[thrive_drop_caps color=’red’ style=’1′]M[/thrive_drop_caps]urphy’s laws seem always to be valid – it is highly likely to wake up with a huge pimple on your face when you have to make a presentation or get ready for an important meeting.
Overcoming acne is a complicated process but in such instances, we all scramble to find a quick solution. Several remedies can be used to make the redness and inflammation go away. Hydrogen peroxide is one of the best “acne emergency” cures I have ever come across.
[thrive_text_block color=”blue” headline=”What is Hydrogen Peroxide?”] [/thrive_text_block]
So, during those times, reach for humble hydrogen peroxide (food grade). Hydrogen peroxide or H2O2 is a very common (and inexpensive) antiseptic that can be found in every pharmacy.
The 3% hydrogen peroxide solution is the best one to use in acne emergencies. What’s even better, you probably already have a bottle of it in your medicine cabinet.
Hydrogen peroxide does not contain harsh ingredients and chemicals that work by drying the skin excessively. This is why you should try the remedy before going to get an OTC acne cream. Many of these OTC creams will deliver benefits slowly, and they will probably have a bad effect on your skin.
Hydrogen peroxide is both beneficial and harmful to the skin. In dilute concentrations on open wounds, hydrogen peroxide can prevent infections. In contrast, on the otherwise healthy skin, hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation, allergic reactions, and in high concentrations, it can cause blisters, redness, and other skin damage.
[thrive_text_block color=”note” headline=”How does Hydrogen Peroxide Work?”] [/thrive_text_block]Acne is caused by a combination of sebum and dirt accumulating on the face and creating the perfect conditions for the growth of bacteria. As a powerful antiseptic, hydrogen peroxide releases oxygen bubbles that kill anaerobic bacteria and reduce the inflammation.
If you kill the existing bacteria on the skin and prevent new bacteria from taking up residence, you are going to be successful at eliminating your acne problem.
Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to “oxygenate” the pores. Such an environment is not conducive to further bacterial growth, which is excellent for preventing future acne problems.
Precaution:
Though relatively safe, hydrogen peroxide should only be used as an emergency acne remedy. Always stick to the weaker solutions (3%). A 10 % H2O2 solution is NOT recommended, as it can cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Do a skin test first on your wrist or a little bit down the chin area for allergies or bad reaction.
Directions:
The procedure itself is very simple, and you will notice the results almost immediately. Use hydrogen peroxide once per day and until you see the pimples disappear. If you are trying to deal with a severe acne condition, you can use hydrogen peroxide two or three times per day.
① Buy a bottle of hydrogen peroxide at your local pharmacy. That hydrogen peroxide should be only 3%. The more intense substance can only make your skin burnt and irritated. Make sure to dilute it with water to get that 3% ratio if using the hydrogen peroxide higher than 3% solution.
② Remove makeup and dirt from your face before getting ready for the treatment. The regular face wash you use on a daily basis should be sufficient to give you a clean skin. Pat your face dries with a towel and wait a few minutes.
③ Use a cotton ball (or a q-tip) soaked in hydrogen peroxide to treat the affected area avoiding the eyes and eyebrows area. Rub the red and inflamed region gently to make sure that the remedy has entered your pores.
④ Leave it on your skin for about 15 minutes and rinse off with water afterwards.
⑤ Finalize the procedure by moisturizing your face before going out. Hydrogen peroxide does have a drying effect, so the final step is a vital one.
⑥ Repeat the process once each day for a few days. For severe acne, you may repeat the process twice a day, in the morning and evening.
Pre-Caution:
Be careful about hydrogen peroxide usage if you have naturally dry skin. This remedy should be saved for emergency situations only. Always stick to the weaker solutions (like 3% solution).
A 10 percent H2O2 solution (or higher) is NOT recommended, and it can even burn the skin. If using hydrogen peroxide higher than 3% solution, make sure to dilute it with water to get that 3% ratio.
This is it! Getting rid of acne can be simple and inexpensive. When used sparingly, hydrogen peroxide will help you get clear skin very fast and without side effects.
Pre-Caution:
If you are dealing with a long-term acne problem, however, you will have to address the cause of the skin condition rather than treat its symptoms.
Credit: Myrhalyn
Mary says
03/02/2016 at 10:22 amDO NOT USE PEROXIDE ON A BREAKOUT.
IT WILL CAUSE DEEP SCARRING!
Marie says
02/19/2016 at 5:54 pmHi, so it might peel the skin…does this work on whiteheads as well?
Emma says
01/21/2016 at 8:30 pmHydrogen peroxide H2O2 turns into H2O or water when it comes into contact with light… This is not a real emergency fix. The reason why hydrogen peroxide is in a dark bottle is because once it comes into the light the bonds between the hydrogen and the oxygen break that’s why when you put it on a cut it bubbles. That’s the oxygen leaving. H2O2+light=oxygen(O) and water(H2O). This will not work. You’re really just putting water on your face…
shalini says
05/20/2015 at 9:30 amHi Mam,
I am gonna do this in bed time, so is it necessary to moisturise because I have already oily face. And is this will work for depigmentation or black spots on face.. pls reply
Calleigh says
05/22/2015 at 12:02 am@Shalini,
Don’t use this trick often; this is only for emergency use. However, you need to apply moisturizer after cleansing your face even though you have oily skin.
MB khan says
04/22/2015 at 4:04 amI am 18 can I use ??? And how get use hydrogen peroxide in my face and can I use 2 time on a day plz plzzzzz answer me