Toothpaste has been around for thousands of years. Each variation brings questions as to what else can toothpaste do. The one question, which gets asked the most, is can toothpaste clear acne?
The main answer seems to be it depends on the toothpaste. Most pharmacists will tell that the theory behind placing toothpaste on a pimple comes from the idea that toothpaste will dry out the unwanted oils, leaving the face clear. The problem is the toothpaste can neither be gel based nor containing any of the new formulations to whiten teeth and or treat gum disease. Such toothpastes will irritate the skin and do little if anything to the pimple.
The answer also depends on the person, more specifically the person’s skin. If one is prone to irritations from most acne treatments, toothpaste will probably leave the same red or rash-like bumps on the face. As is the recommendation of most skin products, sensitive skinned people are supposed to try toothpaste on a discreet part of the body, usually the underarm to see. Once the toothpaste is washed away, they check the location. If happy with the results it may be safe for the skin, if not it is probably not the treatment for them.
The overall process to utilize toothpaste is to clean the face, dab a small amount of toothpaste to the blemish or multiple blemishes, and wait at least two hours before washing the face again to remove said toothpaste. If only one blemish some suggest placing a bandage over spot to speed up the drying process. The longest one should keep the toothpaste on the face is overnight, which for most is around eight hours.
Toothpaste for acne is much like other treatments: it works for some and not for others. It must be tried and tested before deciding if it is the right treatment.
