Acne
Pimples occur – when over production of oil block hair follicles and pores, the trapped oil cause bacterial infection.
Acne Causes
Acne can also be triggered by a weak immune system, an accumulation of toxins in the body, a lack of nourishment, hormonal imbalance, stress, or from pollution and irritation of hair follicles.
How To Get Rid Of Acne?
While many people and even dermatologists accept that home remedies are more effective than brutal chemical based skin care products.
Toothpaste for Acne
Toothpaste for pimples? Yep, this weirdest way is actually one of the most effective ways and also readily available at home.
Is Toothpaste Good For Acne?
Benefits Of Toothpaste For Acne Treatment:
- The clotting property of toothpaste reduces redness and swelling and prevents bacteria from spreading to other pores on the face.
- It dries out pimples and draws impurities out of the pores and reduces the pimple’s size.
- It contains triclosan, an anti-bacterial property which kills kills the bacteria (especially P.acne bacteria that causing acne).
- It’s cleansing, bleaching and absorbent properties heal the acne and other dark spots on skin.
- It contains baking soda which exfoliates to remove toxins, and balances the skin’s pH level.
- Silica in has anti-inflammatory properties and heals the damaged skin.
- Toothpaste contains small amount of hydrogen peroxide which is anti-bacterial and kills the bacteria that cause acne.
Choosing The Right Toothpaste:
Different toothpastes contain different ingredients. Keep the following tips in mind when purchasing toothpaste to use as an acne treatment.
- Start by looking for toothpaste that contains baking soda, triclosan, alcohol, sodium pyrophosphate, menthol, hydrogen peroxide or a combination of 2 or 3 of these. You can prefer mint based toothpaste also.
- Avoid toothpastes with artificial colors.
- Avoid gel-based toothpaste. Its ingredients are different than a regular paste and may not be effective to treat pimples.
- Natural and organic toothpastes are best because they contain fewer harsh chemicals.
- Look for natural toothpastes that contain tree oil, witch hazel, hydrogen peroxide, aloe, or eucalyptus.
- Be careful to choose toothpaste that does not contain ingredients you are allergic to.
- Choose toothpaste that does not contain fluoride.
- Toothpastes that contain bleach for whitening may irritate skin. People with darker skin should take care as bleach reacts highly with the melanin.
Test Your Skin
Before starting regular toothpaste treatments, apply your chosen toothpaste to a small patch of skin to test for allergic reactions. If you experience, itching, burning, redness, or rash, don’t use it to treat acne.
How To Use Toothpaste To Treat Acne?
Toothpaste can be used alone or in combination with natural ingredients that keep skin clear and healthy. Try all the methods below until you find the one that works best for you.
Home Remedies For Acne
1. Toothpaste
- Wash your hands so as not to infect pores with toxins or germs.
- Wash your face with plain water or your favourite acne wash.
- Pat dry with clean towel.
- Use your index finger to gently apply toothpaste directly to pimples.
- Don’t rub just apply a thin layer wide enough to cover the zit.
- Leave on 1-2 hours or overnight.
- Rinse with cool water, using fingertips to gently massage in circular motions.
- Pat dry with clean towel and apply gentle moisturiser.
- Repeat once a day.
- For added benefit, ice pimples for 5 minutes before moisturising.
Warning: Using toothpaste as a face mask is not recommended.
2. Toothpaste And Baking Soda
Baking soda has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that help to clear pimples.
- Mix 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon of toothpaste, and 2 teaspoons water until smooth.
- Apply a thin layer over each pimple and leave on for 5 – 10 minutes.
- Rinse with water and pat dry.
- Repeat regularly.
- Or use the toothpaste which has baking soda
Note: leaving the tooth paste application more than 10 minutes can cause irritation and pain.
3. Toothpaste And Cinnamon
- Mix 1 teaspoon of cinnamon into 2 tablespoons of toothpaste.
- Stir it well and apply this directly on the pimples affected areas of the skin.
- Leave on for 5-10 minutes.
- Wash with water and pat dry.
- Repeat daily.
Note: It may sting on the applied areas.
4. Toothpaste And Salt
- Mix small amount of salt and toothpaste.
- Stir it well and apply this on the pimples affected areas of the skin.
- Scrub gently to get rid of pimples.
5. Toothpaste And Garlic
Garlic has anti-bacterial property; it kills the bacteria which causes acne.
- Add a small amount of toothpaste in 1 crushed garlic.
- Apply on the pimples.
- Leave on for 5 minutes.
- Rinse with water and pat dry.
- Repeat regularly.
6. Toothpaste And Honey
Honey has anti-bacterial and healing properties. It also reduces the redness and irritation caused by the toothpaste.
- Mix 1 tablespoon toothpaste with ½ teaspoon raw honey.
- Wash and dry face.
- Use fingertips to spread a thin layer over each pimple.
- Leave on up to 20 minutes.
- Rinse with water and pat dry.
- Repeat once a day.
Tips And Precautions:
- Don’t use toothpaste on sensitive, dry, or inflamed skin.
- Before starting regular treatments, do a patch test to see if you’re allergic to toothpaste.
- If you have dry or sensitive skin, don’t leave toothpaste mixtures on more than 10 minutes. This makes skin drier and stimulates the production of excess sebum.
- They have menthol and fluoride that irritates the skin and causes itching and inflammation.
- Tooth paste is not a dermatological treatment for acne. Some may not contain anti-bacterial ingredients like triclosan or hydrogen peroxide.
- Toothpaste dries out the skin, causes irritation, patched or peeling if used too often.
- If breakouts persist, consult a dermatologist.
- Eat a healthy diet, including fresh fruits and vegetables, and avoid excess sugar and carbohydrates.
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated and flush toxins from the body.
- Get regular exercise.
- Reduce stress through yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises.
