Can Toothpaste Cause Pimples?

We keep our mouths clean with toothpaste. It is important to brush our teeth at least two times a day, if not every time we eat. There is a dirty secret hidden behind the cleaning agent. A small quantity of toothpaste is said to be effective in healing zits. The truth is, toothpaste can also cause pimples.

To begin, let’s dispel that myth once again. Pimples cannot be treated with toothpaste. Your red pimple will dry up if you apply it. On the other hand, it can also irritate the skin. According to the Huffington Post, toothpaste is not a primary acne treatment. “It will irritate the skin, which will cause a pimple to appear, and the irritation will eventually disappear,” dermatologist Neal Schultz remarked. In addition to SLS, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, fluoride, alcohol, essential oils, and menthol are also common culprits for causing pimples. 

How can toothpaste cause pimples?

Most people get pimples as a result of being exposed to damaging chemicals on their skin. A toothpaste ingredient contains one of these harmful chemicals. A chemical used to help foam toothpaste could have some adverse effects, such as acne. In the mouth, SLS acts as a surfactant, allowing harmful substances to be trapped. In the long run, you will suffer from dry and itchy skin if you use this detergent. Plaque-removing toothpaste formulated with SLS might significantly improve your dental health. However, it might also trigger acne and mouth sores.

When the skin dries out due to the sulfate detergent, it produces more oil, causing acne. Despite its effectiveness in cleaning the teeth, SLS can also cause skin inflammation around the mouth. 

Preventive Measures

The number of pimples you get on your face can be minimized by making a conscious choice in the daily care products you use. You do not have to suffer from the acne surrounding your mouth any longer with the safer alternatives available in the market.

• Wash your face after brushing: Washing your face should always be followed by brushing your teeth. In addition to certain ingredients in toothpaste that can cause irritation, dryness, and even burning in sensitive skin, the bacteria from your mouth in the dribbled-out toothpaste can affect the skin, too. It would be best if you wash your face immediately after brushing your teeth. This will help prevent your skin from being exposed to the harmful ingredients of toothpaste. 
• No Toothpaste on your Skin: Toothpaste alone can be very harsh on your skin. Use a clay-based mask for spot treatments if you’ve used toothpaste. Do not try to remove the pimples on your face with toothpaste.  
• Check the label: Buying toothpaste free of ingredients that cause acne is the best way to avoid acne from toothpaste. Many brands have switched to safer and better alternatives without sulfates. You can enjoy clear, irritation-free skin if you choose toothpaste that’s free from these chemicals. 

Book your appointment today with the dentist for the best possible treatment.