Can toothpaste, feminine wash and rice water really cure pimples?

Can toothpaste, feminine wash, and rice water really cure pimples?

In an episode of Pinoy MD, medical skin experts Dr. Jean Marquez and Dr. Zharlah Gulmatico-Flores answered which among these alternative products, fast becoming a fad online, are truly beneficial when it comes to curing acne.

But Dr. Jean warned everybody to be cautious of  following testimonials and fads online.

"'Pag may mga nagsasabi ng testimonial mag-ingat po tayo doon kasi testimonial lang 'yon. Kumbaga hindi pa po yung pag-aaral o hindi pa yun conclusive," she said.

Toothpaste: Myth

Dr. Zharla said toothpaste contains ingredients that have a  drying effect including hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, menthol, essential oil and triclosan.

"So maybe yung nakatuklas nito yung may acne siya tapos natuyuan ng toothpaste yung acne niya, talagang nag-dry,"  Chair Public Relations and External Affairs Philippine Dermatological Society, Dr. Zharlah speculated.

She noted that because it contains drying substances, "instead of really treating the main cause of acne, later on it can irritate the skin."

Feminine wash: Myth

According to Dr. Jean of DARE, feminine wash can only be used as a toner or cleanser.

"Hindi siya totally will target all the problems with the acne. Kumbaga, tinatanggal lang niya yung oil, yung dead skin or yung excess oil doon sa ating balat, so it is not a treatment of acne pa rin," she said.

Rice water: Fact

Dr. Zharla said rice water has already been gaining popularity right now and she confirmed that it can actually really be used to wash your face to dry your pimples.

She said it's because the water contains "essential vitamins may vitamin C, may vitamin D siya nakakatulong talaga siya sa skin."

Pinoy MD suggested that on the second time you wash your rice, leave the water for 15 minutes then transfer it to another bottle for you to use on your skin.

Dr. Zharla reminded that people should consume it within 2 to 3 days.

"'Yung tinabi mo dapat you'll have to consume it 2-3 days, kasi mamaya mag-harbor ng bacteria  mag-cause o magagrevate ng pimples mo later on."

Pinoy MD noted that it's always better to consult a dermatologist or follow the proper steps to cure acne such as using a mild facial wash, antibiotic toners, and exfoliating creams. — Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/LA, GMA News