What is hydrogen peroxide? Is an ingredient safe for the skin?

Hydrogen peroxide is a specialized chemical commonly used on the market today. However, some people still wonder how hydrogen peroxide works and is there any danger to the skin? To help you better understand this ingredient, the following article will provide all the most basic information about hydrogen peroxide.

What is hydrogen peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide (Hydro peroxide), also known as Hydrogen Peroxide , has the chemical formula H2O2, was discovered in 1882 by a Russian scientist. It is a colorless liquid oxidant, slightly more viscous than water, with strong oxidizing properties, therefore used on the skin as a mild antiseptic, wound cleaning agent, prevent infection and deodorize .

Hydrogen peroxide has a familiar name, hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is found inside the human body, formed from vesicles of leukocyte lysosomes, is a defense mechanism of the immune system, protecting us against bacteria, germs, harmful invaders from outside. outside.

When in low concentrations (less than 5%), hydrogen peroxide is commonly used to bleach hair or wash wounds on people to a certain extent. At very low concentrations (3%), it is used medicinally to wash wounds and remove dead tissue.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of 3% hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash . In industry, concentrations of hydrogen peroxide are used in the range of 35 – 50% and can be as high as 90% .

Hydrogen peroxide mechanism of action

Hydrogen peroxide, when in contact with tissue containing the enzyme catalase, it releases nascent oxygen which is a strong oxidizing agent, its mechanical effect is bubbling that will kill bacteria on your skin and help dry up sebum. .

Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizing agent. This means it strips away excess oxygen when applied to the skin. This oxidation creates an unfavorable environment for acne-causing bacteria, killing them and giving your skin a chance to heal.

Hydrogen peroxide bubbles on contact with the wound

Hydrogen peroxide also acts as an exfoliant, helping to exfoliate the skin, revealing new and healthier skin . It prevents further breakouts by drying out the oil on your skin, which is like a double-edged sword because using Hydrogen peroxide too often can damage your skin.

Hydrogen peroxide effectively kills living cells like bacteria through oxidative stress so your doctor can use it in low doses to help treat cases of oxidative stress in your skin.

Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide

Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide

Because it is a very strong oxidizing agent, Hydrogen peroxide has the following uses:

• Reduce inflammatory acne : Hydrogen peroxide pushes oxygen molecules into inflammatory acne. It then releases oxygen and creates a volatile environment on the skin tissue. This can be easily seen through the phenomenon of foaming at the site of use. At that time, the bacteria on the skin (especially P.acnes) will be quickly eliminated. The dirt present in the acne is also gradually pushed out of the skin.
• Oil control : Besides, Hydrogen peroxide is also considered a typical “stripping agent”. Because it can remove dead skin cells outside and dry the oils on the skin. Thanks to that, excess oil is controlled, promoting skin regeneration, making skin soft and blurring dark spots.

Some side effects when using Hydrogen peroxide

Although it is researched and allowed to be used in cosmetics, but because of its strong activity, when using Hydrogen peroxide, it may experience some side effects such as:

• Causes skin irritation, burns skin and mucous membranes.
• With concentrated solutions, tissue damage is possible.
• Long-term use of hydrogen peroxide solution as a mouthwash or mouthwash, can cause enlarged papillae of the tongue.
• Dermatitis (eczema)
• Hives
• Red skin

Skin burning due to the use of hydrogen peroxide

An old study reported that you need a concentration of 20-30% to be able to bleach your skin. This is much higher than the 3% that is considered safe for home use. Therefore, the whitening effect is not yet seen, but in the immediate future there is a high risk that you will burn and leave scars .

Many have suggested that the wound-healing effects of hydrogen peroxide could translate into treating acne and other skin problems such as hyperpigmentation .

Side effects of hydrogen peroxide on acne

A cream with a hydrogen peroxide ingredient called Crystacide and a benzoyl peroxide ingredient has reported few side effects. However, Crystacide contains only a 1% concentration of hydrogen peroxide and is part of a combination product. So, at higher concentrations, hydrogen peroxide can cause the following side effects for acne:

• Skin irritation at the site of contact.
• May cause severe skin burns and blistering.
• Risk of a serious allergic reaction.
• Increases scars on the skin after acne treatment.

Notes to use Hydrogen peroxide effectively and safely

Because of these side effects, many experts do not recommend using hydrogen peroxide to treat acne because it can irritate and dry the skin. However, you can still use it if you pay close attention to the following:

Choose the right type of hydrogen peroxide

Use low concentration hydrogen peroxide

To clean a wound or ulcer, you should use a 1.5-3% hydrogen peroxide solution or a 1.5% hydrogen peroxide gel, applied topically .

To treat acne, you can use hydrogen peroxide in: Cream, 1% concentration; and “pure” liquid form, concentration not more than 3% . Hydrogen peroxide with a concentration of more than 3% should not be used on acne-prone skin. If you’re using a cream, follow the directions on the package for how to apply it to your skin and how often to use it.

For a highly concentrated solution (usually 35%) , you need to dilute it with water before using it on your face. To dilute hydrogen peroxide 35% to 3%, you need to mix hydrogen peroxide with water in a ratio of 1:11, then continue to dilute the solution to reduce the concentration to less than 3%.

Clean face before use

Wash your face gently before using hydrogen peroxide

If you have acne, you should wash your face with a mild cleanser and only use your hands, not a towel or face wash. Wash your face with warm water to help open pores before applying hydrogen peroxide. Pat the skin dry before applying hydrogen peroxide because dry skin absorbs it better than wet skin.

How to apply hydrogen peroxide to the skin?

Use a cotton pad to apply hydrogen peroxide

Use a cotton pad, cotton ball or Q-tip stick to absorb the hydrogen peroxide, then apply it to the acne area and wait for the hydrogen peroxide to penetrate the skin. Do not apply on healthy skin.

Test a small amount on the skin before applying it on a large scale to make sure it is tolerable and does not cause irritation. If your skin is irritated, you should talk to your doctor about other safe options. Do not apply more than once per day.

Apply an oil-free moisturizer

Hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizing agent so it dries out excess oil on the skin, so after the hydrogen peroxide has penetrated the skin, you should gently apply an oil-free moisturizer to your skin . Moisturizing products help hydrate, ensure the skin does not dry out completely and keep the skin soft.

Talk to your doctor first

Talk to your doctor about your skin problems before using

Always consult your doctor or dermatologist before using hydrogen peroxide for skin problems. Not everyone’s skin reacts the same to hydrogen peroxide. If you experience unpleasant side effects when applying hydrogen peroxide, you should stop using it immediately and report it to your doctor.

By now you probably have a better understanding of hydrogen peroxide and how it works on the skin. Hopefully, through this article, you will have enough information to use hydrogen peroxide safely and effectively.

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