Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful antiseptic used for the cleansing of wounds and other infection. In addition, it is also effective in clearing acne by eradicating the bacteria in the skin and allowing the acne to reduce inflammation and heal. Hydrogen peroxide has a chemical name of H2O2. It is most commonly used for external purposes, but it can also be used as a mouthwash because of its very strong antibacterial properties.
The Mechanism of action of Hydrogen Peroxide in Curing Acne
The main cause of the occurrence of acne is the build-up of dirt in the pores and subsequently having bacteria in the area that will cause inflammation. Hydrogen peroxide oxidizes the pores that is why you see some air bubbles as you apply it. This oxygenation also kills the bacteria that thrive on areas with poor oxygen supply; thereby preventing growth and proliferation that further aggravate acne. Killing the bacteria and preventing their growth may help you solve your problem on your skin and have that clearer skin you always wanted.
In addition, hydrogen peroxide also tends to dry up the acne fast, which limits inflammation and redness. Once it has dried up, the acne heals eventually leaving minimal if no scars at all.
Safety of Hydrogen Peroxide in Curing Acne
Hydrogen peroxide in less than 10% is safe to be used for acne. However, those who think that a stronger solution may be more effective may suffer consequences of skin irritation from use of high percentage of hydrogen peroxide. A solution of more than 10% tends to cause burning of the skin as it is a powerful bleaching agent. In fact, it is used by other people who want to have a blonde hair, thereby applying hydrogen peroxide in their hair. Make sure to use a solution of less than 10% to benefit from its anti-acne use.
Advantages of Hydrogen Peroxide over other OTC Acne Treatments
Hydrogen peroxide seems to be the humblest cure for acne. Hydrogen peroxide, when used in right formulation rarely provides side effects for the skin because it is a widely accepted means of cleaning wounds. In addition, it also does not contain other harmful and irritating chemicals that other OTC acne treatments contain such as sulfur, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. It also does not have a smell that is found in other sulfur containing acne treatments. Lastly, it is considered more cost-effective than other acne treatments and you just have it on your medicine cabinet.
How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Treat Acne
In using hydrogen peroxide, make sure you have a 10% solution or less. Apply some on a clean cotton ball and apply on the face where there is acne. You may notice that there may be mild appearance of bubbles especially if you have large, open acne. This is just normal and it only means that the solution is working. Leave the hydrogen peroxide for about 5 minutes and rinse off to prevent its build-up on the skin. You may apply the solution two to three times a day after gentle washing of the face.
If you have the tendency for acne break-outs or your skin is just oily, make sure that you have a bottle of hydrogen peroxide in your cabinet for emergency purposes.
