MDacne
Can Toothpaste Heal a Pimple? Here's What You Need to Know
If you're reading this, chances are you're dealing with a frustrating (and maybe even painful) pimple and wondering if toothpaste could be the quick fix you've heard about. Urban legend suggests that toothpaste is a DIY alternative to acne spot treatments, promising to "zap" a zit overnight. But does it actually work? Let’s dive into the facts.
Does Toothpaste Work on Pimples?
Toothpaste is great for cleaning teeth and removing bacteria in your mouth, but it doesn’t work the same way on your skin. In fact, applying toothpaste to your face—especially if you have acne-prone skin—can irritate your blemishes and potentially lead to more breakouts. The active ingredients in toothpaste, such as baking soda or SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), can cause excessive dryness, irritation, and even discoloration of your skin. Worse yet, some people experience chemical burns from the high concentrations of these ingredients, making it an unsafe choice for treating pimples.
While toothpaste may dry out a blemish temporarily, it’s not a reliable or safe solution. Thankfully, there are far better acne treatments available.
Why Did People Start Using Toothpaste on Pimples?
The idea of using toothpaste as a spot treatment dates back decades. Early on, certain toothpastes contained triclosan, an antibacterial and antifungal ingredient. Triclosan could kill acne-causing bacteria, leading people to believe toothpaste was a quick fix for pimples. However, the FDA banned triclosan in 2016 due to concerns about its safety and environmental impact.
Even without triclosan, toothpaste still contains drying agents like baking soda or alcohol, which some think help shrink pimples. However, these ingredients are present in concentrations too harsh for the skin, often causing more harm than good.
Can Toothpaste Cause Pimples?
Yes, toothpaste can actually make acne worse. Ingredients like baking soda, SLS, fluoride, and whitening agents can irritate the skin, clog pores, or cause redness, dryness, and breakouts. If you're still considering toothpaste as a spot treatment, it’s time to put the tube down and explore safer alternatives.
What Should You Use Instead?
If you're battling a single, painful pimple, here are some effective and safe alternatives:
1. Pimple Patches
Pimple patches absorb fluids, reduce inflammation, and protect the pimple from bacteria or picking. Look for thin, transparent patches that blend with your skin tone and can be worn overnight or during the day. Apply them for 3–4 nights to reduce the size and redness of a blemish.
2. Drying Lotions
Pink drying lotions (available from several brands) help shrink pimples by drying them out. Apply with a Q-tip directly on the blemish before bed for best results.
3. Anti-Acne Spot Treatments
Over-the-counter treatments with active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, zinc oxide, or tea tree oil can effectively target individual pimples.
4. Ice Application
For larger, inflamed pimples, wrap an ice cube in a clean towel and apply it to the pimple for five minutes, up to three times a day. This reduces redness and swelling.
Is It OK to Pop a Pimple?
Popping pimples is generally discouraged because it can spread bacteria, cause more breakouts, and lead to scarring or dark spots that take months to fade.
If a pimple has come to a head (with a yellow or white center), you may be tempted to pop it. If you must, follow these steps to minimize damage:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Sterilize a needle with a flame, let it cool, then clean it with rubbing alcohol.
- Apply rubbing alcohol to the pimple with a cotton swab.
- Gently pierce the tip of the pimple’s yellow center, holding the needle parallel to your skin.
- Use clean cotton swabs to lightly press around the pimple to release the pus. Stop if nothing comes out easily.
- Apply a small amount of Vaseline or Aquaphor to help the area heal. Reapply after washing your face or showering.
The Best Way to Treat Acne
Spot treatments can help with individual pimples, but if breakouts are a recurring problem, a comprehensive acne treatment plan is essential. A medical-grade acne system with active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid works by treating the entire face, preventing future breakouts, and addressing underlying causes of acne. Regular use of such treatments, combined with spot treatments for occasional blemishes, will give you the best long-term results.
The Bottom Line
While toothpaste may seem like a quick fix for pimples, it’s not a safe or effective solution and can often make matters worse. Instead, rely on proven treatments like pimple patches, drying lotions, and medical-grade acne care for healthier, clearer skin. For persistent breakouts, consult a dermatologist to find the best regimen for your skin type.
To find the right acne treatments for your unique skin, take the free skin assessment by clicking here.
