Fact or Fiction: Will Toothpaste Get Rid Of A Pimple?

The idea of using toothpaste as a quick fix for pimples has been circulating the beauty world for years. For many, smudging some toothpaste onto a zit is an affordable go-to spot remedy. But is this just another skincare myth, or does toothpaste truly have the power to eliminate those pesky blemishes?

While it’s true that toothpaste contains ingredients like baking soda, benzyl alcohol, and menthol, which can have drying and anti-inflammatory properties, it’s not necessarily ideal for getting rid of skin blemishes.

Although many toothpaste products contain ingredients that kill oral bacteria, that same theory doesn’t apply to acne-causing bacteria.

While some people swear by toothpaste drying up their pimples overnight, most find that the paste leaves their skin with a burning feeling that leaves the skin irritated. When applied on the face, the ingredients in toothpaste will most likely burn and irritate your skin. For people with lighter skin, this may manifest as redness, making the pimple(s) look even worse.

Generally speaking, toothpaste is not your best ally when it comes to getting rid of pimples. It can make your pimple appear worse rather than better, and you may experience soreness on your skin for days afterwards.

Effective Pimple Management

1. Gentle Cleansing:
   Start with a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil, dirt, and bacteria from your face.Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser like our Pearl Facial Cleanser to avoid further irritation.
2. Spot Treatments:
   Instead of toothpaste, use targeted acne treatments containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These are specifically designed to combat acne causing bacteria and are less likely to cause irritation.
3. Hydration:
   Keep your skin hydrated with a non-comedogenic moisturizer. Well-hydrated skin helps maintain a balanced oil production, preventing excessive dryness that can trigger more pimples.
4. Avoid Picking:
   Resist the urge to pick or pop your pimples, as this can lead to scarring and the spread of bacteria to other parts of your skin which didn’t have any blemish. Instead, just let the blemish heal naturally.
5. Consult a Dermatologist:
   If the pimples persist or become severe (painful, swollen with pus), consult a dermatologist. They can provide personalized advice and recommend appropriate treatments for your skin type.

Bottomline

While the toothpaste-on-pimple overnight hack may seem like a cheap and convenient solution, it’s important to approach pimple management with a more informed and skin-friendly perspective. Adopt techniques like gentle cleansing, use of spot treatments, hydration and avoiding picking to manage pimples instead of toothpaste.