cleaners can disrupt the pH balance, leading to redness or eczema and leaving the skin more damaged. Many ingredients in toothpaste can also cause allergic reactions such as redness, itching, and swelling in the area where the product is applied. Doctors say most kinds of toothpaste include substances with strong chemical properties such as sodium lauryl sulfate, propylene glycol, cinnamic aldehyde (flavoring agent), and a preservative sodium benzoate that are not suitable for skin use. In addition, women also "see" the antibacterial properties of triclosan in toothpaste, but this ingredient is banned in skincare products due to doubts about its safety.

You can find over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide treatments for antibacterial enhancement or sulfur-based treatments that have anti-inflammatory effects to help acne flare-ups. Products containing salicylic acid, an oil-soluble ingredient, work effectively to help gently exfoliate and unclog pores. If your skin is in need of an immediate remedy, you can use one cotton pad soaked in cold tea, a little antibiotic, or an ice cube and press it against your acne spots.