7 Simple Ways To Use Hydrogen Peroxide To Treat Acne

Acne is an issue for almost everyone, and we are all searching for that one effective solution to manage it. That is when using hydrogen peroxide for acne comes to the scene. But is it safe to use hydrogen peroxide on your skin? How does it help you solve acne issues? Hang on! This article will help you find answers to all your questions. Keep reading to know more.

What Does Hydrogen Peroxide Do For Acne?

Acne is caused when your skin produces excess sebum (the natural oil that helps keep your skin moisturized and healthy) (1). When there is too much sebum on your skin, some of it ends up clogging your pores along with dead skin cells and bacteria. Acne can also be caused by hormonal imbalances, lifestyle, genetics, and bacteria. This leads to the formation of a pimple.

Up to 50 million Americans experience acne each year. A study included 44,689 people from 27 different countries and according to the results, 43.35% of the participants have had unpleasant skin sensations like dryness, itching, or burning. The most prevalent conditions were discovered to be atopic dermatitis or eczema (5.5%), acne (5.4%), and fungus skin infections (8.9%).

Hydrogen peroxide may lose its extra oxygen atom when applied to the skin. Oxidizing the skin creates an unfavorable environment for the bacteria that cause acne, neutralizing them and giving your skin a chance to heal. Peroxide also works as a peeling agent, which helps exfoliate your skin, exposing newer and healthier skin. It prevents further breakouts by drying out the oils on your skin.

Quick Tip

Hydrogen peroxide is best suited for oily acne-prone skin as it dries the excess sebum and kills the acne-causing bacteria. Avoid using it on dry skin as it may further aggravate the dryness and irritation of the skin.

Olyveya Mazier, a ballet dancer and YouTuber who runs the channel Carnivore Ballerina, shares her experience of using hydrogen peroxide for acne: “I sprayed it on my face, just like one spray, twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, that’s when I washed my face, and it was amazing. After two weeks it really helped (i).” However, she also mentions in the description that she sprayed it directly on the skin, which is not the recommended way of using it safely, and it ended up bleaching her eyebrows.

While hydrogen peroxide is an extremely efficient spot treatment for acne, it must be used with caution. Using it too often can damage your skin.

How To Use Hydrogen Peroxide For Acne

I’ve put together a list of the 7 different ways you could use hydrogen peroxide to treat acne.

NOTE: Ensure that the hydrogen peroxide solution is not stronger than 3%. If you have extremely sensitive skin, consult a dermatologist before you try any of these remedies.

Most of these remedies will make your skin feel tingly, but if this becomes painful, wash your face with cold water immediately and consult a dermatologist.

Quick Tip

Hydrogen peroxide should never be left on the skin overnight. It can trigger blisters and rash and aggravate your acne. It should be washed off after 15 minutes of application.

1. Hydrogen Peroxide For Acne

You Will Need

• Facial cleanser
• Towel
• Cotton pad
• 3% hydrogen peroxide
• Non-comedogenic moisturizer

Treatment TIme

5 minutes.

Method

1. Wash your face with a facial cleanser and pat dry.
2. Saturate the cotton ball with the hydrogen peroxide.
3. Dab the saturated cotton ball onto the affected areas of your skin.
4. Leave it on for about 5 minutes.
5. Rinse your face with cold water.
6. Pat dry with a towel and moisturize with a non-comedogenic moisturizer.

How Often?

2-3 times a week until the acne subsides. If you have dry skin, do not repeat this treatment more than twice a week.

Why This Works

Hydrogen peroxide is a disinfectant that may destroy the acne bacteria, giving your skin a chance to heal (2). It also helps exfoliate your skin, revealing a newer and healthier layer of skin.

NOTE: Always do a patch test before using any new product or serum to confirm that your skin doesn’t have any sensitivity to it.

2. Baking Soda And Hydrogen Peroxide For Pimples

You Will Need

• Facial cleanser
• Towel
• 1 tbsp hydrogen peroxide
• 1 tbsp baking soda
• Non-comedogenic moisturizer
• Glass/plastic bowl
• Wooden/plastic spoon

Treatment Time

5 minutes.

Method

1. Wash your face with a facial cleanser and pat dry.
2. Combine the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in a bowl. Use a wooden or plastic spoon to stir the mixture until it is smooth.
3. Apply this mixture onto your face. Do not apply it near your eyes.
4. Leave it on for about 5 minutes.
5. Rinse your face with cold water.
6. Pat dry with a towel and moisturize with a non-comedogenic moisturizer.

How Often?

Once a week.

Why This Works

Baking soda may help maintain the pH balance of your skin while also exfoliating it. While most people use baking soda by itself to treat acne, in combination with hydrogen peroxide it may destroy all the pimples on your skin and then lets your skin do the rest. This remedy also helps get rid of excess oil from your skin.

3. Tea Tree Oil And Hydrogen Peroxide For Acne

You Will Need

• Facial cleanser
• Towel
• 1 tbsp tea tree oil
• 1 tsp 3% hydrogen peroxide
• Plastic/glass bowl
• Plastic/wooden spoon
• Non-comedogenic moisturizer

Treatment TIme

5 minutes.

Method

1. Wash your face with a facial cleanser and pat dry.
2. Combine the tea tree oil and hydrogen peroxide in a bowl. Use a wooden or plastic spoon to stir the mixture until it is smooth.
3. Apply this mixture on to the affected areas. Do not apply it near your eyes.
4. Leave it on for about 5 minutes.
5. Rinse your face with cold water.
6. Pat dry with a towel and moisturize with a non-comedogenic moisturizer.

How Often?

1-2 times a week.

Why This Works

Tea tree oil is commonly used to treat acne because of its powerful antibacterial properties (3). This mixture is quite potent, so ensure that you do not use it more than twice a week. When used correctly, you may start noticing positive results right from the first use.

NOTE: If you have sensitive skin, tea tree oil can be harsh for you, so be sure before using it to avoid any irritation to the skin.

4. Lemon Juice And Hydrogen Peroxide For Acne

You Will Need

• Facial cleanser
• Towel
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp 3% hydrogen peroxide
• Plastic/glass bowl
• Plastic/wooden spoon
• Non-comedogenic moisturizer

Treatment TIme

5 minutes.

Method

1. Wash your face with a facial cleanser and pat dry.
2. Combine the lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide in a bowl. Use a wooden or plastic spoon to stir the mixture until it is smooth.
3. Apply this mixture to the affected areas. Do not apply it near your eyes.
4. Leave it on for about 5 minutes.
5. Rinse your face with cold water.
6. Pat dry with a towel and moisturize with a non-comedogenic moisturizer.

How Often?

Once a week.

Why This Works

Lemon juice is a natural lightening agent (4). When combined with hydrogen peroxide, it may help reduce acne and also lighten hyperpigmented skin left behind from acne breakouts. If you are wondering how to use hydrogen peroxide for acne scars, follow the same recipe. This remedy will also help control oil production and will prevent future breakouts.

5. Borax And Hydrogen Peroxide

You Will Need

• Facial cleanser
• Towel
• 1 tbsp borax
• 1 tsp 3% hydrogen peroxide
• 1 tbsp water
• Plastic/glass bowl
• Plastic/wooden spoon
• Non-comedogenic moisturizer

Treatment TIme

5 minutes.

Method

1. Wash your face with a facial cleanser and pat dry.
2. Combine the borax, hydrogen peroxide, and water in a bowl. Use a wooden or plastic spoon to stir the mixture until it is smooth.
3. Apply this mixture on to the affected areas. Do not apply it near your eyes.
4. Leave it on for about 5 minutes.
5. Rinse your face with cold water.
6. Pat dry with a towel and moisturize with a non-comedogenic moisturizer.

How Often?

Once a week.

Why This Works

Borax may help exfoliate your skin while eliminating dead skin cells and bacteria. When used in combination with hydrogen peroxide, it gives your skin a fresh start by eliminating all the acne-causing bacteria. However, more information is warranted in this regard.

NOTE: If you have cystic acne, you should see a dermatologist as you may require prescription antibiotics and medications to treat your condition.

6. Aloe Vera And Hydrogen Peroxide For Acne

You Will Need

• Facial cleanser
• Towel
• 1 tbsp aloe vera gel
• 1-2 tsp 3% hydrogen peroxide
• Cotton pad
• Plastic/glass bowl
• Plastic/wooden spoon

Treatment TIme

5 minutes.

Method

1. Wash your face with a facial cleanser and pat dry.
2. Saturate the cotton ball with the hydrogen peroxide.
3. Dab the saturated cotton ball onto the affected areas of your skin.
4. Leave it on for about 5 minutes.
5. Rinse your face with cold water.
6. Pat your skin dry with a towel.
7. Proceed to apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel onto your skin. Leave this on.

How Often?

1-2 times a week.

Why This Works

Aloe vera may help tackle acne and redness with its antibacterial properties (5). It may also boost the wound healing process with its high content of antioxidants (5). After the hydrogen peroxide disinfects your skin, the aloe vera gel will help soothe the redness while nourishing and moisturizing your skin.

7. Aspirin And Hydrogen Peroxide For Acne

You Will Need

• Facial cleanser
• Towel
• 5 tsp 3% hydrogen peroxide
• 3 powdered aspirin tablets
• A plastic/wooden spoon
• Glass/plastic bowl
• Non-comedogenic moisturizer

Treatment TIme

5 minutes.

Method

1. Wash your face with a facial cleanser and pat dry.
2. Combine the aspirin and hydrogen peroxide in a bowl. Use a wooden or plastic spoon to stir the mixture until it is smooth.
3. Apply this mixture on to the affected areas. Do not apply it near your eyes.
4. Gently massage for about 30 seconds to exfoliate your skin.
5. Leave it on for about 5 minutes.
6. Rinse your face with cold water.
7. Pat dry with a towel and moisturize with a non-comedogenic moisturizer.

How Often?

Once a week.

Why This Works

Aspirin has anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe your skin. It also contains salicylic acid (6), which is a common ingredient in a lot of acne creams. This combination of hydrogen peroxide and aspirin will put an end to the acne on your skin.

Pros And Cons Of Using Hydrogen Peroxide For Acne

Pros

• Effective spot treatment.
• Dries out the acne and allows the skin to heal.
• Exfoliates skin.
• Prevents future breakouts.
• Inhibits oil production.

Cons

• Excessive use may damage skin and result in premature aging.
• Not advised for people with dry skin.

Now, let’s compare hydrogen peroxide with benzoyl peroxide, which is another alternative for acne treatment.

Hydrogen Peroxide Vs. Benzoyl Peroxide For Acne

Hydrogen peroxide and benzoyl peroxide are often used for treating acne, but they differ significantly in their mechanisms and suitability. As stated earlier, hydrogen peroxide is a disinfectant and antiseptic that can kill acne-causing bacteria, but it is also harsh and can irritate the skin.

Benzoyl peroxide, on the other hand, is a widely recommended acne treatment. It works by penetrating the skin, where it releases oxygen to kill the bacteria and unclog pores. It is available in various strengths, from 2.5% to 10%, allowing users to tailor their treatment. While it can cause dryness and peeling, its side effects are usually manageable with proper skin care. It is also an FDA-approved prescription medication for the treatment of acne vulgaris, making it a more effective and safer option for acne treatment compared to hydrogen peroxide (7).

Infographic: Top 4 Ways To Use Hydrogen Peroxide For Acne

Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic that may kill bacteria, heal wounds, and is widely used to manage acne. The infographic below contains four easy ways to use it to manage acne inflammation and get quick relief. Scroll down and check it out.

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does hydrogen peroxide clear dark spots?

Yes, hydrogen peroxide can clear dark spots. However, it may trigger skin irritation, and its action is very slow.

Does hydrogen peroxide dissolve blackheads?

Yes, hydrogen peroxide has the ability to dissolve blackheads. It can be mixed with water and used.

What should you not mix with hydrogen peroxide?

Vinegar should not be mixed with hydrogen peroxide, as this duo exhibits excessive cleaning properties.

How do I use hydrogen peroxide to bleach my skin?

Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent and can be applied to the skin. However, it should be diluted with water.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Learn how to treat your acne using hydrogen peroxide! Discover the simple steps in this video to help clear up your skin and get rid of those pesky blemishes.

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Dr. Schwarzburg MD

 

Dr. Schwarzburg is a leading authority in the field of minimally invasive cosmetic and laser medicine in New York City. He is an Ivy League school graduate with 7 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology and regenerative medicine. His authority is widely recognized, and his expert opinion has been sought by many prestigious publications, including Forbes, Glamour, Good Morning America,...more

Arshiya SyedaSenior Editor

 

Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more

Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...more

Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over two years of experience in writing on health and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach. She writes on skin care and aims to present well-researched...more