What Does Hydrogen Peroxide Do For Acne?
Acne is caused when your skin produces excess sebum (the natural oil that helps keep your skin moisturized and healthy) (1). When there is too much sebum on your skin, some of it ends up clogging your pores along with dead skin cells and bacteria. Acne can also be caused by hormonal imbalances, lifestyle, genetics, and bacteria. This leads to the formation of a pimple. Hydrogen peroxide may lose its extra oxygen atom when applied to the skin. This oxidization process may create an unfavorable environment for the bacteria that cause acne, killing them and giving your skin a chance to heal. Peroxide also works as a peeling agent, which helps exfoliate your skin, exposing newer and healthier skin. It prevents further breakouts by drying out the oils on your skin. While hydrogen peroxide is an extremely efficient spot treatment for acne, it must be used with caution. Using it too often can damage your skin.
How To Use Hydrogen Peroxide For Acne
I’ve put together a list of the 7 different ways you could use hydrogen peroxide to treat acne. NOTE: Ensure that the hydrogen peroxide solution is not stronger than 3%. If you have extremely sensitive skin, consult a dermatologist before you try any of these remedies. Most of these remedies will make your skin feel tingly, but if this becomes painful, wash your face with cold water immediately and consult a dermatologist.
1. Hydrogen Peroxide For Acne
Facial cleanser Towel Cotton pad 3% hydrogen peroxide Non-comedogenic moisturizer
5 minutes. 2-3 times a week until the acne subsides. If you have dry skin, do not repeat this treatment more than twice a week. Hydrogen peroxide is a disinfectant that may destroy the acne bacteria, giving your skin a chance to heal (2). It also helps exfoliate your skin, revealing a newer and healthier layer of skin. NOTE: Always do a patch test before using any new product or serum to confirm that your skin doesn’t have any sensitivity to it.
2. Baking Soda And Hydrogen Peroxide For Pimples
Facial cleanser Towel 1 tbsp hydrogen peroxide 1 tbsp baking soda Non-comedogenic moisturizer Glass/plastic bowl Wooden/plastic spoon
5 minutes. Once a week. Baking soda may help maintain the pH balance of your skin while also exfoliating it. While most people use baking soda by itself to treat acne, in combination with hydrogen peroxide it may destroy all the pimples on your skin and then lets your skin do the rest. This remedy also helps get rid of excess oil from your skin.
3. Tea Tree Oil And Hydrogen Peroxide For Acne
Facial cleanser Towel 1 tbsp tea tree oil 1 tsp 3% hydrogen peroxide Plastic/glass bowl Plastic/wooden spoon Non-comedogenic moisturizer
5 minutes. 1-2 times a week. Tea tree oil is commonly used to treat acne because of its powerful antibacterial properties (3). This mixture is quite potent, so ensure that you do not use it more than twice a week. When used correctly, you may start noticing positive results right from the first use. NOTE: If you have sensitive skin, tea tree oil can be harsh for you, so be sure before using it to avoid any irritation to the skin.
4. Lemon Juice And Hydrogen Peroxide For Acne
Facial cleanser Towel 1 tsp lemon juice 1 tsp 3% hydrogen peroxide Plastic/glass bowl Plastic/wooden spoon Non-comedogenic moisturizer
5 minutes. Once a week. Lemon juice is a natural lightening agent (4). When combined with hydrogen peroxide, it may help reduce acne and also lighten hyperpigmented skin left behind from acne breakouts. If you are wondering how to use hydrogen peroxide for acne scars, follow the same recipe. This remedy will also help control oil production and will prevent future breakouts.
5. Borax And Hydrogen Peroxide
Facial cleanser Towel 1 tbsp borax 1 tsp 3% hydrogen peroxide 1 tbsp water Plastic/glass bowl Plastic/wooden spoon Non-comedogenic moisturizer
5 minutes. Once a week. Borax may help exfoliate your skin while eliminating dead skin cells and bacteria. When used in combination with hydrogen peroxide, it gives your skin a fresh start by eliminating all the acne-causing bacteria. However, more information is warranted in this regard. NOTE: If you have cystic acne, you should see a dermatologist as you may require prescription antibiotics and medications to treat your condition.
6. Aloe Vera And Hydrogen Peroxide For Acne
Facial cleanser Towel 1 tbsp aloe vera gel 1-2 tsp 3% hydrogen peroxide Cotton pad Plastic/glass bowl Plastic/wooden spoon
5 minutes. 1-2 times a week. Aloe vera may help tackle acne and redness with its antibacterial properties (5). It may also boost the healing process with its high content of antioxidants (5). After the hydrogen peroxide disinfects your skin, the aloe vera gel will help soothe the redness while nourishing and moisturizing your skin.
7. Aspirin And Hydrogen Peroxide For Acne
Facial cleanser Towel 5 tsp 3% hydrogen peroxide 3 powdered aspirin tablets A plastic/wooden spoon Glass/plastic bowl Non-comedogenic moisturizer
5 minutes. Once a week. Aspirin has anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe your skin. It also contains salicylic acid (6), which is a common ingredient in a lot of acne creams. This combination of hydrogen peroxide and aspirin will put an end to the acne on your skin.
Pros And Cons Of Using Hydrogen Peroxide For Acne
Pros
Effective spot treatment. Dries out the acne and allows the skin to heal. Exfoliates skin. Prevents future breakouts. Inhibits oil production.
Cons
Excessive use may damage skin and result in premature aging. Not advised for people with dry skin.
Does hydrogen peroxide clear dark spots? Yes, hydrogen peroxide can clear dark spots. However, it may trigger skin irritation, and its action is very slow. Does hydrogen peroxide dissolve blackheads? Yes, hydrogen peroxide has the ability to dissolve blackheads. It can be mixed with water and used. What should you not mix with hydrogen peroxide? Vinegar should not be mixed with hydrogen peroxide, as this duo exhibits excessive cleaning properties. How do I use hydrogen peroxide to bleach my skin? Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent and can be applied to the skin. However, it should be diluted with water.
