Toothpaste is often cited as a home remedy for healing acne skin. However, according to dermatologists, it is not a suitable ingredient for skin care and could even be harmful. Indeed, toothpaste can irritate the skin making it red and cracked. Some of the ingredients it contains tend to dehydrate it and in general there is no evidence that toothpaste is more efficient than other conventionally used face care products. If you decide to use it anyway, don't apply it frequently.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use Toothpaste on Individual Pimples
Step 1. Read the ingredients list
If you are going to test the effectiveness of toothpaste for cleaning the skin, first check what it contains. Several ingredients commonly found in regular toothpastes can significantly irritate the skin.
- If your toothpaste contains "sodium lauryl sulfate" (sodium lauryl sulfate), "triclosan" (triclosan) and / or "sodium fluoride" (sodium fluoride), you may want to review your decision.
- These ingredients are particularly known to be skin irritants.
- Ingredients like calcium carbonate and zinc can have more positive effects on the skin, but they are also contained in specific acne care products that do not include irritants.
- Generally, normal white toothpastes contain fewer skin irritants than gels.
Step 2. Apply a small amount
If you have decided to try to cleanse the skin on your face with toothpaste anyway, take a test test. Spread a very small amount of it in several places on your face. If your skin becomes red, extremely dry, or changes tone, you should avoid using it again.
- If you don't notice any negative reactions, spread some where needed and let it dry.
- You can apply it using a cotton swab. If you prefer to use your fingers, wash your hands thoroughly first.
- Monitor the condition of the skin around the toothpaste. If it feels sore or starts to sting, rinse your face immediately.
Step 3. Remove the toothpaste with water
Since the benefits of toothpaste on the skin are at least dubious, it is not clear how much time should be left on the pimples to give it a chance to act. Some people prefer to leave it on overnight, but if you have sensitive skin, prolonged exposure to irritants could be dangerous. Better to be cautious to avoid taking risks and waking up with your face in worse condition than it was initially.
- At the end of the exposure time, remove the toothpaste from the skin using warm water and gentle, circular movements.
- Spray clean skin with cold water, then apply a moisturizer if it feels dry or tight.
Method 2 of 3: Make a Cleanser with Toothpaste
Step 1. Make a cleanser with toothpaste
If you want to use it to cleanse your entire face and not just to speed up the healing of individual pimples, you can follow this method and create a DIY facial cleanser. However, remember that since toothpaste contains substances that can irritate the skin, it is not a recommended solution. It is also best to test the product on a small area of skin to see if any negative reactions develop before deciding to apply it all over the face.
- This is not a precise formula; what you need to do is simply dissolve some toothpaste in a glass of water.
- You shouldn't exceed the dose of one teaspoon and you should keep in mind the degree of sensitivity of your skin.
Step 2. Apply it on your face gently
After mixing the two ingredients, you can use your new DIY cleanser as you normally do when washing your face. Massage it into your skin gently, paying attention to any negative skin reactions. Apply it to wet face and do not rub hard.
- If you notice that your skin starts to get irritated or sting, immediately rinse your face with clean water.
- If your skin becomes dry, red, or tight, don't take this as a sign that the toothpaste is actually drying the pimples.
Step 3. Rinse your face and apply a moisturizer
Wash off the cleanser as gently as you would to remove regular soap, then pat your skin with a soft towel to get rid of excess water. Given the potential dehydrating and irritating effects of toothpaste on the skin, it is advisable to use a moisturizer at the end of the treatment. Make sure your hands are perfectly clean before spreading it on your face. If you notice that your skin is somehow red, irritated, or sore, consider an alternative method of fighting acne and pimples.
Method 3 of 3: Alternative Methods to Clean Face Skin
Step 1. Buy an acne product at a pharmacy
Toothpaste contains some ingredients that can help dry out pimples, but it's best to buy a product specifically formulated for that purpose that doesn't contain any irritating substances. Instead of using toothpaste, ask your pharmacist for an acne treatment in cream or gel, which can regulate the production of sebum.
- Especially consider those that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid as the active ingredients.
- You can also go to a parapharmacy or visit the special department of the supermarket.
- Take care of your skin on a daily basis. Implementing a daily beauty routine is the best way to keep skin free of impurities and prevent pimples, rather than having to run for cover with untested home remedies.
Step 2. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist
If skin problems are recurring and you have not been able to solve them with normal anti-acne products, you can ask your doctor for help or, better still, a dermatologist who, as an expert, will be able to accurately assess your condition. skin and tell you which treatments are most suitable for your specific case.
- Your doctor or dermatologist may prescribe the use of oral or external acne medications.
- Among the drugs for external use most used to solve skin problems are antibiotic ointments, those that contain retinoids and dapsone.
- You may need to take oral antibiotics as well.
Step 3. Try using tea tree essential oil
If you are a fan of home remedies, one of the best solutions is to cleanse your skin with tea tree essential oil. It is an ingredient frequently present in cosmetics, given its excellent purifying properties, but you can also buy it pure in a pharmacy or herbalist's shop. Several studies have shown that it can be as effective as benzoyl peroxide when used as a localized acne treatment.
- Apply tea tree essential oil directly to the pimples using a cotton swab. The chances of success will certainly be greater than with toothpaste.
- In addition to ensuring better results, its potential negative and irritating effects on the skin are very low compared to those of toothpaste.
Advice
- Do not apply toothpaste to the skin around the eyes.
- Use warm or warm water.
- Use a soft towel to dry the skin on your face.
