Here is the theory behind the toothpaste myth...toothpaste is extremely drying and high in Alcohol, and as a result when you apply it to a blemish/pimple it"drys" it out. With that being said it does not have any anti-bacterial of anti-microbial benefits so you are in no was killing the acne causing bacteria that is under the surface. So yes you have dried up the blemish but you haven't address what caused the blemish in the first place. So as soon as oil, dirt and debris builds back up on the skin you will be right back where you started...with toothpaste covered pimples! My suggestion to you is a product called End-Zit and it can be found at www.SkinRxClinic.com. I have always had acne, it was the cystic type and and they were big, hard, under the skin bumps that would not for the life of me go away and couldn't be extracted/popped. The only product that I found worked, and work fast was the End-Zit Acne Control Drying Lotion. Almost overnight this product can heal and minimize the appearance of pimples. The active ingredient is Sulfur 5% instead of your typical Salicylic or Benzoyl Peroxide Acne products. The product lasts forever! All you need is a dab before bed at night and your pimples will be gone in the morning!