Does Toothpaste Get Rid of Pimples?

Fashion models throughout the years have stated that a great way to get rid of blemishes quickly is to apply a thin layer of toothpaste over your skin problem areas at night. Skeptics say that toothpaste isn't meant to go on your face and could cause burning or stinging instead. People who swear by putting toothpaste on their blemishes feel differently, however. Whether or not you will see results from a toothpaste mask depend on choosing the brand of toothpaste that's right for your skin.

Function

• Toothpaste usually contains alcohol--which dries the pimple--and contains drying components like chalk. If you have very dry skin, do not use a toothpaste with a lot of alcohol. Toothpaste's drying components collect moisture and oil from the skin, drawing it out of the pimple. Wash your face thoroughly after applying toothpaste to your face.

Types

• Toothpaste probably won't work on whiteheads or blackheads. In fact, toothpaste can make clogged pores worse. A gel toothpaste is not as effective because it does not absorb moisture when it dries. Use an extractor for whiteheads or blackheads, or use a scrubbing cleanser and and exfoliant.

Size

• The larger a space you cover on your face with toothpaste, the less time you should keep it on your face. If you would like to cover your entire face with a mask of toothpaste, use only a thin layer and wait 10 to 20 minutes, or until it is dry. Rinse it carefully from the face, cleanse, and apply moisturizer. Do not apply another toothpaste mask for at least a week. If you are only dotting a few spots with toothpaste, you can leave the spots on all night. You can reapply new spots or the same spots the following night.

Benefits

• Using toothpaste to dry pimples is an inexpensive way to get relief for swollen, red pimples. Because peppermint toothpaste has a cooling action, it may be helpful to put it on red, irritated pimples to cool them down. If your child believes he needs acne medication, try using toothpaste from around the house to see if it could provide the remedy before going to the doctor.

Warning

• Toothpaste contains alcohol, which can sometimes be an irritant to skin. If you have had sensitivities to toothpaste in the past, do not leave it on the skin for a long amount of time. Heavily dilute the toothpaste if you feel it is too strong. If you have deep, painful or cystic acne and toothpaste isn't working for your acne, see a dermatologist.