MythBusters: Do I need to smear a pimple with toothpaste?

In high school, I made some questionable choices in the beauty department. Not only did I think the matte pink lipstick boosted my cool factor (it didn't), but I also got the impression that the dotted lipstick my acne with toothpaste was smart skin care hack. Although I have since changed my toothpaste to an effective one acne treatment, some people still swear that toothpaste quickly gets rid of acne. To bust this myth once and for all, I turned to a Skincare.com expert and certified dermatologist. Dr. Elizabeth Houshmand of Hushmand Dermatology in Dallas, Texas. 

Can toothpaste get rid of acne? 

Applying toothpaste to a pimple is not recommended in any form or form, but the myth that it is an effective acne remedy is due to the fact that toothpaste has drying properties. “Toothpastes are filled with ingredients like alcohol, menthol, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, which can dry out the skin but can also be very irritating,” says Dr. Houshmand. She explains that removing acne with an alcohol-based product can disrupt a healthy skin barrier and cause a variety of skin reactions, including new breakouts. 

“Using toothpaste on your face can cause a dramatic increase in sebum production, which can lead to clogged pores, pimples, blackheads, and oily skin,” says Dr. Houshmand. You may also experience dryness, flaking, and redness. “If you have had a negative reaction, use oil-free moisturizer formulated to help hydrate the skin and skin barrier, which is critical to skin health." 

How to properly treat rashes 

Although applying toothpaste to a pimple is unacceptable, there are prescription and over-the-counter spot treatments that can effectively reduce the size and inflammation of pimples. “Treat acne with a very thin layer of spot treatment,” says Dr. Hushmand. "For classic whiteheads, use a benzoyl peroxide formula to kill acne-causing bacteria, and for small, clogged pores or inflamed pimples, try salicylic acid, which dissolves sebum and skin cells." (Doctor's note: If you have cystic acne, topical treatments are ineffective—a cortisone injection may be needed. Consult your board-certified dermatologist.)

Spot Treatments Worth Trying 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment 

For a great spot treatment that you can purchase on your next pharmacy visit, check out this option from La Roche-Posay. Formulated with benzoyl peroxide and micro-exfoliating lipohydroxy acid (a mild chemical exfoliant), it penetrates clogged pores and clears blackheads and whiteheads in just three days. 

Kiehl's Breakout Control Targeted Acne Treatment 

This sulfur-infused spot treatment not only helps reduce the appearance of existing pimples, but it also helps prevent new pimples from forming. Plus, it absorbs into the skin quickly and clearly, so it's the perfect product to use if you have an entire day of video calls. 

InnBeauty Project Acne Paste 

The alcohol-free formula, called an acne paste, fights blemishes, unclogs pores and exfoliates the skin. It dries quickly, so be sure it won't rub off your sheets or face mask if you choose to use the product during the day. 

Potion for acne kinship 

This yellow to clear acne treatment contains retinol to improve skin texture and salicylic acid to fight acne. Simply dab on clean, dry skin and rub in until the color is translucent. 

Illustration: Isabela Humphrey