“Using toothpaste for acne typically does more harm than good,” says S. Tyler Hollmig, MD, the director of laser and cosmetic dermatology at the University of Texas at Austin’s Dell Medical School.

Toothpaste can irritate and dry out the skin, worsening acne. Triclosan in toothpaste is less effective than other acne treatments. Hydrocolloid patches absorb fluid and reduce inflammation to heal ...