Most of us know the disappointment of waking up with a pimple on our face. It often stands out, is difficult to cover up with makeup, and remains on the back of your mind all day. An occasional pimple here and there is not a major cause for concern. However, persistent acne can have widespread negative impacts on your life. Acne is a common skin condition that affects the vast majority of people ages 12 to 24. While it is commonly associated with puberty, acne can continue into adulthood. Addressing the skin condition with an effective acne treatment is important, but in a rush, many people wonder, does toothpaste help clear acne? We share the answer to this question and more information about acne below.
Does Toothpaste Help Clear Acne?
There are a lot of people who try at-home remedies for their acne. One of the common methods that has circulated for years is using toothpaste on pimples. Toothpaste contains several drying ingredients. These often include baking soda, alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide. Acne is caused by bacteria and oil that clog pores. Using drying ingredients on a pimple makes sense. However, there are several reasons you should avoid using toothpaste to address acne.
Using toothpaste on acne can cause more issues. This is because toothpaste is made for your teeth, not your skin. The harsh nature of toothpaste can irritate the skin. Some people who have tried it experience redness, irritation, and even burned skin. Toothpaste can also cause more breakouts. Skin irritation can trigger more breakouts. The ingredients in toothpaste strip away your skin’s natural oils. This leads to more oil production. Because of the risks, avoid using toothpaste on your breakout. There are several other safer and more effective options.
Effective Acne Treatment Methods
The type of acne treatment that is right for you depends on the severity of your symptoms and the type of acne you have. A skilled dermatologist can assess your skin and provide you with a personalized treatment plan. Below are some of the most effective acne treatment options.
Oral Medications
Oral acne medication is proven to be an effective treatment method. It works by addressing acne from the inside out. Oral treatments include antibiotics that kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation. This is effective for moderate to severe acne, and it works well when combined with topical treatments.
Hormonal medications can also be used to address acne. This oral treatment is best for patients with hormonal acne. It is effective in addressing menstrual-related breakouts and can address oily skin. This treatment option can take some time to begin working. However, it can be used with other treatment options to address acne as quickly as possible.
Laser Acne Treatment
Laser therapy is highly effective for moderate to severe acne. It uses light therapy to target acne-causing bacteria. It also reduces inflammation and shrinks oil glands. Depending on the type of laser treatment, there are additional benefits. Some laser therapies also reduce acne scars by stimulating collagen production in your skin. Increased collagen production will leave your skin looking clearer and healthier than ever.
For patients who do not want to or are not candidates for oral medication, laser treatment is a great option. It is non-invasive and provides lasting results. Depending on the severity of your acne, it often takes multiple treatment sessions.
Injection Treatment
A skilled dermatologist can use Cortisone injections to address inflamed pimples. Some pimples can become inflamed and are like a cyst or nodule on your skin. A corticosteroid can be injected directly into the pimple. This reduces the swelling and redness within 48 hours.
Injection treatment is a great option to treat large, painful acne. Many people opt for this treatment if they have an important event coming up. It works quickly and prevents scarring. Redness and swelling go down quickly. However, it is not a long-term solution for acne.
Topical Medications
Topical treatments have been proven to be effective at treating mild to moderate acne. They are applied directly to the skin and contain ingredients that kill bacteria, unclog pores, and reduce oil production. Common ingredients include retinoids, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide. In some cases, antibiotics may be necessary to address bacteria and inflammation.
Topical medications can take some time to see results. In some cases, it may cause redness, peeling, or irritation. However, they are effective and easy to use. Depending on the type and severity of your skin condition, topical treatments can be combined with other treatment options for maximum effectiveness.
Acne Treatment in Los Angeles
If you suffer from acne and would like to get effective treatment, contact the team at Ohara Dermatology today to schedule a consultation!