Acne: Dr Ross Perry offers skincare tips and treatments
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We’ve all tried putting toothpaste on a spot the night before a big event, but does this hack really work? Some people swear that toothpaste clears spots overnight and most people agree that toothpaste can shrink a spot ever so slightly. Express.co.uk chatted to dermatology and aesthetic RGN, Emma Coleman, to find out whether toothpaste really does get rid of spots.
Does toothpaste get rid of spots?
Putting toothpaste on your spots to reduce them isn’t just a myth – the theory behind it makes sense.
Emma explained that some toothpaste actually could reduce your spot, but this trick doesn’t come without its risks.
So which toothpastes should you use, and are there any better remedies to get rid of a spot overnight?
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Many toothpaste formulas still contain ingredients that could reduce the bacteria which causes and worsens breakouts.
Emma said: “Other ingredients commonly found in toothpaste, such as baking soda, alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide have drying properties which could help shrink a zit by removing excess sebum.
“The menthol extracts found in toothpaste can also temporarily reduce spot pain and swelling.”
However, there are several reasons why you shouldn’t use toothpaste as your go-to acne treatment.
Toothpaste could make your spot worse, irritate your skin, and cause problems such as rashes, dermatitis, and sensitivity.
Emma explained: “Toothpaste has an alkaline pH, but our skin is naturally slightly acidic.
“This means that when you apply toothpaste to your skin you are putting yourself at risk of irritation, rashes and dermatitis.”
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Toothpaste is not designed to be used on the skin, so it probably won’t give you the reaction you want.
Emma said: “Sodium lauryl sulfate, another ingredient often found in toothpaste, might be too harsh to be used on blemishes.
“This ingredient has been known to irritate people’s skin, depending on their skin sensitivity.”
Even if you have hardy skin that isn’t sensitive at all, you’re not immune to a bad reaction from toothpaste.
Emma said: “Even if you manage to avoid irritation, there are other possible bad reactions.
“For instance, if your skin becomes too dry from using toothpaste, this could actually worsen breakouts.”
Wouldn’t you rather leave that poor spot alone and let it go down naturally instead of potentially causing more to sprout up?
You can give toothpaste a try if you’re desperate, but there is a better remedy.
Emma said: “Instead of toothpaste, try Epionce Purifying Spot Gel.
“The gel contains sulphur to tackle deep-rooted blemishes, plus spearmint and menthol to calm down inflammation.
“Always make sure you wash your hands before and after applying the agent.”
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