Unfortunately, hydrogen peroxide could actually make acne scarring worse for some people. An older study in the Journal of Trauma: Injury, Infection, and Critical Care states that hydrogen peroxide may interfere with the formation of fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are cells that help form collagen, which is an important connective tissue in the skin. Without collagen, skin cannot heal properly and rebuild itself, which could increase the risk of scars.
Benzoyl peroxide is a well-known acne treatment that kills bacteria and causes bleaching in the same way as hydrogen peroxide. However, although they release oxygen to kill bacteria, the two chemicals have a few key differences. Benzoyl peroxide has skin-peeling and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help clear acne.
These properties, combined with its antibacterial ability, can help prevent acne breakouts in multiple ways. Manufacturers typically stabilize benzoyl peroxide by combining it with other ingredients that stop it from breaking down on the skin. An article in the Journal of Cosmetic Science states that exposure to light and air makes common hydrogen peroxide unstable, reducing its effectiveness.
Once a person applies it to their skin, it starts to lose its ability to kill bacteria. However, using products that contain stabilized peroxide may have potential as an acne treatment. It is milder and keeps its effectiveness when exposed to light and air. Hydrogen peroxide kills certain types of germs and bacteria. As such, it may be useful in disinfecting surfaces, utensils, and tools.
There is no research advocating the safe use of hydrogen peroxide as an acne treatment. While hydrogen peroxide has been shown to kill many different types of bacteria in a petri dish , there is actually little evidence that it can effectively kill bacteria inside a wound. It may even irritate your healthy cells. Another study actually found a link between the hydrogen peroxide naturally produced by the body and acne inflammation.
In the study, people with acne inflammation had a significantly higher amount of hydrogen peroxide produced by neutrophils a type of white blood cells compared to healthy controls. When people with acne were given a drug that inhibits hydrogen peroxide production by neutrophils, there was actually a decrease in the inflammatory activity of their acne lesions.
If you decide to try using hydrogen peroxide, make sure to dilute it before putting it on your skin. Most domestic bottles of hydrogen peroxide contain a 3 percent concentration. Be sure to read the label carefully. Once your mixture is ready, apply a thin layer to your clean face using a cotton ball. Take care to avoid your eyes. Also try to avoid getting the solution on your eyebrows or your hair because it might bleach your hair.
Rinse your face after five minutes and pat dry. You can repeat the process a couple times a week. Use an oil-free moisturizer if your skin feels dry. Efficacy and safety of stabilised hydrogen peroxide cream crystacide in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: a randomised, controlled trial versus benzoyl peroxide gel. Curr Med Res Opin. Thank you [email] for signing up. Please enter a valid email address. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for Byrdie.
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Byrdie's Editorial Guidelines. Reviewed by Dr. Dendy Engelman. If you ingest a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide, seek emergency medical care right away. Hydrogen peroxide can cause bleeding in the digestive tract, burning to the esophagus, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and dizziness.
Life-threatening side effects like convulsions, fluid build-up in the lungs, and shock are also possible. Inhaling high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide is dangerous as well. Symptoms can start out as eye and nose irritation and progress to coughing, shortness of breath, chest congestion, and bleeding in the lungs. To avoid these serious risks, never keep highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide in the house. If you experience eye irritation from a hydrogen peroxide splash, first rinse your eyes with clean water for up to 20 minutes, then call poison control at Regardless of the concentration level, if you or your child accidentally ingest or inhale hydrogen peroxide, seek help from your healthcare provider or call poison control.
Fortunately, there are safer and more effective treatments for common skin problems like acne and scrapes. Because hydrogen peroxide can be irritating to the skin and make acne worse, talk with your dermatologist about better options. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid have both been proven to improve acne symptoms without significant skin irritation. For minor cuts and scrapes, ditch the hydrogen peroxide bottle and stick with soap and water.
Wash the wound with water and gentle soap. Then pat it dry with a clean towel, apply an antibacterial gel, and cover it with a Band-Aid. For larger or more serious cuts, see a healthcare provider for stitches and cleaning. To help treat and prevent dark spots, sunscreen is your new best friend. Dark spots and age spots are usually related to exposure to ultraviolet UV rays from the sun. Wearing sunscreen daily can prevent your dark spots from getting worse and prevent new ones from forming as well.
These ingredients can help reduce the amount of melanin in your skin, which leads to a darkened appearance. Your dermatologist will also be able to help address any skin pigment issues. Use it in the kitchen to disinfect cutting boards and wash produce. Because of its bleaching capabilities, hydrogen peroxide can be used to remove stains and whiten tile grout. Be sure to store it in a cool, dry place and out of reach of children.
Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical agent that is an effective disinfectant and bleach. It should not be used on the skin because of risks like skin irritation and altered wound healing. Seek alternative treatments for acne, wound cleansing, and hyperpigmentation, but keep hydrogen peroxide around for household cleaning and lightening needs.
If you are concerned that you may have swallowed or inhaled it, call poison control or seek emergency care right away. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.
Cleveland Clinic. What is hydrogen peroxide good for?
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