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Toothpaste on Pimples Overnight: 5 Best Treatment Options

toothpaste on pimple / Pasta dental en las espinillas
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Written by

Q.F. Nayibe Cubillos Morales

Gustavo

Medically Reviewed by

Dr. Gustavo Assatourians D.D.S

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By its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory attributes, toothpaste on pimples overnight can be administered before bedtime, allowing it to work its magic while you rest. This home remedy for acne has maintained its popularity over time. Experiencing the gratification of waking up to witness the treatment yielding results – evident in the diminished prominence of those unwelcome visitors – is truly rewarding.

In daily life, there are moments when looking in the mirror is uncomfortable and it would have been better not to do so. Frequently, this reaction is typical of youth, when the skin of the face, ie., the complexion collides with signs of this age group. Blackheads and other skin eruptions – the manifestations of acne – are often the cause of a negative experience.

Who has not gone through such a moment? known as pimples, this skin condition in teenagers can occur in adulthood and is not exclusive to the face. They can appear on the shoulders or even the back.

This “uncomfortable” situation can affect one’s self-image. A quick solution is something that everyone has at home: toothpaste.

Toothpaste, due to its components, is useful for removing stains from clothes, demisting mirrors, polishing and shining bathroom and kitchen accessories, as well as cleaning jewelry, but… is it suitable as an acne treatment?

Here, we find the answer to that question.

What is the Effect of Toothpaste on Pimples Overnight

 toothpaste on pimples overnight

Toothpaste contains baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, menthol, and triclosan, ingredients with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

When applying this dental product on pimples, it kills bacteria, dries excess oil, and reduces redness and swelling.

The ingredients explain why toothpaste is used as a firsttreatment against acne since the next morning, the aesthetic problem may be gone.

Is it Correct to Apply Toothpaste on Pimples Overnight?

pimple

Although the results may be visible by reducing the impact of acne on the skin, it is not advisable to apply toothpaste because it contains ingredients that reduce tartar – bacterial plaque – and strengthen tooth enamel; these substances can be harmful to the skin.

This home treatment is not supported by scientific evidence despite the experience of some people. This must be taken into account as reactions to toothpaste can be very different, depending upon the user’s health condition; in other words, it will give the expected result in some people and a very different one in others.

Why shouldn’t you apply toothpaste on pimples overnight?

skin irritaion

It is an option that dermatologists do not recommend due to the consequences it can generate. Toothpaste is not designed for skincare and may have unwanted side effects such as irritation, redness, dry skin, or skin allergies, reactions caused by the various substances it contains.

The sodium sulfate in toothpaste strips the skin’s natural lipids, dehydrating the skin and leaving it vulnerable to external irritants, potentially causing more breakouts.

In addition to the basic substances, some toothpaste contains fluoride, sodium lauryl sulfate, fragrances, and additives, components that are not suitable for the skin and could worsen the problem. In other words, the possible solution causes more adverse effects than the original situation that motivates applying toothpaste in the first place. In other words, more harm than benefit, meaning that the remedy is more expensive than the disease.

On the other hand, a large part of the most popular commercial brands of toothpaste no longer include triclosan in their composition, after the United States Food and Drug Administration carried out tests according to which this substance can affect the thyroid hormones, which in turn affects the functioning of the body.

In 2017, its use was banned in hand and body soaps, without a review before commercialization. Despite this ruling, triclosan is recognized as effective in reducing plaque bacteria and preventing gingivitis, making it suitable for oral health, but not facial use.

It may be the case that the toothpaste applied does not have the desired effect of reducing acne, but it damages the skin nonetheless.

Some of these toothpaste are carbon toothpaste, while popular for teeth-whitening, can have adverse effects on the skin. Its abrasive texture and high charcoal content might lead to skin irritation, causing redness and dryness. The rough particles can potentially damage the skin’s surface, making it more sensitive and prone to inflammation. Those with preexisting skin conditions like acne or eczema could experience worsened symptoms. To prevent such issues, it’s best to avoid applying carbon toothpaste on the skin and instead choose skincare products designed for safe use. To gain a better understanding of the safety of using charcoal toothpaste, you can delve into our extensive guide that thoroughly examines this topic.

What treatment options are there for acne?

treatment option

To treat acne, different suitable options are recommended by dermatologists. Here are some alternatives:

• Topical or oral antibiotics: These medications can be prescribed by a dermatologist to treat inflammatory pimples and reduce the presence of bacteria on the skin. One of these is topical clindamycin, a medication that stops the growth of acne-related bacteria and reduces inflammation. It is recommended to consult with a dermatologist before applying it. Several of these are natural antibiotics used to prevent dental infections. For additional information regarding natural antibiotics, please click here.

• Birth control pills: In women, some types of birth control pills help regulate hormones and reduce acne.

• Topical retinoids: They are effective in unclogging pores and reducing oil production. They also promote cell renewal and improve skin texture.

• Laser or LED light therapy: These treatments can be effective in eliminating bacteria and reducing inflammation in cases of moderate to severe acne.

• Use salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide: Skin cleansers containing these substances help remove excess oil, dirt, dead cells, and bacteria without causing skin irritation. Also, they unclog pores and reduce inflammation.

Skin care doesn’t intersect with oral health

Skincare and oral health are distinct areas of well-being that do not share a direct connection. While effective skincare routines focus on maintaining the health and appearance of the skin, oral health primarily concerns the condition of the mouth, teeth, and gums. These two aspects of health involve separate practices and considerations, such as using appropriate skin products for complexion improvement versus maintaining proper dental hygiene to prevent oral issues. However, it’s important to recognize that overall health can influence both skin and oral well-being, highlighting the holistic nature of our body’s interconnected systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can toothpaste help with pimples overnight?

Although quick remedies like the toothpaste trick may appear tempting and handy, most of them do not provide any actual benefits to the skin. Treating acne is a gradual process, and it’s crucial to be patient to witness desirable results. Your skin may not clear up overnight, but in the long run, it will look and feel healthier.

Salicylic acid
Numerous blemish and acne treatments nowadays incorporate an ingredient known as salicylic acid. This active component aids in unclogging pores, dissolving dead skin cells, and addressing whiteheads. When used overnight, products containing salicylic acid can be effective in diminishing the effects of blemishes by the morning.

You may have heard this suggestion, but experts on acne say don’t try it. Toothpaste could make that spot on your skin even more red, irritated, and noticeable.

Applying ice to a pimple can be beneficial in the following ways: Size: similar to any inflammation, a few minutes of ice on a pimple can help decrease the swelling, visibly shrinking the spot. Longevity: by reducing the size of the pimple, you’ll also lessen its lifespan.

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References

1. Betancourth Carolina (July 9, 2023) 12 unusual uses for toothpaste / https://mejorconsalud.as.com/12-usos-inusuales-de-la-pasta-de-dientes/

2. Cleveland Clinic (Diciembre 22 de 2022) Why You Should Never Put Toothpaste on a Pimple / https://health.clevelandclinic.org/toothpaste-on-pimples/

3. Cobb Cynthia (Marzo 8 de 2019) Can I Use Toothpaste on Pimples? / https://www.healthline.com/health/toothpaste-on-pimples

4. Palmer Angela (Marzo 8 de 2023) Does Using Toothpaste on Pimples Work? / https://www.verywellhealth.com/does-using-toothpaste-on-pimples-really-work-15530

5. Salud 180 (January 8, 2016) Never apply toothpaste on pimples… Here’s why / https://www.salud180.com/salud-dia-dia/jamas-apliques-pasta-de-dientes-en-los-granos-aqui-la-razon