Why You Should Never Put Lemon Or Toothpaste On Pimple: Dermatologist Explains

We have all done it. A pimple appears before a wedding, a party, or an important meeting, and someone says, “Put toothpaste on it; it will dry overnight” or “Rub lemon; it will go away.” 

It sounds easy, cheap, and natural. But dermatologists say this is one of the worst things you can do to your skin.Dr Rinky Kapoor, Co-Founder and Director, The Esthetic Clinics®*, explains why lemon and toothpaste should never go on a pimple.

Why Toothpaste Is Bad For Pimples?

Toothpaste is made for teeth, not skin. It contains ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), fluoride, menthol, triclosan, and strong fragrances.

1. It Burns And Irritates Skin

Toothpaste dries out the pimple, but it also dries out the healthy skin around it. This causes redness, peeling, burning, and itching. For sensitive and acne-prone skin, it can trigger a chemical burn.

2. It Does Not Treat Acne

Toothpaste does not kill acne-causing bacteria or reduce oil from inside the pore. It only gives a temporary drying effect on the surface. The pimple often comes back bigger and more inflamed.

3. It Can Cause Dark Spots

Repeated use of toothpaste on pimples can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation - dark brown or black marks that stay for months.

Why Lemon Is Bad For Pimples?

Lemon feels natural, so people think it is safe. But lemon is highly acidic with a pH of 2.

1. It Causes Chemical Burns

Applying lemon directly on an open, inflamed pimple can burn the skin. You may feel a tingling at first, but it can lead to redness, blisters, and peeling.

2. It Makes Skin Sensitive To Sun

Lemon contains psoralen, which reacts with sunlight and causes phytophotodermatitis. This means if you apply lemon and go out in the sun, you can get severe rashes, dark patches, and burns. Dermatologists call this the ‘lemon-sun burn’.

3. It Damages Skin Barrier

Lemon strips away the natural protective layer of the skin. This makes acne worse, increases dryness, and makes skin more prone to infection.

Lemon and toothpaste are two of the most common DIY mistakes. People suffer from burns, dark spots, and worsened acne, all because of a quick home remedy. Your face is not an experiment.

What To Do Instead Of Lemon And Toothpaste?

If you have a sudden pimple, don’t panic and don’t pick it.

1. Ice It: Wrap ice in a clean cloth and press for 1-2 minutes. It reduces swelling and redness.

2. Use Salicylic Acid Spot Treatment: A 2% salicylic acid gel works on the pimple from inside.

3. Use Benzoyl Peroxide: A small amount on the pimple can help kill bacteria.

4. Pimple Patch: Hydrocolloid patches protect the pimple, absorb pus, and prevent you from touching it.

5. See a Dermatologist: If you get frequent, painful, cystic acne, consult a dermatologist instead of trying home remedies.

The Golden Rule For Acne

If you would not put it in your eyes, don’t put it on an active pimple. Your skin is already inflamed and broken. It needs gentle, medical care, not kitchen experiments. Pimples are temporary, but scars from lemon and toothpaste burns can last for years. So next time someone suggests toothpaste or lemon for a pimple, say no. Your skin will thank you.

(Image Credits: Pinterest)

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