Does Toothpaste Rid Acne or Cause Acne ?

By Winnona Carter - Medical Research Editor | April 9th, 2012

That toothpaste home remedy that you are using to treat your pimple breakout may be causing you more harm than good.

When someone spots trouble on their facial skin they consider a number of possible culprits. However, one product that may be the cause of their discomfort is often never considered: toothpaste.

Certain ingredients in toothpaste can create skin irritation leading to the development of bumps, sores, redness, rashes and even chronic rosacea. And just like the ingredients in certain food products, ingredients found in toothpaste can also cause an allergic reaction.

A group of experts noted in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology that a study that evaluated the ingredients listed in 153 different flavors of toothpastes found that only five percent listed specific flavoring ingredients. Thus, people that are sensitive to particular elements of toothpaste are not aware to avoid the offending flavor.

The researchers believe that this finding is one of the reasons why people are confusing skin allergies and irritation with acne leading to mistreatment of their conditions and prolonged uneasiness.

Dr. Richard Gallo, chair of the dermatology department at the University of California at San Diego told the Chicago Tribune that "the mint and cinnamon flavorings of toothpaste are major culprits in skin reactions".

The lead author on the study, Dr. Andrew Scheman, a dermatologist at the North Shore Center for Medical Aesthetics in Northbrook, Ill, who specializes in contact allergies, noted that sodium lauryl sulfate, a foaming detergent, is a common irritant that affects the skin located around the mouth.

Some skin experts have even pointed a finger at fluoride as being an irritant that causes a rash of tiny red bumps around the mouth. However, only a small number of studies have proven the assumption to be true.

Gallo advises individuals who are worried that they are allergic to toothpaste ingredients to see a specialist for testing.

There is toothpaste available that is not flavored, but it may be difficult to find. Some flavored brands list all ingredients in their products; however, the wording may be too scientific. An easy way to find out what the ingredients are in your preferred brand of toothpaste is to search online or by contacting your dentist.

Please see a dermatologist or talk to a dentists for any questions you may have regarding acne, skin allergies or dental care.