Doctor says you could 'ruin your face' if you make one skincare mistake

A UK doctor has warned against brushing your teeth after doing your skincare.

Dr Ree Adel has an interest in skin, hair and beauty, and she posts educational videos on social media relating to these topics, along with her twin sister Dr Aamna Adel, a consultant dermatologist. The twins have a YouTube channel to deliver dermatology, skincare and haircare information using an evidence based approach.

Taking to Instagram, Dr Ree explained how your toothpaste might be causing negative effects on your skin. She advises to brush your teeth before putting any skincare products on your face.

Speaking in her Instagram reel, she said: “Okay, not to sound dramatic but if you are brushing your teeth after doing your skincare then you are literally ruining your face. Let me explain: Toothpaste is actually packed with fluorides which are great for your teeth but not for your skin so if you are someone who is struggling with weird little breakouts and red flaky patches around your mouth you might well have perioral dermatitis and guess what?

“The culprit could be that tiny bit of toothpaste residue that’s just chilling on your face after you brush.” Perioral dermatitis is a common type of inflammatory skin rash consisting of a red rash that circles your mouth.

It can cause your skin to be scaly, dry and flake with swollen inflamed bumps called papules, according to Cleveland Clinic. Some people with perioral dermatitis report itches or burns.

The medical resource adds: “Additionally, you may develop vesicles (clear fluid-filled bumps) or pustules (white fluid-filled bumps). Although it is usually found around the mouth, perioral dermatitis can also move to your eyelids, or around your eyes and nose. It can also appear on your genitals, scalp, ears, neck, extremities and trunk. The rash can cause an itching or burning sensation.”

Cleveland Clinic states that women between 25 and 45 who use certain kinds of products are most at risk. It claims that experts have noted a number of possible causes of perioral dermatitis, including topical steroid creams, inhaled prescription steroid sprays, moisturisers and heavy face creams, chewing gum and fluorinated toothpaste, as highlighted by Dr Ree.

The medical professional continued: “The solution is so simple. You literally brush your teeth first then wash your face and then do the rest of your skincare.”

Dr Ree’s Instagram post, with the caption “this might explain the * rash* around your mouth”, has highlighted why it might be better to wait until after you’ve brushed your teeth to put any skincare products on your face.

It has been praised by dermatologists who left positive comments such as “yes so true.” Another Instagram user said: “Thank you for this!”