What could be worse than waking up with pimples or acne on your face? For almost anyone who has woken up with a fresh pimple, the first thought that crosses their mind is “I need to get rid of this right away!” Most people’s immediate reaction is to attempt to pop the pimple, even though they have heard over and over that this will likely lead to scarring in that area. Oftentimes, the second plan of action is to vigorously search the cabinets for acne cream or face wash to remove the blemishes immediately. However, what most people do not know is that toothpaste is a great remedy and is effective in removing acne; perhaps just as effective acne cleansers themselves.
According to Dr. Rita Pichardo-Geisinger, a dermatologist at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C, acne and dirty teeth have something basic in common: bacteria. These minuscule germs are present on every surface of your body. In the mouth, enough bacteria can lead to tooth decay. On the skin, this bacteria will often lead to a pimple or acne. Toothpaste contains many different ingredients that can destroy the bacteria that grow in people’s mouths. Of the many ingredients, the main element that is successful in killing both bacteria in the mouth and on the skin, is baking soda. Baking soda is a very effective ingredient in killing bacteria because it is amphoteric, which means that it can act as an acid or a base, which ultimately will help neutralize the pH balance on the skin or in your body. Baking soda will also help dry the skin, which will stop the buildup of oils, preventing blackheads and acne from appearing on the skin’s surface. Additionally, baking soda has mild anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which help to reduce the size of already existing pimples. When baking soda is mixed with water, it forms a pasty substance, which will help exfoliate and clear out the skin cells.
One thing to note is that in most toothpastes, there is a specific ingredient that is specifically not helpful in clearing acne; fluoride. So if you plan to use toothpaste to clear acne, make sure that you choose a toothpaste with little to no fluoride. The best toothpaste to use is solid white-colored toothpastes because it will remove all of the oils from the skin and reduces the swelling and redness around the infected area.
Although toothpaste works for mild acne, you should not use excessive amounts. Only use toothpaste if it is a last minute “emergency,” because if used too often, it may dry out or irritate the skin. If you do decide to try this home remedy, use your finger and not a toothbrush to apply white, low-fluoride toothpaste directly on top of each zit. Leave the toothpaste on for a few hours or overnight. Hopefully in the morning, you will see some improvements. But if not, at least you know you will smell minty fresh that day!