Toothpaste may provide temporary relief for pimple scabs due to its drying effect, but it is not recommended as a long-term solution and may even cause irritation.
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Toothpaste may provide temporary relief for pimple scabs due to its drying effect, but it is not recommended as a long-term solution and may even cause irritation. According to an article by Medical News Today, “toothpaste can cause inflammation and irritation around the pimple due to the active ingredients like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and alcohol.” Furthermore, toothpaste is not formulated for use on the skin and can disrupt the natural balance of oils. It’s worth noting that there are a variety of remedies that can help heal and prevent pimple scabs, such as honey, tea tree oil, and aloe vera.
In a quote by dermatologist Dr. Eric Schweiger, he cautions against using toothpaste for acne treatment: “Although there is anecdotal evidence that toothpaste can spot-treat pimples, there is no scientific evidence that it actually works.” Dr. Schweiger also advises against picking or popping pimples, as this can prolong the healing process and lead to scarring.
Here are some interesting facts about acne and pimple scabs:
- Acne affects up to 50 million people in the United States alone, making it the most common skin condition (American Academy of Dermatology)
- Acne is caused by a combination of factors such as excess oil production, bacteria, and inflammation (Mayo Clinic)
- Pimple scabs form when the skin is damaged and the body forms a protective crust to aid in healing
- There are a variety of medical treatments available for acne, including topical creams, oral medications, and light therapy (American Academy of Dermatology)
Table:
Pimple Scab Remedies | How to Use |
---|---|
Honey | Apply a small amount to the affected area and leave on for 30 minutes before rinsing off with warm water |
Tea tree oil | Mix a few drops with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil) and apply to the skin with a cotton ball |
Aloe vera | Apply a small amount of aloe vera gel to the affected area and leave on overnight |
Turmeric | Mix turmeric with water or coconut oil to form a paste, apply to the skin and leave on for 15 minutes before rinsing off |
Vitamin E oil | Apply a small amount of vitamin E oil to the affected area and leave on overnight |
In conclusion, although toothpaste may provide temporary relief for pimple scabs, it is not a recommended long-term solution and may even cause further irritation and inflammation. It’s best to stick to remedies that are specifically formulated for skin and to avoid picking or popping pimples.
Video response to “Does toothpaste help with pimple scabs?”
Dr. Debunks addresses the common belief that toothpaste can get rid of spots or pimples. He explains that while toothpaste used to contain triclosan, an antibacterial ingredient that may have had some effect on spots, it has been banned over concerns regarding hormonal disruption and antibiotic resistance. Toothpaste now contains drying ingredients such as alcohol, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide, which can dry spots but also cause skin irritation. Dr. Debunks emphasizes the importance of using a product specifically designed for the skin, such as a salicylic acid treatment, which is much more effective for reducing spots. He does not recommend using toothpaste on the skin but suggests organic toothpaste as a safer alternative for anyone who insists on trying it out.
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What should you do? The rumor mill might have you believing that dabbing some regular old toothpaste on your zit will help it clear up overnight. But, while it’s true that several ingredients found in toothpaste are drying to skin and might help shrink your pimple, this home remedy for breakouts isn’t worth the risk.
Is Toothpaste Really Effective in Treating Pimples?
- The clotting property of toothpaste reduces redness and swelling and prevents bacteria from spreading to other skin pores.
- It dries out and shrinks the pimples.
- It contains triclosan (antibacterial property) and a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, which kills the bacteria (especially P.acne bacteria causing acne).
- The cleansing and absorbent properties draws out pimples from the pores.
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- Let it sit overnight, or at least 1-2 hours.
- Rinse your face with cool water and pat dry.
- A small crushed-up aspirin paste to a pimple helps with drying up the spot and inflammation.
- Toothpaste—the opaque kind, not gel—can be used to dry up pimples.
- Ice to a red pimple gives immediate blood vessel constriction and helps with redness.