Who does not familiar with antibacterial mouthwash product, Listerine? It has a long story world-wide before it became one of the most sold products of mouthwash stars. Yet, we may read or listen in some places that Listerine may work for pimple. Listerine for pimple works due to its antibacterial agent of the ingredients. Is it real or only placebo?
Is Listerine Good for Pimples?
As the product is intended to be used as mouthwash, the company of Listerine itself never officially recommends using their products as face wash for treating acne. However, let’s checking first what is in the ingredients of Listerine to know whether it works or not. The main base of Listerine is about alcohol, for example, the product of Listerine Gold contains 27 percent alcohol and flavored Listerine (e.g. peppermint, vanilla or orange) contains 21 percent alcohol.
It needs at least 40 percent alcohol to effectively kill bacteria on contact. Rubbing alcohol said to help dry your oily skin and get rid the bacteria that causes acne. It also considerably helps to reduce blackheads and pimples by routinely cleaning the damaged area three times a day. Still, rubbing too much alcohol can cause irritation, nausea, dizziness and affect eyesight. Particularly for people with sensitive and dry skin, alcohol can cause dryness and peeling resulted in producing more oil which only worsening your acne.
Other than alcohol, Listerine still contains with the combination of 4 essential oils, including eucalyptus, menthol, thymol, and methyl salicylate. Eucalyptus is an essential oil derived from eucalyptus tree which acts as an antibacterial and anti-fungal agent.
Menthol is identical with menthol in natural cornmint which bring germ killing properties. It helps to prevent bacterial growth in the mouth. Thymol is from ajowan herb which has antiseptic qualities to get rid oral infection to decrease the risk of bad breath and gum disease. Methyl salicylate is essential oil that identical with methyl salicylate in wintergreen. It only works to provide flavoring agents to give fresher breath.
Looking on the ingredients above, is it can really work for pimples? There are different thoughts on the issues. The proponent said that the combination ingredients of alcohol and essential oils are enough to kill the bacteria that cause acne like the main function to kill the bacteria in the mouth. For the topical therapy, you can use clean cotton ball to dab your skin with Listerine. On the contrary, the oppose side said that although Listerine work on preventing the breakouts of acne especially on sensitive skin, but the essential oils contents can cause breakout for people with allergy-prone skin.
How to Use Listerine for Acne?
Follow these instructions before applying Listerine on your pimple:
- Wash your face with warm water and dry it thoroughly.
- Use cotton ball to dab Listerine on the acne-affected areas.
Conclusion
There is no exact and enough scientific proof that said Listerine for pimple is actually working. However, the antimicrobial properties from the ingredients include alcohol and essential oils may work to prevent acne bacteria to grow faster. Particularly for you who have sensitive skin or major acne problem, ensure to consult with your doctor or dermatologist to get the best therapy for your acne problem.
