How To Use Hydrogen Peroxide For Acne?

September 18, 2024 by Manasa Hegde

Important: This article is for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer for more details.

Hydrogen peroxide is one of the home remedies that people use generally when they encounter acne on their skin and wants not only to get rid of it but also prevent the formation of acne scars. In this article we show you how to use hydrogen peroxide for acne.(1)

Article Contains

Does Hydrogen Peroxide Help Acne?
How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide for Acne
Are There Any Side Effects of Using Hydrogen Peroxide for Acne?

Does Hydrogen Peroxide Help Acne?

There is no denying the fact that hydrogen peroxide can have an instant effect on the appearance of acne but it is essential to comprehend what contributes to a breakout of acne to determine the role of hydrogen peroxide that it plays in the treatment of acne.(2)
The sebaceous glands that are right underneath the skin’s surface generate a substance called sebum. This oily substance is important to keep the skin supple, smooth and moisturized and is expelled via the pores connected to the hair follicles.(3)
Should the glands generate an excess amount of sebum; the gluey solution can fill the pores and combine with the dead skin as well as acnes bacteria that cause a plug to form. When this infection sets in, the pimple takes form.(4)
Peroxides are generally peeling agents. They can remove the skin’s outer layer like a chemical exfoliator and expose the new and soft skin that lies within while simultaneously fading the scars and blemishes.
Hydrogen peroxide is also a drying agent and it can dry out the oils that are present on the skin that might play a role in preventing the future breakouts.
With all the acne-fighting features as mentioned, it would seem that hydrogen peroxide is without doubt, the perfect solution for the treatment of acne.

How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide for Acne

Hydrogen peroxide on the skin that is affected by acne can easily fight bacterial contamination. The hydrogen peroxide oxidizes when it is applied to the skin tissue, which means that it produces oxygen atom. This oxidization later forms an unpredictable environment for any bacteria that is present; this in simple word means that the situation for acnes will be non-survival. As the bacteria are eradicated, blemish is given the chance to heal itself.

[ Read: How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne ]

1. Hydrogen Peroxide for Acne

You will need:

Cotton balls,
Hydrogen peroxide,
Mild soap,
A gentle face cleanser, and
Oil-free moisturizer.

Preparation time: 5 minutes.

How to do:

Use mild soap and water or the gentle facial cleanser to clean your face and get rid of the oil, dirt and makeup from the skin.
Pat the face dry with towel.
Soak the cotton ball in the peroxide and apply it to the acne breakouts on the face,
You can also apply the peroxide to your whole face to ensure the prevention of future breakouts.
Let the hydrogen peroxide do its job,
Wait for the bubbling part to halt in a matter of two or more minutes.
Rinse the applied zones with water.
Apply the oil-free moisturizer so that the skin does not dry out.

Tips: Only use a mild soap, Hydrogen peroxide can irritate and dry the skin that may be compounded by insensitive cleansers.(5)

Warning:

Keep the peroxide away from your eyes to make sure that you prevent the accident of burning.
Pay attention to its use around your eyebrows and hair because the peroxide can bleach the hair.
Do not use the peroxide further if your skin becomes irritated, dry and painful.

[ Read: How Does Spironolactone Work for Acne ]

2. Baking soda and Hydrogen Peroxide for Acne

You’ll need:

1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide
1 tablespoon of baking soda

Preparation time: 3 minutes.

H0w to do:

Combine a tablespoon of each of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to form a fine paste.
Apply the mixed paste on the clear skin completely.
Let it sit for next five to ten minutes.
Rinse the area off with water and pat the skin dry with a soft towel.
Apply moisturizer to obstruct the path of dryness.

Repetitions: Follow the procedure once in a week for oily skin, Once in the intervals of 10 days for sensitive or dry skin.

Tips: If you possess a sensitive skin then you can add a few drops of water to the paste.(6)

[ Read: How to Use Baking Soda for Acne ]

3. Tea Tree oil and Hydrogen Peroxide for Acne

As everyone knows that tea tree oil is gentler on the skin than any other acidic treatment.(7)

You’ll need:

hydrogen peroxide
1 tablespoon of tea tree oil

Preparation time: 3 minutes.

How to do:

Take a tablespoon of tea tree oil and mix it with a little quantity of hydrogen peroxide.
Apply the mixture directly to affected area or to the entire skin and scrub it thoroughly for 3 minutes.
This will help in exfoliating your skin.
Rinse the face with warm water.

Repetitions: Follow the procedure once in a week.

Tips: Tea tree oil can also be irritating for acne so do a patch test first, If it irritates to a certain extent then stop its use.

[ Read: How to Treat Acne with Tea Tree oil ]

4. Lemon Juice and Hydrogen Peroxide for Acne

The steps to follow in this combination to overthrow the regime of acne on your face are:(8)

You’ll need:

lemon juice
1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide
cotton ball

Preparation time: 4 minutes.

How to do:

Squeeze a fresh lemon to gather lemon juice in a fresh glass bowl.
Add a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide to the juice.
Dip a cotton ball and apply it directly on the acne zone.
Leave the mixture on for a night.

Repetitions: Every night works but if your skin is not being able to handle it well then once or twice in a week will also be good.

Tips:

Do not employ the use of bottled lemon juice because that contains preservative which will do more harm than good.
If you do not have hydrogen peroxide in its original form then you can use toothpaste that contains the peroxide.

[ Read: Does Lemon Juice Help Acne ]

Are There Any Side Effects of Using Hydrogen Peroxide for Acne?

Several studies have proved that hydrogen peroxide has the ability to damage the skin cells via its oxidative stress.
It can cause major damage to mitochondria which is found within the cells and this damage caused can result in expedited aging.
Many believe that this peroxide can brighten the dark skin or diminish the appearance of acne blemished but the use of this solution can literally lead to scarring.

However, despite the mentioned side effects of hydrogen peroxide, it is a perfect solution to opt for short term results. You can consult your doctor before you proceed further with its use.