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22May

How to Clean Your Retainer | Tips & Tricks

Shakara Robinson

15May

Blemish Control: Is Toothpaste for Acne Effective?

Shakara Robinson

It’s the night before a job interview and you discover a huge pimple on your nose. You reach for the toothpaste, following the words of an old home remedy. Toothpaste is a key part of your daily oral health routine, but could it also come in handy in a beauty emergency?

Here is more information on using toothpaste for acne:

Choose the Right Toothpaste

1. Avoid Gel: Gel-based toothpastes may not be as effective in drying out and shrinking your pimple.

2. Go Natural: Look for natural or organic toothpastes—they contain helpful ingredients like witch hazel, tea tree oil, aloe, or eucalyptus.

3. Watch the Whitening: Toothpastes with polishing or bleaching chemicals can irritate your skin.

Test Your Skin First

One of the reasons toothpaste is known to be a temporary acne cure is because it includes ingredients that are drying agents--baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. But if you have sensitive skin, these ingredients can make the situation worse. Test your skin by using a small amount on the back of your hand before using toothpaste for acne.

How to Apply Toothpaste for Acne

1. Wash your hands to avoid spreading more germs to your pores, then wash your face and pat it dry.

2. Apply a thin layer directly on the pimple. No need to rub it in.

*If you feel burning or itching, your toothpaste may not be right for your skin. Rinse it off immediately.

3. Let it sit overnight, or at least 1-2 hours.

4. Rinse your face with cool water and pat dry.

Pro tip: Use a gentle moisturizer on the area to prevent dryness.

Using toothpaste for acne should be a short-term remedy. Eating the right foods and staying hydrated can also help prevent breakouts by keeping your overall health in shape.

More oral health tips to keep a healthy and happy smile:

• What Causes Yellow Teeth? Causes and Culprits

• Why Do Cavities Hurt?

08May

How Long Can You Stay on Your Parents’ Health Insurance?

Shakara Robinson

01May

Sugar-Free Barbecue Sauce

Shakara Robinson

What’s better to put on top of ribs, grilled chicken or a pulled pork sandwich than barbecue sauce? Unfortunately, barbecue sauce is a repeat offender in the sugar department. Common ingredients include ketchup, maple syrup, brown sugar and molasses. Do your smile a favor and opt for this sugar-free barbecue sauce:

INGREDIENTS

• 3 6-ounce cans of tomato paste

• ½ cup chopped onion

• 2 garlic cloves

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 tablespoons equivalent of sugar substitute

• 1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 ½ tablespoons yellow mustard

• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¾ teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke

• 2 bouillon cubes dissolved in ½ cup water

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, sauté the onion and garlic until the onion is translucent.

2. Add the bouillon in water to the saucepan and bring to a boil.

3. Reduce the heat and add all remaining ingredients. Bring to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, stirring often.

4. Optional: Once the sauce has simmered, set aside and cool completely. Add the sauce to a blender and blend until smooth.

Note: This sugar-free barbecue sauce will keep in the fridge for about a week, and can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months in an airtight container.

24Apr