Is it Safe to Use Hydrogen Peroxide for Acne?

It's a fact that 85 percent of all teenagers suffer from acne. Although this condition is widespread, most teenagers suffer emotionally from these physical scars. Adolescent years need not be painful ones, there are a lot of things that you can do to control acne and one of those things is the chemical compound hydrogen peroxide.

What does hydrogen peroxide do?

Acne is caused due to excess secretion of a substance called sebum in the skin during adolescence. This substance attracts a particular kind of bacteria called propionibacterium, which feed on it. This is the bacteria that caused acne. Hydrogen peroxide is bacteriostatic in nature, which means it kills bacteria.

So when hydrogen peroxide is applied on the skin, it kills the surface bacteria while creating an environment full of oxygen in which bacteria cannot survive in.

How to I use hydrogen peroxide on acne?

Hydrogen peroxide sold at a chemist is usually a diluted solution of 3 parts hydrogen peroxide and 97 parts water. This is because hydrogen peroxide is extremely potent and concentrated forms can cause severe irritation on the skin. The diluted solution is simply applied on the skin like lotion and left on. This will tend to burn a little when you first start using it on acne and it will burn quite a bit if your acne is open.

It is a good idea to apply moisturizer once the hydrogen peroxide has vaporised as it will tend to make your skin dry.

How long does it take for the acne to subside?

Once you start applying hydrogen peroxide on your pimples, it should take a minimum of 3 days and a maximum of 5 days for your acne to subside. It works by drying up the acne and the dry scabs will fall off in less than a week.

Drawbacks of using hydrogen peroxide to control acne?

The biggest disadvantage of using hydrogen peroxide is that it burns and irritates the skin when used the first time. However most people don't find it as uncomfortable when the use it the second time. Another disadvantage of using this chemical is that it tends to make your skin dry. However this is nothing a good moisturizer cannot take care of.

Ultimately is it safe to use hydrogen peroxide?

Yes it is as it is one of the safest chemicals that you can use on your skin to help control acne. Commonly used as a bleach to help whiten the skin, this is a wonder drug which is safe for short term application.

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