What Are Blackheads?
Blackheads may appear to be dirt trapped in your skin but they actually develop from the inside out and are a precursor to pimples. A blackhead is “a blockage of the hair follicles by sebum and keratin from the skin cells that have been shed,” according to the website for England's public healthcare. The blockage oxidizes and turns black when it comes into contact with air. In other words, blackheads are really just a buildup of natural oils and bacteria.
Toothpaste Helps Clear Up Blackheads
Depending on your skin type, your body may produce more or less natural oils. Toothpaste contains ingredients such as triclosan, alcohol, menthol, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, among others, that can dry out the skin. Triclosan, an active ingredient found in many bathroom products, is an antibacterial agent that is particularly effective at drying out excess oil trapped in pores.
How to Apply Toothpaste to get rid of Blackheads and Pimples
Apply the toothpaste in one small area to start, leave it on for 15 minutes and then remove it. If your skin looks red and irritated, you may want to try a commercial product specifically formulated to remove blackheads. If your skin has no adverse reaction, you can apply the paste to other spots and leave it on overnight.
