There are many creative ways that people are using to get rid of pimples. One of them is toothpaste. That’s right- toothpaste. This always makes me think of that movie “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” and how the dad used Windex for everything. And, just like in the movie, many people claim these off the wall treatments work. So, does toothpaste get rid of pimples?

Yes, toothpaste can help to get rid of pimples. Toothpaste, is not, however a cure for the causes of acne. Pimples are caused by a number of issues: hormonal changes, bacteria, clogged pores, and excess oil produced in the skin. Common treatments for pimples are the use of creams or ointments that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Toothpaste does not contain these chemicals and therefore, does not treat the root of the problem. However, as toothpaste does contain high sodium amounts, this does allow the toothpaste to dry out the pimple. Drying out the pimple can completely get rid of pimples, reduce the size, or redness that surrounds it. Since this is the case, several people have chosen to use toothpaste as a spot treatment at home to get rid of pimples.

So if you’ve never tried the toothpaste trick, you’re probably wondering “how much and how long?” I’ve used toothpaste to get rid of pimples when I was in a pinch. It’s one of those things you hear, that you just can’t help but try! All you need to do is take a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, not mint- it can sometimes sting-and spread it on the pimple, completely covering it. Leave the toothpaste on for 20 minutes and rinse. It is not recommended to leave the toothpaste on overnight or to use it as a mask. Toothpaste can absorb the moisture in your face and leave your skin dry.

So toothpaste is a quirky, fast, at home trick to get rid of pimples fairly quickly. However, it is important to maintain a daily skin care routine and to use proper skin related products to do so. The health of your skin is as important as eating healthy and exercising. Skin should be cleaned properly on a daily basis. It is important to cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize your skin. If your skin suffers from acne scarring, uneven skin tones, age spots or other aliments, you may need to give your skin a fresh start. An at home chemical peel has been effective in treating, removing and reducing scars, dark spots, age spots and helps to treat and get rid of pimples. At home chemical peels leave the skin healthier, clearer and may be the fresh start that your skin needs to get rid of pimples. Better skin means that you may have to find other creative outlets for your toothpaste.