The toothpaste is being promoted on social media as an effective way to clear acne, soothe burns and whiten nails. Is this true?
Toothpastes contain many ingredients, such as fluoride to help prevent tooth decay, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, abrasives to help remove substances from tooth surfaces, flavors, sweeteners, foaming agents, and humectants to prevent the toothpaste from breaking down.
Shadia Kourosh, director of the Department of Dermatology at Massachusetts General Hospital and associate professor at Harvard Medical School in the United States of America, said in an interview with Lindsay Beaver published in the American newspaper The Washington Post on October 24, “It is understandable that people may have tried this as a treatment.” My home, especially if their home does not have a topical acne treatment.”
But because toothpaste is not designed for skin, it can lead to dryness, irritation and inflammation, which can delay the healing process of pimples or worsen acne.
Carol Cheng, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California in the United States of America, said that she had seen patients who used toothpaste as an ointment to treat acne and developed painful skin rashes. “I have even seen two cases of chemical burns, due to the irritating properties of toothpaste which should not be used on the skin and left for long periods of time,” she added.
Toothpaste and burns
It is also not recommended to use toothpaste for other skin conditions, especially burns. While toothpaste may have a cooling effect, one study showed that it can worsen burns. Instead, keep the skin moist with Vaseline, and in the case of more severe burns, seek medical attention, said Kevin Sharji, assistant professor of dermatology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in the United States.
While toothpaste may help polish and whiten nails, due to the abrasive properties in some brands containing baking soda, for example, it can cause irritation for those with sensitive skin.
It is not recommended to use toothpaste for skin care. Instead, use over-the-counter or prescription medications designed to treat acne and other skin conditions after consulting a dermatologist.