
A skincare expert has revealed a connection between acne breakouts and your teeth-brushing routine. Dr. Mehss, a medical student from Turkey, suggests that the order in which you brush your teeth could be contributing to unwanted pimples.
What Dr. Mehss revealed In a viral TikTok, Dr. Mehss shared photos of patients with breakouts around their chin, mouth, and jawline, captioning the clip: “POV: You brush your teeth after washing your face.
” Dr. Mehss explained that brushing your teeth after cleansing your face allows bacteria from your mouth to spread to your skin, potentially causing acne. Additionally, leftover toothpaste residue can lead to dryness and irritation.
“If you brush your teeth after washing your face, you may be doing your skin a disservice,” she captioned the clip. “Residual toothpaste that dribbles onto your chin may cause your skin to dry out or become irritated, and some of the active ingredients in toothpaste can cause breakouts. Dermatologists and dentists agree brushing your teeth should always come before washing your face.
” Also Read: Can simply brushing your teeth make them whiter and brighter? Dentist shares most effective ways to whiten teeth What research found This advice is backed by research. A 1983 safety assessment published in the International Journal of Toxicology found that Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), a common toothpaste ingredient, can cause mild to moderate skin irritation with prolonged exposure. Dr.
Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, also weighed in during a 2019 interview with Well + Good. “SLS is the prototypical sulfate ingredient that has been removed from sulfate-free products. It’s a known irritant, causing skin inflammation.
It used to be used commonly in cleansers and toothpaste because it acts as a surfactant to help remove dirt from the skin and gunk from teeth," Dr. Zeichner said. Also Read: Skipping brushing your teeth before sleep? Doctor explains how your heart is paying the price What are the most common causes of acne? Acne is primarily caused by a combination of factors such as hormonal changes, excess oil production, clogged pores, and the presence of bacteria, according to Penn Medicine.
Harvard Health adds that adult acne can result from hormonal fluctuations, stress, certain medications, genetics, and even specific dietary habits or skincare products..