Remember the trick of putting toothpaste on your pimples overnight, which purportedly dried out
acne? This old-school tip is enjoying a resurgence as a skin hack on TikTok and other social media platforms.
But the question remains: Does toothpaste really help with acne? Our experts, who are board-certified dermatologists, say no. In fact, it may even make your acne worse. Here’s their take on how toothpaste impacts your skin and better ways to treat breakouts.
Simply stated, the answer is no, experts say.
“Using toothpaste for acne typically does more harm than good,” says
S. Tyler Hollmig, MD, the director of laser and cosmetic dermatology at the University of Texas at Austin’s Dell Medical School.
While there is a kernel of plausibility about why it might be considered helpful — including that toothpaste contains ingredients like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, and menthol, all of which may cause drying and therefore help shrink active pimples — the risks outweigh the benefits, and here’s why.
May Cause Irritation and Dryness
Toothpaste’s drying properties can damage the skin barrier, leading to dermatitis, says Dr. Hollmig. (Dermatitis refers to skin inflammation and irritation, characterized by
dryness,
itching, or a
rash.)
In short, your skin may appear (and feel) worse after using toothpaste on it.
May Impact Inflammation and Worsen Breakouts
The cause of acne is multifactorial, driven by a buildup of skin cells,
C. acnes bacteria, oil production, inflammation, hormonal factors, and genetics.
Toothpaste may possibly worsen this process by clogging pores, says Hollmig, although there isn’t much research to prove this happens. Plus, skin barrier breakdown triggers inflammation. This can contribute to a cycle of acne.
May Increase Risk of Scarring
Due to irritation from toothpaste, it’s possible to end up with scarring that leads to
hyperpigmentation, an especially big risk for those with darker skin tones, says
Deirdre O’Boyle Hooper, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Audubon Dermatology in New Orleans. The inflammation from acne itself, called postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, can trigger this condition, too.
But injury to the skin and harsh skin treatments (such as toothpaste) can also cause cellular skin damage that can lead to discoloration, which may require further treatments, she says.
May Raise Perioral Dermatitis Risk
Perioral dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition in which you develop a red, often pimplelike rash around your mouth.
Toothpaste may be one factor in its development, among others.
“Perioral dermatitis is a complicated disease, and there are many causes,” says Dr. Hooper, including topical steroid use, chewing gum, and dental fillings.
Still, the last thing you want to do is irritate this rash, which toothpaste can do. If you suspect that using toothpaste to brush your teeth may be the cause of these rashy, pimplelike bumps, she recommends trying a toothpaste free of common irritants like sodium lauryl sulfate, cinnamon, and mint for four weeks to see if it helps.
The good news is that there are many effective acne treatments, says Hollmig. Some come over the counter (OTC), and others require a prescription.
“There are lots of options here, and these can and should be tailored to the individual,” he says. In other words, it’s important to talk to your dermatologist about what's best for your skin, he adds.
Acne treatments include:
Retinoids Prescription retinoids like
tretinoin and OTC versions like
adapalene are topical treatments that improve skin-cell turnover to help clear pores, Hollmig says. In some cases, an oral pill called isotretinoin may be recommended for nodule acne that hasn’t responded to other treatments.
However, isotretinoin is not a safe choice for everyone. Birth defects are a serious risk, so pregnant women should steer clear. It’s also been associated with mood changes, but more research is needed, per the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
Benzoyl Peroxide This OTC treatment decreases inflammation and kills the growth of bacteria that can cause acne.
Salicylic Acid Another ingredient available OTC, salicylic acid encourages exfoliation to help keep pores clear, and it may be worth trying if you have mild acne, says Hooper.
Topical and Oral Antibiotics These prescription treatments target both the bacteria and inflammation that can contribute to acne, says Hollmig.
Oral antibiotics tend to be less durable treatments, and acne often comes back, making these best used on a short-term basis for flare-ups, Hooper adds.
The American Academy of Dermatology advises using systemic antibiotics for no more than three to four months alongside other acne treatments, which reduces the risk of antibiotic resistance.
Hormonal Treatments Hormonal factors can contribute to acne.
Doctors can prescribe oral contraceptives or spironolactone for women, says Hollmig.
For all adults, another option is the topical prescription cream clascoterone (Winlevi), which inhibits androgen (a group of sex hormones, including
testosterone) receptors in the skin to reduce sebum production and inflammation.
Laser Treatment For some patients, Hollmig recommends laser treatments like Aviclear by Cutera. This approach, cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has been shown to be effective in aiding moderate to severe acne by targeting sebum (oil) glands for those with Fitzpatrick skin types 2 to 6 (fair to dark brown or black). That said, research is emerging and has limitations — primarily a lack of controls and industry funding.
Because acne treatment is particular to each individual’s needs, it's best to consult your dermatologist to determine the right approach for you.
Having acne can be emotionally challenging and can affect your mood and
self-esteem, says Hooper.
If you’re distressed about your acne, see a board-certified dermatologist for a treatment plan, she recommends.
You should also speak to a licensed mental health professional if you are experiencing symptoms of
depression or
anxiety, both of which may be linked to acne.
It’s reasonable to use effective OTC options to treat mild acne, but any time you reach the point of frustration, see a dermatologist, says Hollmig. “We can cure almost all cases of acne, but it requires an analysis of the patient’s skin and some finesse and skill, as treatments often need to be safely and thoughtfully combined,” he says. “Most dermatologists absolutely love treating acne because they can really help remarkably with it.” And this, in turn, makes patients feel better.
