One comes across many home remedies for pimples, like sandalwood powder, honey and cinnamon powder, yogurt mixed with orange zest and lemon juice etc. Now-a-days even toothpaste has become a home remedy to cure pimples. I know this will leave you perplexed - toothpaste on pimples? Read on to find out.
Though pimples or zits are a common problem among teenagers, it can also affect people in their forties and it is usually more common among women. Pimples or acne break out at the onset of adolescence when the skin tries to adjust to hormonal changes which indicate the onset of puberty. Pimples are caused by the following factors
An increase in the hormones during puberty or menstrual cycles results in the production of DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone by-product that overstimulates the sebaceous glands leading them to produce more oil, which results in clogging of the pores which further causes acne and blackheads.
Certain cleansers and scrubs, having rough, abrasive particles can deprive the skin of oil and damage the outer layer of skin which may result in over production of oil-causing pimples.
Lack of proper hygiene and improper diet like consuming deep fried items or a diet rich in sugar can also cause pimples.
Certain medications like birth control pills, anti-depressants, steroids, etc. are known to elevate acne. Other factors causing pimples are stress, anxiety, depression, etc.
The Effectiveness of Toothpaste on Pimples
Toothpaste on pimples is an intriguing idea. Many might ask questions like 'Does toothpaste work on pimples?','Will it be effective and what precautions can be taken while using toothpaste on pimples?' The answer to does toothpaste get rid of pimples is: 'It all depends on your skin type'. Certain toothpastes contain ingredients that help in acne control but in some cases they may irritate the skin. Toothpastes contain an antibacterial ingredient, triclosan, which is known to get rid of bacteria effectively and is a common constituent in products for acne treatment. There are also certain ingredients like menthol and fluoride in the toothpaste that tend to irritate the skin, especially of the face, and so it is better that people with sensitive skin should avoid using toothpaste for pimples.

Factors in Selecting Toothpaste for Pimples
Using toothpaste on pimples depends on several factors like
Selecting an appropriate toothpaste: Though there are many brands of toothpaste available in the market, everyone uses toothpaste which he/she finds suitable. So it is quite clear that the toothpaste you use for brushing may not necessarily be effective on pimples. Read through the composition of the toothpaste and then decide on the toothpaste you would like to use on pimples.
Limiting the use of toothpaste in case of dry skin: Toothpaste contains certain chemicals that tends to dry the skin. If you have dry skin, after using the toothpaste on pimples, you may experience that your skin has turned drier. Don't leave the toothpaste overnight and preferably wash it after half an hour or so to reduce the parched feeling.
Varying Effect: The effect of using toothpaste varies from person to person. If you have just one or two pimples using toothpaste can cure them but if your acne problem is chronic, you should follow the proper treatment method.
Instructions on How to Use Toothpaste for Pimples
Wash your face thoroughly with a gentle soap and pat it dry with a soft towel. Before applying the toothpaste make sure that your face is clear of makeup.
Squeeze a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on your finger and apply it gently on the pimple. Don't scrub it or rub harshly as it may aggravate the pimple.
Leave the toothpaste till it dries completely. You can also leave it overnight, depending on your skin type. If you have dry skin it is better to remove the toothpaste as soon as it dries. Wash your face gently after the toothpaste has dried out but take care not to rupture the pimple.
Many people vouch that using toothpaste on pimples is an effective remedy, but the results can vary from person to person. You cannot expect your pimple to disappear overnight because the toothpaste might just reduce the size of the pimple, depending on the size and severity. If the problem still persists you can always consult a dermatologist.