cIt’s one reason why there’s a growing belief that putting toothpaste on pimples is a good idea. “In the past many toothpastes contained triclosan, an anti-microbial which was thought to have a beneficial effect on blemishes and comedones. Today, however, this ingredient is almost completely absent as it is considered a possible endocrine disruptor, i.e it can alter the functions of the hormonal system», warns Elisabetta Fulgione, specialist in Dermatology and Venereology at the Luigi Vanvitelli Dermatological Clinic of the University of Campania, and aesthetic doctor, National Treasurer of SIME (Italian Society of Aesthetic Medicine). “The European Union has also established that the maximum concentration of triclosan in cosmetics must not exceed 0.3%”.
Toothpaste on pimples – an ineffective practice that can be harmful
Even today this remedy remains one of the most used. “The reason is simple: once applied to the pimple, the toothpaste gives a sensation of freshness and a slight burning, which suggests an immediate healing action,” explains the dermatologist and aesthetic doctor.
“Actually, none of the ingredients that make up the dental cleaning product can perform an action that can improve the condition of the skin affected by a pimple. Its substances have the sole purpose of good oral hygiene”.
When a pimple appears, the temptation to “pick” it is strong. But it’s always wrong and dermatologists suggest using specific cosmetics with an exfoliating and soothing action (photo Getty Images)
The application of toothpaste on the imperfection, therefore, not only is not able to bring any benefit but can, on the contrary, create problems. “Put toothpaste on pimples can give rise to irritation and adverse reactions such as redness, itching, burning and, in the worst case, rashes», explains the expert.
Not only. «The dryness that the toothpaste is able to create on the area on which it is applied also it can get even worse the inflammation. This practice, then, is absolutely not recommended for fragile skin with the skin barrier already altered as, for example, in the case of atopic dermatitis or sensitive skin».
Toothpaste on pimples: the alternative
Nothing like the appearance of a pimple stimulates the desire to fix the problem instantly by resorting to immediate removal. «Nothing more wrong. It’s important do not pick at comedones. The aim is to allow you to find yourself with fewer signs at the time of healing», explains the dermatologist and aesthetic doctor Elizabeth Fulgione.
«When the episodes are sporadica good solution is represented by specific dermocosmetics which can help speed up the process of solving the pimple», adds the expert. «These specialties are easily identifiable because they are indicated as SOS anti-blemish formulas based on ingredients such as exfoliating salicylic acid, retinaldehyde and glycolic acid, absorbent clay and strengthening niacinamide. They are applied to the single lesion and, unlike toothpaste, they are able to act actively and soothe the inflamed part».
Toothpaste on pimples: better to leave it alone and pay attention to other “symptoms”
The expert also suggests paying attention to the frequency with which imperfections occur, e when they are frequent it is advisable to consult the specialist.
“It could be about actual acne, a chronic inflammatory disorder of the hair follicle and sebaceous glands: they work more than normal and cause an increase in skin fat, defined as seborrhea, which leads to the formation of comedones», underlines the expert.
«Do-it-yourself in case of acne is absolutely not recommended, because only the dermatologist can identify the origin of the disorder. After a careful analysis, in fact, he will be able to indicate the specific therapy, which can be systemic (for example with antibiotics or isotretinoin) or topical (suggesting specialties based on adapalene or retinoids or other) which will allow the patient to recover.
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