Surely not everyone knows that toothpaste can be used not only for its intended purpose - to care for teeth and oral cavity. This product may be useful in some other hygiene and cosmetic procedures. For example, to combat problems with the skin of the face and décolleté. But these are very specific techniques, about which many dermatologists speak very negatively. But still, in some cases, small secrets for non-standard use of toothpaste can help solve certain appearance problems.
What substances are undesirable for facial cleansing?
Some active ingredients that may be included in oral care products can be irritating to the skin of the face.
- If your toothpaste contains sodium lauryl sulfate, triclosan, sodium fluoride, then you should note that these components have an active effect on the skin. Thus, sodium lauryl sulfate is a strong surfactant, triclosan is an antibacterial and antifungal substance with a wide spectrum of action, and sodium fluoride is a detergent, that is, an effective cleaning agent. All of them are active skin irritants, the effect of which, if possible, is only short-term and rare.
- Calcium carbonate, which can also be found in toothpaste, is a natural white food coloring.
- Zinc has a drying effect on the skin and has an antimicrobial effect.
- Gel toothpaste contains much more artificial chemical components than thick white toothpaste.
As you can see, you can’t just take the existing toothpaste from the bathroom shelf and try to solve your skin problems with it. First, carefully read its composition and decide for yourself whether it is worth resorting to such help.
Alternative option
The most effective way to whiten your teeth is to choose the option of professional teeth cleaning, discussing with your dentist all the features and effects of the procedure. These types of cleanses provide more noticeable, faster and longer-lasting results. The procedure generally takes about an hour, depending on the condition of the teeth. In addition, professional teeth cleaning is also useful in preventing caries, because By removing the stains, it will be easier to detect the initial stages of caries. In any case, consulting a dentist is the best way to solve any problems related to the color and health of your teeth, and to find the right solution to these problems.
Allergy tests
If you decide to try using toothpaste as an auxiliary means of caring for your skin and its problem areas, then first test its effect on an inconspicuous small area. Apply a very small amount of paste in the evening to the area under the chin and under the ear. After some time, remove the paste using a cotton pad soaked in warm water. Carefully inspect the places where the unusual hygiene product was located. If the skin becomes red or, on the contrary, becomes very discolored, a burning sensation appears and it begins to peel, then this toothpaste cannot be used to treat skin problems. Even while the paste is on the skin, listen carefully to your sensations - an unpleasant burning, tingling, itching sensation should alert you. It is best to immediately remove the toothpaste and not use it for other purposes.
Some rules and features
The difficulty in using toothpaste to care for facial skin is that no one can clearly say in what quantity it should be applied and how long to leave it on for an effective effect, because it is unusual to clean the skin of the face with toothpaste. Some people advise applying it directly to problem areas of the skin at night. But if you have sensitive skin, then within a few hours the paste can have a very negative effect and cause extensive irritation. If you want to use a paste to cleanse your face, use it for a short time to minimize any risk of skin damage. In addition, apply it directly to the problem area, being careful not to touch healthy skin.
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Many of those who have used toothpaste to deal with skin inflammation believe that the paste must be left on for a sufficiently long time to be effective. But if the skin is sensitive, you should not do this, since instead of inflammation you can get severe irritation, which can again result in the development of an inflammatory process. Use this non-standard method only in emergency cases.
Cases in which a toothpaste mask is effective
A toothpaste mask will cost you, literally, cheap. You just need to know when its use would be appropriate:
- treatment of acne or pustular rash - the mask will help dissolve the fatty film and remove impurities from the skin pores, in addition, the antiseptic components included in the paste will effectively destroy microorganisms and eliminate inflammatory processes. You can also use a hercules mask;
- blackheads - masks containing soda or other abrasive particles are suitable to combat them. The composition will perform the function of a scrub with an antiseptic;
- skin cleansing – deep skin cleansing is possible thanks to a mask containing pyrophosphates, which soften the stratum corneum of the epithelium and promote skin renewal;
- whitening - a mask with hydrogen peroxide will not only disinfect the skin, but also whiten it a little. The effect can be compared with other remedies such as clay or cucumber;
- nutrition with hydration - a mask with extracts of medicinal herbs perfectly nourishes and moisturizes the skin of the face, gently cleanses it.
Despite the positive properties of toothpaste, it must be used with caution, as undesirable reactions on the skin are possible:
- If the mask is used frequently, the components of the dental product will destroy the natural protective bacterial barrier of the skin, which will cause a response - pustules or redness will appear;
- Using a mask without prior testing can lead to an allergic skin reaction to the components of the paste, so before use, do a sensitivity test, and at the first sign of redness or itching on the skin, wash off the substance with water and take antihistamines;
- A dental mask should not be used for extensive deep purulent skin lesions, as well as for the presence of damage to the skin. Such a procedure will only worsen the existing situation. In this case, you can use a cucumber mask.
Knowing the pros and cons of this method of facial care, you will objectively evaluate the benefits of using a toothpaste mask.
How to wash off the paste?
If you do decide to use toothpaste, applying it to small areas of the skin to cope with inflammation, pimples, blackheads and acne, then after some time you need to wash it off. This should be done with lukewarm water, rubbing the skin in a circular motion, or with your fingertips, or with a cotton pad. Once the paste is completely removed from the skin, rinse your face with cool water to help soothe the skin. Then pat your face dry with a clean towel and apply moisturizer.
Daily washing
If you have tested for allergies to a specific type of toothpaste, tried to remove inflammation from the skin with its help, and you succeeded, then this paste can be used as a means for daily washing. Naturally, there is no need to squeeze the paste into your palm, smear it over your face, and then wash off this mask with water. If you need to use fairly harsh facial cleansing for a couple of days to get rid of acne, for example, then do so. Take a clean cup and squeeze out half a teaspoon of paste into it. Pour a small amount of water into the cup and mix well to obtain a homogeneous liquid mass. Wash your face with the resulting product, gently massaging it onto the skin. Carefully monitor your sensations - if a burning sensation begins, immediately rinse the paste with warm water. A one-time wash with an unusual product will not help get rid of the problem, but if you use it for two or three days, it will significantly improve the condition of the skin, especially if you also use medications to eliminate the problem.
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After using a toothpaste-based cleanser, be sure to lubricate your skin with a nourishing or moisturizing cream.
Indications for use
Using toothpaste for the face in the form of a mask is possible in the following cases:
- Against acne and pimples . The paste has bactericidal properties, destroying microorganisms that cause various rashes. In addition, the paste dissolves fats on the surface of the skin, which serve as a breeding ground for bacteria, and also reduces the secretion of the sebaceous glands.
- Against blackheads . In this case, a paste with hard abrasive particles will do, or you can simply add baking soda as a substitute.
- Facial cleansing . The principle is the same as with blackheads. In addition, the paste will help get rid of dead cells that prevent healthy skin from accessing oxygen and nutrients. The alcohol in the paste will dissolve fats and remove greasy shine.
- Tonic . The paste perfectly nourishes and tones the skin. It helps to penetrate deep into the facial tissues when used in combination with other products in the mask. The skin of the face takes on a healthy and ruddy appearance thanks to menthol and essential oils.
- Whitening and getting rid of freckles . The paste removes all pathologies on the face, brightening it and revealing healthy skin. At the same time, both freckles and other formations disappear. The pastes also contain special whitening components that will further enhance the effect.
What else will help your skin be clean and free of inflammation?
Yes, many toothpastes contain active ingredients that have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and drying effects. This is exactly what inflamed skin that is prone to pimples, acne, and irritation needs. But as a cosmetic product, toothpaste is not the best option. It’s better to find a suitable product for yourself from a pharmacy or a specialized department of a cosmetics store. Such products will contain salicylic acid, extracts of some medicinal plants, and bioactive components. It is better to use special care products and medications than experiment with toothpaste. Remember that dental care product should only be used in an emergency.
Question No. 1. Is it true that whitening toothpastes are harmful to teeth?
True, if you use cheap, highly abrasive pastes. The abrasive particles they contain scratch tooth enamel like scouring powder scratching a kitchen stove. There are five levels of paste abrasiveness in total. On the packaging it is marked with the index RDA (Radioactive Dentin Abrasion) and indicates the particle size.
When choosing a whitening paste for adults, you should know that its optimal level of abrasiveness is RDA 70-120. Among such pastes, LACALUT White (abrasiveness index - RDA 120), SPLAT whitening Plus, SILCA Arctic White (abrasivity index - RDA 85), PRESIDENT White have proven themselves well. Pastes with a high level of abrasiveness (120-160) should be used to clean pigmented enamel no more than twice a week. Dentists use a range of pastes, for example, PRESIDENT White Plus.”
The main thing is expert advice
If the problem of the external condition of the skin of the face and décolleté is a constant or regularly occurring problem for you, then to eliminate it you need to consult with a specialist - a dermatologist. In the vast majority of cases, this condition of the skin is caused by problems with the internal organs and systems of the human body. If necessary, the doctor will recommend consultation with specialized specialists - nutritionist, endocrinologist, hematologist. Only a specialist can prescribe oral medications - antibiotics, hormonal medications, sedatives. Medicinal plants, which are recommended by the attending physician, effectively help in solving skin problems.
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Tea tree
Tea tree leaf extract has been known for its antibacterial properties for centuries. Today you can buy the oil of this plant in pharmacies and cosmetics stores. Apply it with a cotton swab to the problem area - redness or pimple. The oil will have the desired therapeutic effect, while allergies to its components occur in extremely rare cases.
Papaya
Papaya seed extract is a unique remedy for facial skin. It not only helps get rid of acne and redness, but has a rejuvenating effect due to its exfoliating effect, leaving the skin filled with radiance and freshness. This is a biological process carried out through the action of a specific enzyme, papain, which affects inactive protein bonds, causing them to disintegrate, due to which the removal of dead epithelial cells occurs.
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What are the dangers of using this product?
If you choose the wrong toothpaste or apply it all over your face in its pure form, you can cause a chemical burn, severe peeling, irritation, and inflammation of the skin. Aggressive components in the stave will destroy the epidermal barrier and aggravate the situation. Experts know how to get rid of acne with toothpaste without harming the body.
They recommend following the basic rules:
- do not keep the composition for more than 3 hours if not necessary;
- apply the product locally, being careful not to touch healthy areas;
- if the pimple was previously squeezed out, do not lubricate the wound with the drug;
- stop using it if you experience severe burning and itching.
In addition, contraindications must be taken into account, since not only the face, but also health in general may be affected.
