Waking up to a new pimple on the face can make you do crazy things, especially when you have an important event coming up. The first thing most girls do is search for “ways to get rid of a pimple overnight” and the most common solution that crop up on Google is: applying toothpaste on pimples.

In an attempt to get rid of the pimple ASAP, a lot of women opt for this easy remedy. However, the results are never good. While it may reduce the inflammation and shrink the pimple, it can leave your skin with severe damage.

Here are all the reasons why you should avoid using toothpaste on a pimple.

 

Dryness

Dryness

Toothpaste contains harsh ingredients such as SLS and sodium bicarbonate that are beneficial for dental health, but it can be quite harsh to use on the skin. If you have ever used toothpaste on a pimple, you would know that it dries the skin out. Those with dry and sensitive skin type might experience severe dryness. To combat this dryness your skin might produce excess oil which can lead to more breakouts *yikes*.

 

Irritated skin

Irritated skin

The reason why this home remedy is popular is because it reduces inflammation. Toothpaste contains an ingredient called triclosan which kills acne-causing bacteria. This offers relief quickly but it comes with a price: skin irritation. The concentration of harsh ingredients is higher in your toothpaste, therefore no matter how small a quantity you use, it will leave you with a burning sensation and itchy skin.

 

Blemishes and scars

Blemishes and scars

In an attempt to soothe zits, you might end up making them angrier. Applying toothpaste will not only cause severe dryness and skin irritation but it can also leave you with scars that take months to heal. Sometimes the damage can be so bad that you may have to visit a dermatologist to fix it. Therefore, it is best to use toothpaste only where it’s meant to be used - your teeth.

The best way to treat a pimple is by using a spot treatment recommended by a dermatologist. Stay away from home remedies as much as possible. Because each skin type is different. What works for some people may not necessarily work for you. Another common DIY ingredient to avoid is lemon juice, it can irritate the skin, cause irritation and burn the area it has been applied to.