Among its many hacks and alternative uses (DIY hair highlights, anyone?)
is hydrogen peroxide’s rumored ability to dry up a pimple in a pinch.
Meet the Experts
What Is Hydrogen Peroxide?
Tawni Bannister for BYRDIE
Hydrogen peroxide is produced artificially and doesnt occur naturally.
Russak says it works by creating free oxygen radicals, so it kills bacteria.
Works well with:No ingredient in particular.
One important trait to note: It breaks down quickly with air.
Schultz says the way to test it is to pour a little out and see if its still bubbling.
If not, that means the extra oxygen has escaped, and it’s time to replace that bottle.
So what about regular OTC bottles of hydrogen peroxide?
Secondly, Russak stresses that you shouldn’t rely on hydrogen peroxide as your regular, primary acne treatment.
Think of it as a short-term solution, like putting on a bandage.
“You always have to know what is the underlying cause of the acne,” Russak explains.
Fu agrees that hydrogen peroxide, even at 3%, can be too strong for repeated treatment.
“Potentially adding additional irritation will only make the road to healing more difficult.”
Sure, you’ve got the option to."
Hold it on the area for no more than five seconds.
When it comes to benzoyl peroxide vs. hydrogen peroxide as a treatment for acne, there is no comparison.
But it’s the side effects of hydrogen peroxide that give dermatologists pause.
“All peroxides can be damaging because theyre not selective in what they oxidize.”
In other words, hydrogen peroxide is not very focused in the damage that it does.
Additionally, Russak doesn’t recommend hydrogen peroxide for her older patients.
But what really has Schultz concerned is the lack of research on the side effects.
“We know it anecdotally, but we dont know it by medical studies.”
Schultz says you shouldnt use it with benzoyl peroxide because of the added irritant effect.
While it can kill bacteria, it can also kill healthy skin.
Updated October 21, 2014.
