Pimples are a nuisance and toothpaste is considered a versatile home remedy. But does toothpaste help against pimples? We’ll tell you.
Toothpaste on pimples: Does it really help?
- Pimples develop when the pores on the skin follicles of the sebaceous glands become clogged. As a consequence, cell residues and sebum accumulate and blackheads develop. Pimples can develop from these when they become inflamed. To get rid of pimples quickly, toothpaste has made a name for itself as a household remedy for inflammation. But can pimples be removed quickly and easily with toothpaste?
- Yes. Toothpaste is not the best home remedy when it comes to fighting pimples. First of all, toothpaste has an antibacterial effect and thus stops bacteria from multiplying. It also ensures that the pimples dry out. So far, so good.
- But because of the menthol and fluoride it contains, toothpaste can cause skin irritation and even increase inflammation. Another disadvantage: toothpaste dries on the skin relatively quickly and can form a crust, which in turn prevents the pores from opening.
- Also negative: Toothpaste often contains microplastic, which of course is not sustainable for our eco-system.
Application tips
As you just learned, toothpaste should not be your preferred pimple treatment. However, if you really don’t have any other household remedies around at the moment, you can use toothpaste by considering the following criteria:
- No toothpaste with fluoride or for whitening the teeth
- Wash your face properly beforehand
- Lightly apply only a small amount of the paste directly to the affected area
- Leave the toothpaste to soak in and dry for several hours before you wash it off completely
What helps better against pimples than toothpaste?
- Since toothpaste is not a particularly gentle agent for pimples, we present better alternatives. First of all, proper skin care is the basis for the correct treatment of pimples.
- It is best to rely on natural means. In the evening it is recommended to wash the face with lukewarm water. Then dry it off gently. Do not rub it, as this can damage the protective layer of the skin and lead to impure skin.
- Tea tree oil is a better home remedy than toothpaste. Due to its antibacterial effect, it does not additionally inflame pimples and also promotes dehydration. Simply use a drop of the oil with a cotton ball. Basically, products with ingredients such as chamomile or zinc can help to minimize inflammation of the skin.
- Especially with small pimples, you should not press, but pull with a towel, for example. To do this, moisten the towel with some water and press it against the pimple without much force. Then pull the skin between the tips of your index fingers apart.
3 tips for using toothpaste as a home remedy
Toothpaste is not wrongly considered one of the best household remedies. Instead of against pimples, you can use the paste best in the following situations:
- Cleaning the table: Especially round water stains from cups and glasses on wooden tables can be cleaned effectively with toothpaste. Take some paste and a cotton cloth and work the affected areas with it.
- Cleaning the iron: The iron can be cleaned with toothpaste and a microfiber cloth. You will notice that the iron will not only shine again but also glide more easily over your clothes.
- Cleaning the joints: Especially in the bathroom, there are often discolored joints. To give them new life again, you can simply treat them with an old toothbrush and some toothpaste.