How does toothpaste help zits

In a serious pimple emergency — say, the day before you take your yearbook photo — your derm can inject the zit with an anti-inflammatory steroid to shrink it, Dr.

Ploch says. Kikam suggests that an ingredient like salicylic acid is also effective when it comes to tackling breakouts of different kinds. Popping on a good 'ol pimple patch can also help ease breakouts quicker.

Because the breakout will be covered, you're less likely to pick at it and add extra bacteria to the irritated area. Starface's Hyrdo Stars contain an ingredient called Hydrocolloid, which helps draw out pimple juice, improve redness and calm inflammation. You heard the derms — toothpaste is still a no-go.

Stick with a regular cleanser for now, and if you're looking to ease any painful inflammation, dab the zit with an ice cube. Bottom line, there are a few ingredients in toothpaste that can be effective in fighting acne on their own — but it also contains harsh ingredients that can irritate your skin and make your pimple even redder and angrier. Your best bet is to save the toothpaste for those pearly whites and stick with skincare products that are made for the job.

Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories. How to Watch 'After We Fell'. Putting any random product containing triclosan, like toothpaste, for example, isn't going to do the trick.

The U. There was also some concern over its long-term safety. Triclosan is still allowed in toothpaste, though, because it's been shown to be effective at reducing plaque and gingivitis. Here's the biggest reason to forgo the toothpaste on your pimple: besides being unlikely to really work, toothpaste will probably burn and irritate your skin—especially your face.

Many unfortunate souls have developed a chemical burn, or a nasty rash called contact dermatitis , after applying toothpaste to a zit. Your skin could be feeling sore for days afterward. Bottom line: toothpaste can make your pimple look worse instead of better. If you're looking for a way to make a blemish heal quickly, there are much better ways than dabbing on toothpaste. Try an acne spot treatment instead. These products contain benzoyl peroxide , salicylic acid or sulfur, all of which can help reduce redness and speed healing.

Acne spot treatment products are milder for your skin than toothpaste ever will be, and they're inexpensive to buy. Of course, if you're already seeing a dermatologist for your acne, ask them before using any spot treatment. If you have a particularly big blemish that won't go away, you may want to see a dermatologist. What you think is a pimple may not be at all, but rather a boil or sebaceous hyperplasia. And if it is just a big zit, your dermatologist has ways to shrink it fast.

If you have large cystic acne , your dermatologist may suggest using cortisone injections to shrink them. They may be an option to help a nodule or cyst heal if it's not responding to other treatments. To get rid of pimples quickly , you could try tea tree oil. A study found that tea tree oil is effective in killing acne-causing bacteria and could be a possible substitute for antibiotic therapy.

If you decide to try it, use a small amount on your skin at first and discontinue if you notice any adverse reactions. Truly, toothpaste isn't the best treatment for a pimple. There are many better options that simply work better. So save the toothpaste for your teeth and you'll save your skin.

If pimples are a regular problem for you, consider starting on an acne treatment regimen. Over-the-counter acne products and prescription acne medications help heal existing pimples and, even more importantly, help stop pimples from developing in the first place.

Using these treatments consistently can help keep your skin clear. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Many people have tried using toothpaste as a spot treatment for pesky blemishes, but it could do more harm than good.

This particular home remedy has no scientific support, and it is difficult to pinpoint its exact origins. Toothpaste might seem to be an effective spot treatment because it contains drying agents and antibacterial compounds. However, the ingredients in toothpaste may have more risks than benefits when it comes to skin care. Read this article to learn more about the risks of using toothpaste as a treatment for pimples. We also provide some ideas for alternative remedies and treatments.

Historically, toothpaste contained an antibacterial agent called triclosan. However, in , the Food and Drug Administration FDA banned triclosan as an ingredient in antiseptic washes after finding evidence to suggest that it can decrease thyroid hormone levels and potentially contribute to antibiotic resistance.

As of early , commercially available toothpaste no longer contains triclosan. However, many of these ingredients are too harsh to use on the skin. People may find that toothpaste irritates or dries their skin out. This effect could be particularly dangerous for those with dry or sensitive skin. Having overly dry skin can stimulate excess oil production, which could, in turn, trigger further breakouts of spots and pimples.

Having a new pimple pop up the night before a big event or experiencing a stubborn breakout that lingers for weeks on end can be frustrating. However, before people reach for their toothpaste, they may wish to consider the following alternative pimple remedies instead. People who experience frequent breakouts can try using over-the-counter OTC or prescription strength acne treatments. Although these treatments can be highly effective, they may also lead to side effects and might not be right for everyone.

A person should work with a doctor or dermatologist to find the best treatment for them. OTC treatments usually work well for mild-to-moderate breakouts of acne and pimples. These treatments come in various forms, including gels, creams, and cleansers, and they generally contain the following ingredients:.

Doctors can prescribe topical or oral treatments for people who have severe acne. Some of these medications include:. In a comparative study , researchers found that herbal extracts were equally as effective in treating acne as a solution containing 2.

In this particular study, those using the herbal extracts were also more satisfied with the treatment. Below are some examples of natural remedies for pimples and spots:.