How to use hydrogen peroxide to treat acne

Acne is a skin condition that can damage your skin and look in the worst way. Acne can appear in people of different ages and sex, and can take the shape of a chronic skin issue if left untreated.

There are many home remedies as well as cosmetics available in the market that claim to cure the condition, however, curing acne from the root is not an easy achievable thing and often only a treatment from a dermatologist is what that can show long lasting effect.

Hydrogen peroxide is considered as a quick remedy for acne. In fact, it has the capacity to show instant effect on acne and pimples. However, before you take it as a sure shot way to treat acne you must be aware about a few things that we have jotted here down for your reference. Read on

What causes acne?

How to cure acne on oily face

Acne is caused by combination of a few factors. More production of oil by the oil glands of the skin, improper removal of the dead skin cells and bacterial infection are the major contributing factors in this case.

Production of more sebum by the sebaceous glands is often caused due to hormonal changes that occur during puberty and pregnancy.

Now this over produced sebum is blocked within the skin due to clogging of the skin pores by dead skin cells or dirt. When bacteria infect these clogged pores, painful acne forms.

What is hydrogen peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical with high amount of Oxygen in it. It is not expensive and is easily available in the market.

How hydrogen peroxide cures pimples?

As already mentioned Hydrogen Peroxide is a great source of Oxygen and when applied to the acne it releases oxygen in the surrounding skin, which efficiently kills the infection causing bacteria present in the acne, and as the infection is reduced, the acne recedes.

How to use it?

Using H2O2 for treating acne is one of the simplest things to do. To complete the process efficiently you will need the following

  • 3% Hydrogen Peroxide solution
  • A mild facial cleanser
  • lukewarm water
  • Cotton ball
  • A soft cotton towel
  • An oil free moisturizer
  • 5-8 minutes time from your busy schedule

How to treat acne for sensitive skin

Note:If you are using Hydrogen Peroxide on your facial skin without any prescriptions from a dermatologist, you should only opt for 3% Hydrogen Peroxide solutions available in the market.

The Hydrogen Peroxide needs to be applied to a well-cleaned skin, and hence first, wash your face with a gentle face wash to remove extra oil, dirt or makeup. Using lukewarm water for washing off the cleanser ensures a complete cleaning and opening of the skin pores.

Now pat your face dry with the help of a soft cotton cloth. Take the Hydrogen Peroxide solution in a cotton ball and dab it onto the affected area of your skin.

You can also apply the Hydrogen Peroxide solution to the areas of the skin where acne and pimples are most probable to come up as it can also work as an effective precautionary measure against acne.

Once you have dabbled in the hydrogen peroxide on your skin leave it for 4-5 minutes until your skin gets completely dry. Now follow with a light oil free moisturizer, and you are done.

Precautions

Hydrogen Peroxide needs to be used on skin with due caution. Things that you should keep in mind while using it are

  • Ensure that the Hydrogen Peroxide solution never gets into your eyes. It can cause extreme eye irritation in such case. If it happens somehow, wash off your eyes immediately with plenty of cold water and if the irritation persists contact a doctor immediately.
  • Do not apply Hydrogen Peroxide to the delicate areas like under the eyes. Hydrogen peroxide being drying in nature it can reap off any oil from the skin, causing dryness.
  • Keep it away from your brows and hairs. Hydrogen Peroxide has bleaching properties and can turn your hairs into white if kept in contact for long.

The final word

Hydrogen Peroxide is a pocket friendly, easy available, quick and effective acne cure. However, it does not treat the root causes of acne, only reduces the symptom. Hence if you are trying to get rid of acne, Hydrogen Peroxide solution should not be your only weapon at hand.