Does Toothpaste On Your Acne Work

You've heard the whispers – desperate pleas for clear skin leading to the age-old question, "Does toothpaste on pimples actually work?". It seems like a quick fix, a readily available solution in our bathroom cabinets.

But, before you grab that tube of Crest, it's important to understand what's really going on beneath the surface.

Why Toothpaste Seems Appealing for Pimples

Many toothpastes contain ingredients like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and alcohol, all known for their drying effects. It's these very properties that make toothpaste on pimples seem like a reasonable idea.

We've all experienced the shrunken, drier appearance of a pimple after applying these types of ingredients.

The logic seems sound – dry out the pimple, and it will disappear, right? Not quite. In reality, this seemingly simple solution often causes more harm than good for your skin.

The Truth About Toothpaste On Pimples

Toothpaste is formulated for your teeth, a very different surface than the delicate skin on your face. This is where the trouble begins.

Ingredients in Toothpaste Can Damage Your Skin

Let's break down those active ingredients:

• Baking soda (Sodium Bicarbonate): Baking soda, with its high pH of 9, disrupts the skin's natural acidic environment, irritating and potentially inflaming acne. This disruption can throw off the balance of natural bacteria on your skin, contributing to further breakouts. This can also lead to acne scars down the line.

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): While effective at removing plaque from teeth, SLS is incredibly harsh on your skin. It strips away essential oils, drying out the skin and potentially triggering irritation, redness, and even exacerbating acne. It can be irritating, even in face washes.

• Triclosan: This antibacterial agent is a common ingredient in many toothpastes. However, recent research suggests a possible link between triclosan and antibiotic resistance. Applying this ingredient directly to your skin could contribute to the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Using toothpaste as a spot treatment for acne is not a good idea when there are more effective products designed for treating pimples.

• Fluoride: Often touted for its benefits for teeth, fluoride can worsen skin conditions like acne when applied topically. It can cause a condition known as fluoroderma, which looks remarkably similar to acne, leaving your skin with more blemishes than when you started. Fluoride is meant for oral health and not as a topical treatment for breakouts.

Toothpaste Doesn't Address the Root Cause of Acne

Applying toothpaste on pimples only provides a superficial, temporary solution. It fails to address the root causes of acne, such as hormonal imbalances, excess oil production, clogged pores, or bacterial overgrowth.

Toothpaste does not contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or tea tree oil which are commonly found in over-the-counter products designed to treat acne.

Effective Alternatives to Toothpaste on Pimples

The good news? Effective and safe alternatives exist to combat pimples without resorting to toothpaste. Remember, long-term clear skin comes from addressing the root cause, not quick fixes. Instead of grabbing that tube of Colgate, try these strategies:

1. Adjust Your Diet: The Power of Keto and Intermittent Fasting

Dietary changes are not just good for your waistline – they profoundly impact your skin. Here are two key areas to focus on:

• Reduce Your Carbohydrate Intake: Simple carbohydrates, like sugar and processed foods, spike insulin levels. This spike can trigger increased androgen production, leading to – you guessed it – more acne. Adopting a low-carb or ketogenic diet naturally keeps those insulin levels in check.

• Try Intermittent Fasting: Intermittent fasting is another powerful tool for healthier skin. It goes beyond just calorie restriction – fasting gives your body a chance to reset and detoxify. It reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, major contributors to many health concerns, including acne.

2. Focus On Gut Health

Think of your gut as the "second brain" – its health is directly linked to skin health. Probiotics, the "good" bacteria in your gut, play a crucial role in maintaining a balanced microbiome.

When your gut microbiome is thriving, your skin benefits.

You'll notice fewer breakouts and overall healthier, more radiant skin. Include plenty of probiotic-rich foods in your diet, like fermented vegetables, kefir, or kombucha, to nurture your gut from within.

3. Dairy – A Common Culprit in Acne

Dairy products often contain hormones like estrogen that disrupt your natural hormonal balance. Excess estrogen, especially for those already predisposed to hormonal acne, can exacerbate existing breakouts and lead to those stubborn cystic pimples.

If you suspect dairy might be your culprit, try eliminating it from your diet for a few weeks. Monitor your skin during this time. You might be surprised to see an improvement.

There are plenty of natural remedies out there, but remember that natural doesn't always mean better. You may want to dab toothpaste on your skin as a pimple remedy but this can irritate the skin and make your acne worse.

Severe acne should always be treated by a medical professional.

Nature's Green Elixir

Delves into the remarkable potential of chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for the green color in plants and algae. Chlorophyll benefits extend far beyond its role in photosynthesis.

This natural compound is known for its detoxifying properties, helping to cleanse the body by aiding in the removal of toxins and supporting liver function.

Additionally, chlorophyll has powerful antioxidant effects, which protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation. It's also been linked to improved skin health, as it can help to reduce acne and promote healing.

Consuming chlorophyll through green leafy vegetables, supplements, or chlorophyll-rich drinks can enhance your overall well-being, from boosting energy levels to supporting digestive health.

By tapping into the benefits of chlorophyll, you can harness nature’s power to promote wellness and vitality.

Conclusion

While it’s tempting to try toothpaste on pimples as a quick fix, remember that it often leads to more skin issues in the long run. It's essential to care for your skin with targeted solutions rather than resorting to potentially harmful home remedies.

Ditch the toothpaste and instead prioritize a holistic approach focusing on internal factors like your diet and gut health, all while using products designed specifically for the delicate balance of your skin's ecosystem.

By treating the root causes of your acne, you pave the way for clear, healthy, radiant skin without relying on quick fixes like toothpaste.

Supporting Data

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1346-8138.14586