Toothpaste can be used as an emergency treatment for pimples to dry them out and shorten their healing time. However, this product can be quite irritating to the skin, so it is important to only rely on this remedy every now and then and using the correct technique. Read on to learn more.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Method 1: Choose the Right Toothpaste
Step 1. Choose a white toothpaste
When opting for this product as an acne treatment, choose an all-white version, free of red, blue, or green streaks. This is because ingredients that help dry pimples, such as baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and triclosan, are contained in the white part of the toothpaste, while the colored sections contain substances that would irritate the skin.
Step 2. Avoid whitening toothpastes
These products contain lightening substances (which serve to make teeth whiter) that may actually “bleach” the skin or burn it, causing patches. This is especially true for people with a darker complexion, because the skin's extra melanin makes it more reactive and, therefore, more prone to marks and blemishes. Those with fair skin may be less affected by these ingredients, however, it is best to avoid whitening toothpastes directly.
Step 3. Avoid gel toothpastes
These products have a different formulation than actual toothpastes, so they may not have the ingredients needed to actually dry out pimples. Don't use them - they won't do your skin any favors.
Step 4. Choose a toothpaste with the lowest fluoride concentration
This substance is added to over 95% of toothpastes because it helps remove dental plaque and prevent gum disease. However, many people have a mild topical allergy to fluoride, which can cause dermatitis (rashes on the skin) if the substance comes into contact with the skin. For this reason, it is best to find a toothpaste with the lowest possible content of this substance (or free, if possible) to minimize the risk of skin irritation.
Step 5. Switch to staffing
Organic toothpastes are probably your best option for treating pimples because they don't contain fluoride (unless naturally derived), growth hormones, pesticides, or other chemicals. On the other hand, they have the ingredients necessary to dry pimples, such as baking soda and tea tree essential oil, with the addition of emollient and antibacterial substances, such as aloe, myrrh and eucalyptus oil..
Method 2 of 3: Method 2: Apply Toothpaste
Step 1. Wash your face
As with any other blemish treatment, applying toothpaste to clean, dry skin is essential. This ensures that there are no traces of dirt or excess sebum on the skin, which could limit the effectiveness of the treatment. Wash your face with warm water and your favorite cleanser and then pat it dry with a towel.
Step 2. Squeeze some toothpaste onto your index finger or the back of your hand
Its size should be about the size of a pea. Repeat this process for each pimple you want to treat.
Step 3. Apply a small amount of toothpaste directly to the pimple
You will need to put very little on blemishes for the cure to be effective. Just make sure you apply the toothpaste directly on the pimple, not the surrounding area.
Toothpaste should never be spread on the skin or used as a mask. In fact, this product acts to dry the skin, which can cause redness, irritation and flaking if applied anywhere except on the pimple
Step 4. Let the toothpaste sit for an hour or two or overnight
Let it dry on the skin for best results. However, if you have extremely sensitive skin, it is best to remove it after 15 minutes or half an hour to slow the skin's reaction. If it seems to react well to the product, you can leave it on for longer instead.
Some people recommend putting a patch on the pimple to keep the toothpaste in place. However, this is not the best, as the patch could cause the product to spread over the skin, causing irritation and preventing it from breathing
Step 5. Rinse it gently
You can wipe off the toothpaste with a damp cloth, using small, circular motions. Make sure you do this gently, as rubbing could irritate or damage the skin. Once all the product has been removed, wash your face with lukewarm water and pat it dry with a clean, soft towel. If your skin feels tight or very dry, apply an emollient moisturizer.
Step 6. Do not repeat more than four times a week
As mentioned earlier, toothpaste can be irritating, especially if you have sensitive skin, so this treatment shouldn't be used multiple times a day. After opting for this daily cure and following it for two to three days in a row, you may notice an improvement in the size and color of the pimple. From this point forward, you should let the blemish heal on its own.
Method 3 of 3: Method 3: Consider the Alternatives
Step 1. Be aware that toothpaste is not a dermatologically approved acne treatment
While it is useful for quickly eliminating a blemish and has been a popular home remedy for years, very few experts, perhaps none, would recommend it as a cure. This is because toothpaste can dry out the skin a lot, causing redness, irritation and even sunburn.
- Furthermore, regular toothpaste does not contain the antibacterial ingredients that characterize the creams suitable for the treatment and prevention of imperfections.
- For this reason, toothpaste should only be used as an emergency treatment and you should stop using it immediately if your skin reacts badly. There are many other anti-blemish treatments to try that are safer and more effective than toothpaste.
Step 2. Try benzoyl peroxide
This is a great acne treatment that fights blackheads, whiteheads and larger pimples. It works by killing bacteria in the pores and preventing the onset of acne. As effective as this product is, it can cause the skin to dry out and flake, so it should be used sparingly. It can be found in pharmacies and is used to prepare creams, lotions, gels, medicated plasters and detergents.
Step 3. Give salicylic acid a chance
This drug-based treatment is also effective against acne. It works by reducing inflammation and redness and exfoliates the skin. Unlike most acne treatments, salicylic acid actually helps to soothe and calm the skin, making it ideal for sensitive skin. It is sold in various concentrations and forms, so ask your pharmacist or dermatologist for advice to find the right product for your case.
Step 4. Use sulfur, an excellent pimple destroyer for those with sensitive skin
It is extremely delicate but also very effective for drying imperfections. It does this by extracting the sebum trapped in the pores and regulating its production. The only downside to pure sulfur is that it smells like rotten eggs, so you should use it in combination with another product to mask it.
Step 5. Use tea tree oil
This pleasant-smelling oil is a natural remedy for acne. Effective antiseptic, it helps reduce the size of existing pimples and prevent the appearance of blemishes. Since it is an oil, it does not act negatively against the natural hydration of the skin, and is therefore a good option for those with dry skin. Tea tree oil should be applied directly to the pimples with a cotton swab.
Step 6. Apply chopped aspirin to the pimples
The official name of aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid, a close relative of the aforementioned salicylic acid. Aspirin is a powerful anti-inflammatory and is an effective treatment for reducing the size and redness of blemishes. You can mince one or two tablets and mix them with water to create a paste, to apply directly on the pimples, or you can dissolve five to eight tablets in a few drops of water to make a face mask that can reduce redness. and leave the skin glowing.
Step 7. Use baking soda
This product is one of the best and safest home remedies to treat acne. Distinguished by anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties and an effective exfoliant, you can use it by mixing a teaspoon with water to form a paste. Then, apply it on individual blemishes or all over your face as if it were a mask.
Step 8. Consult a dermatologist
Finding an acne treatment that is right for you can be a difficult and error-filled process, but if you suffer from severe acne, you should go to a professional who will prescribe topical and oral care. Getting rid of pimples once and for all will give you more self-confidence and make you feel proud of your skin!
