Hydrogen Peroxide for Acne?

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Hydrogen Peroxide for Acne?

via AcneHubs.com by Admin on 10/16/11

acne solutions and treatments Although hydrogen peroxide acne treatments are quite popular among people suffering from this upsetting skin condition, there is no scientific evidence to prove the claimed miraculous effects of hydrogen peroxide for acne.
The so called wonder products containing this chemical are not as efficient as people think they are for this health problem, although they do have beneficial effects in other ailments. The use of hydrogen peroxide on acne is not recommended by physicians, dermatologists nor by us. However, being given the disturbing symptoms of this condition, some people are in fact prepared to try just about anything besides conventional acne medication or home remedies for acne in order to get rid of this ailment. So they often test various products containing this chemical, hoping to get relief from acne manifestations and signs, but they end up irritating and harming their skin even further. The fact of the matter is that the relationship between hydrogen peroxide and acne is not a beneficial one.

The Use of Hydrogen Peroxide for Acne

This substance is an oxidizing agent with powerful action, which reacts with other molecules in so called reduction-oxidation reactions, which lead to the formation of free radicals. These free radicals are nothing, but toxins, thus they are harmful for cells and tissues in our bodies and they can cause irreversible damage when found in large amounts. Fortunately, the human body produces some enzymes, which break down this compound into water and oxygen, preventing the production of free radicals.
But most hydrogen peroxide acne treatments are topical, meaning that they come as creams and ointments that require direct application on the affected skin areas. Having cleansing and antibacterial properties, this chemical can be successfully used for destroying the bacteria accumulated on the skin but on the other hand, being so powerful, it not only kills the pathogens but also leads to skin irritations due to its strong oxidizing effect. In other words, applying hydrogen peroxide on acne pimples can worsen the appearance of the skin instead of enhancing its beauty and leaving it clear and free of acne signs. And the higher the concentration of the cream or ointment, the more unpleasant the effects can be.

For this reason some of the brands producing acne ointments and gels containing this substance decided to add diluted hydrogen peroxide in their products. This solution eliminates the problem of skin irritation induced by hydrogen peroxide and acne creams containing this chemical, but on the other hand it also compromises the positive effects these ointments may have on acne, as it's quite impossible for creams containing minute quantities of hydrogen peroxide to cure the pustules, papules or acne cysts appearing in this ailment.

The Correct Approach to Using Hydrogen Peroxide Acne Treatments

Hopefully by now you understand why hydrogen peroxide and acne don't really make a good team and why it is completely wrong to use this chemical and the products containing it as acne cures. If you're really interested in getting rid of the signs and symptoms of acne, you should only use hydrogen peroxide on acne as a cleanser, for cleaning the affected areas before applying the topical acne medication or acne home remedies and for preventing bacteria from spreading.
Hydrogen peroxide is a good bleaching agent so it's used in teeth whitening products, toothpastes and mouthwash. Also, it is widely used in shampoos, in anti-bacterial and anti-fungal creams, but for treating acne signs there are several other alternatives you can use, which target the causes of acne and not only the visible symptoms, without triggering side effects.
Thus, if you're interested in finding the best alternatives to hydrogen peroxide for acne, we recommend that you read our natural remedies section and see which of the given options suits you the best.

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