\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Seek shade. Dr Zainab Laftah, Consultant Dermatologist, GetHarley Clinician says: "Toothpaste might sound like a simple solution to treat spots but it's likely to cause more harm than good. Will toothpaste remove dark spots? This can cause serious burns. Keep reading to learn why toothpaste doesnt belong on your skin. Learn about why it happens, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. The below should help: Dr Mayou recommends this gel cleanser for those with spot-prone skin. In the U.S., most doctors think a low dose is safe, but they closely watch their patients.). Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Keep an eye on your skin around the toothpaste. Some skin-lightening products can also contain unlisted ingredients, such as steroids, which people should not use without medical supervision. While harmless, uneven skin may prompt some people to try various skin-lightening products. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? In short, it's always better to use tried and tested, expert-approved ways of getting rid of spots. before using really opened my eyes as I was always under the impression that toothpaste was safe for using on the skin. "The damage occurs deep in the skin and takes time to come to the surface, which means reversing the damage can also take time." It is due to an overproduction of melanin. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Toothpaste is often cited as a homemade treatment for your skin that can help counter acne. Instead of toothpaste, a dab of salicylic acid cream or tea tree oil will likely work better and help you sidestep the more serious hazards of using toothpaste on your face. These ingredients can be considerably drying and make the skin more sensitive to the suns rays. Quotes on challenges in life Pimple like bumps on the back of the neck. (2019). To learn how to make a diluted toothpaste cleanser, read on! Your doctor may combine one of these treatments with hydroquinone to minimize reactions and irritation. Aloe vera gel is known for scar reduction and reduction of dark spots. Shainhouse says that those who prefer natural products could also try willow bark, a natural source of salicylic acid found in extract form. Rulemaking history for OTC skin bleaching drug products. You will find it very useful in removing black spots. , ellagic acid, arbutin, and licorice, according to some research results. In short, jock itch can spread between, Keloids can appear on your ear in response to any type of wound, including a piercing. They can also be suitable for dry or sensitive skin. "Hydroquinone is one of the strongest and most effective brightening. This form of vitamin C stays stable, so it's more effective. How do I keep my hair super straight all day? Gently dabbing tea tree oil with a q-tip onto a spot is likely to be more effective than toothpaste. If you have freckles but don't want them, here's how to get rid of them. And people with a darker skin tone should all the more be more careful, as it may create marks and blemishes. When the toothpaste gets dry, you can wash your face with warm water again. Free shipping for many products! (2016). William Rietkerk, MD, associate professor of dermatology, New York Medical College. Melasma is a deeper form of hyperpigmentation that can occur due to hormonal changes. Toothpaste can be irritating to your skin Remember, toothpaste is formulated for your teeth, not the sensitive surface of your face. References ", "It has improved my facial appearance altogether. Topical retinoids: Therapeutic mechanisms in the treatment of photodamaged skin. The best way to protect your skin is to wear sunscreen regularly and talk with a dermatologist. We avoid using tertiary references. "Damage due toinflammation, UV exposure, and other environmental insults causes the cells to produce more pigment to protect themselves," says Carl R. Thornfeldt, MD, a dermatologist in Fruitland, ID. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. And a hat is a key accessory if you're undergoing treatment for hyperpigmentation. Repeat twice daily you achieve the results you desire. Unbranded Teeth Whitening Toothpaste Teeth Whitening Products, Teeth Whitening Strips; Additional site . Shainhouse T. (2018). This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Cryotherapy removes sunspots and other skin lesions by freezing them off with a liquid nitrogen solution. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. With this method, the darkened layers of skin are burned off. Don't forget to share with your family and frien. This will clear your skin of excess oil and dirt, making your skin ready for the application. Make sure to use a soft toothbrush after boiling it for 5 minutes. Layering a little bit of toothpaste on your spots has long been thought of as a quick bathroom cabinet trick to dry out unwanted blemishes overnight. Others can even contain mercury, which is highly toxic. There is also a risk that products will cause more hyperpigmentation. Using products with blocking ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide is crucial, otherwise the spots can come back even after removal.. Vaseline is also not recommended to be applied if you have acne prone skin since it can make a barrier and clog pores due to its occlusive property. However, toothpaste is not unjustly considered one of the best home remedies. Ingredients such as calcium carbonate and zinc can have a more positive effect on your skin, but these can be found in specialist treatments which don't include the irritants. On checking the ingredients that are in toothpaste, whether they are harmful or not. How Long Does It Take to Grow Waist-length Hair? Aloe vera gel. With salicylic acid, drying sulfur, and calming zinc oxide, this works overnight to dry, soothe and reduce the size of spots while you sleep. For example, lemon juice is very acidic and too harsh to use undiluted. McGregor D. (2007). This form of vitamin C stays stable, so it's more effective. "It is a very effective pigment reducer that you can use continuously without the risk of the side effects that can come with hydroquinone.". Traditional lotions not doing the trick? Dark spots, usually due to hyperpigmentation, are a common issue for people with black skin. And can I leave toothpaste on my face overnight? Many products and online sources claim that various home remedies can fade hyperpigmentation. The only way to get an accurate diagnosis is to see a specialist such as a dermatologist. While previously available over-the-counter (OTC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) changed the status of hydroquinone in 2021 and it is now only available as a prescription. Below are 3 ways to use toothpaste on pimples and dark spots. They contain retinoic acid, which works to increase cell turnover, speed up exfoliation, and promote new, healthy skin growth. So, while you can use toothpaste in a pinch, it's much better to get yourself some spot treatments that have been expertly formulated to treat and prevent. The enzyme papain breaks down inactive proteins and eliminates dead skin cells. Avoid spicy, fried, and extremely fatty foods, as this doubles the discharge of sebum. "Hydroquinone is one of the strongest and most effective brightening agents we have," she says. Hydroquinone is a popular ingredient in products for hyperpigmentation. Upsetting your pH with too much baking soda could lead to rashes and burning. Make sure you wear sunscreen every day. Retin-A (tretinoin) andsteroids may be prescribed in addition to or in place of hydroquinone, but they might not work as well, says William Rietkerk, MD, an associate professor of dermatology at New York Medical College. Hearst UK is the trading name of the National Magazine Company Ltd, 30 Panton Street, Leicester Square, London, SW1Y 4AJ. Keep scrolling for the WH edit of the best spot treatments to use instead of toothpaste. Massage for younger skin is necessary for our face: it promotes blood flow in the skin and improves metabolism, assists the cells to breathe . Notably, benzoyl peroxide can be bought over-the-counter, without a prescription, and is a particularly effective spot treatment. They appear gradually, usually on the face, neck, chest or back. 'You won't damage your skin this way and you'll be preventing suture flare-ups too,' adds Dr Ward. Available at Superdrug pharmacies, this potent cream contains 5% benzoyl peroxide whichis clinically proven to kill up to 95% of the bacteria that can causespots. You might also like:Magical Homemade Skin Whitening Recipes For Glowing Skin, If you want to Remove Dark Spots in a faster way, you can add some salt to toothpaste. Salicylic acid is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, and this lotion alsoworks to brighten a dull complexion. In theory, yes, putting toothpaste on a spot will help to dry it out. Shannon Lawlor is the Acting Senior Beauty Editor at Marie Claire. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. For example, the AAD warns against using liquid bleach on the skin. Technically speaking, most toothpastes contain ingredients like triclosan, which is anti-bacterial and may help to mitigate the acne-causing bacteria that lead to spots. Youth-prolonging massage. However, only use white toothpaste (preferably white Colgate . It will discuss their causes, how to get rid of them, and some treatment options. Dark spots that arise due to hormonal changes are not always avoidable. Find more articles, browse back issues, and read the current issue of ", By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Simple Test Could Assess Risk of Dementia, Long COVID Treatment Isn't One-Size-Fits-All, Stuck Stem Cells May Be to Blame for Gray Hair, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. Sea salt helps combat the overproduction of oil, leading to clogged pores. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. Always chose a white toothpaste and soft toothbrush to remove dark spots and not the colored ones.