EXCLUSIVE: I’m a dermatologist – there’s one surprising thing most people do every day that raises the risk of zits on their chin

A dermatologist has revealed the one thing that could be causing zits to erupt on your face.

Dr Joshua Zeichner, from Mount Sinai in New York, said brushing your teeth after having a shower can lead to saliva getting onto your chin.

This is acidic and is also laden with bacteria that can irritate the skin, he explained, causing zits to appear. Toothpaste can also irritate the skin.

Washing the face after brushing is the best way to avoid this, which can be done in the shower or by using a simple cloth. 

Dentists say everyone should brush their teeth for two minutes twice per day (stock image)

The above pictures show zits that dermatologists say can appear on your chin if you brush your teeth after you’ve showered

Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, Dr Zeichner said: ‘Brushing your teeth before the shower is a good idea because water from the shower will help remove any residual saliva or toothpaste from the skin. 

‘[But] a shower is not necessary, as a rinsing of the lower face with water after brushing should be sufficient to get the job done.’

Dr Joshua Zeichner, from Mount Sinai in New York, said brushing your teeth after having a shower can cause zits to appear

Saliva can irritate the skin because it is highly acidic and able to damage the skin barrier, causing pimples.

It also contains bacteria that can clog pores in the face, leading to a build-up of fluid and bacteria within them that causes pimples to appear.

Toothpaste — which is only meant to touch the skin for a short period — can also irritate the skin and cause zits.

Dr Zeichner added: ‘After you brush your teeth, it is important to wash your face to remove any excess saliva that comes in contact with the skin.

‘Toothpaste itself can also be associated with a variety of rashes if it comes in contact with the skin.

‘It is designed for short-term contact with the inside of the mouth, not to sit on the skin.

‘Toothpaste can lead to redness, dryness and irritation. Fluorinated toothpaste has been linked to a rash called perioral dermatitis, where pimples and bumps develop around the mouth.’

Dr Zeichner said saliva is acidic and contains bacteria that can irritate the skin, causing zits to appear

Dentists say everyone should brush their teeth for two minutes twice a day, once in the morning after waking up and once in the evening before going to bed.

There is some disagreement over whether to brush before or after breakfast, but experts say it is important to wash away saliva from around the mouth after brushing.

Those who argue people should brush before breakfast say this is essential because the bacteria population is at its peak in the morning and should be quickly removed.

But those arguing the other way point out that most people are not that good at brushing, so it is best to wait until after breakfast in order to ensure as many bacteria are removed as possible.

Dentists say you can use either an electric or manual toothbrush, although some studies suggest electric ones are better at removing plaque from the teeth.

Failing to brush teeth regularly opens someone up to a higher risk of tooth decay — leaving them needing expensive fillings — gum disease and bad breath.

Many health insurance plans do not initially cover dental care, with this having to be added on for a premium.

But, despite the risks, surveys suggest that as many as one in three Americans still fail to routinely brush their teeth every day.

The ‘hack’ of brushing your teeth before showering was first revealed in a social media video by Turkish medical student Dr Mehravesh SeyyedSayyah — who uses the handle dr.mehss.

She said: ‘If you are planning to shower and have fresh teeth at the same time, brush your teeth first so that taking a shower can help rinse your face from bacteria and toothpaste mirco-remains afterward.’