Facial cleansing with hydrogen peroxide - is the procedure effective at home?

In medicine, hydrogen peroxide is a well-known antiseptic that can quickly stop the spread of infection without drying out the skin. In cosmetology it is used to treat acne, acne and comedones. Inflammations appear when there is excessive secretion of the sebaceous glands, provoked by hormonal changes, poor diet or lack of skin care. Only a complex effect can get rid of the problem of acne and prevent the subsequent occurrence of pathogenic microflora.

Cleansing your face with hydrogen peroxide is one of the effective ways to combat acne. As a result of use, it is possible to get rid of sebaceous plugs, acne, calm inflammation and redness. The accessible method is popular among professionals; it also helps to normalize the condition when used independently at home.

The effect of peroxide on the skin

Hydrogen peroxide is a clear liquid with a weak but characteristic odor. Unlike other medications, it can be applied directly to an open wound. When it comes into contact with damaged surfaces, it breaks down into water and oxygen, the reaction is accompanied by the active formation of foam.

There is a separation of dirt, sebaceous secretions, and blood clots, which are easily removed with a cotton swab. After treatment, the skin noticeably brightens, the product helps to cope not only with foci of infection, but also to effectively remove traces of acne and prevent tissue scarring.

Useful properties of hydrogen peroxide:

• antiseptic - stops the spread of infection, disinfects the integument, activates healing processes;
• disinfectant - neutralizes pathogenic microflora, including microbes, bacteria, prevents the process of suppuration, eliminates a specific odor;
• stops minor bleeding due to the formation of blood clots in the capillaries, which promotes rapid tissue restoration;
• whitening properties allow you to lighten pigmentation and prevent the appearance of post-acne;
• tones the skin, strengthens thin blood vessels, accelerates metabolic processes.

Use for cosmetic purposes is indicated only for problematic, oily skin with frequent inflammation and acne. The disinfectant solution acts directly on pathogenic bacteria and provides an anti-inflammatory effect. During cleansing, toxins, sebaceous plugs, and keratinized particles are removed, and the functioning of the glands is normalized.

It can be used in its pure form, but more often it is included in multicomponent formulations, including aspirin, honey, soda, bodyagu, clay and other equally effective ingredients.

Attention! The products can be used during solar activity, the surface effect is atraumatic, so there is no healing period. But to prevent the formation of pigmentation, after cleaning it is recommended to additionally use sunscreen cosmetics that protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation.

Price

Hydrogen peroxide is easy to buy at any pharmacy; the approximate price varies around 10 rubles per 100-milliliter bottle. In pencil form, the composition is more expensive - about 70 rubles. In Moscow, the product can be purchased at the following pharmacies:

Indications for use

The method is widely used by owners of oily, porous skin with inflammatory elements and acne. Not suitable for thin, sensitive, dehydrated dermis; it can lead to irritation and a decrease in the immune properties of the skin. Moreover, reactive oxygen causes the appearance of spots and scars, premature wrinkles, so the use is accompanied by compliance with a number of rules.

Indications for use:

• in the presence of inflammatory processes caused by acne, pimples, sebaceous plugs;
• pigment spots formed after acne or under the influence of ultraviolet radiation;
• to prevent the appearance of ulcers;
• to regulate the secretion of the sebaceous glands, get rid of oily sheen;
• to cleanse pores and subsequently tighten them.

It is used mainly at a young age, after 30 years it helps to smooth out the bumpy texture and get rid of comedones. After 35–40, you should use less aggressive skin exfoliation products. Application may cause dryness and premature aging.

Operating principle

Once on the skin, peroxide instantly breaks down into atomic oxygen and pure water. Oxygen atoms do not exist in free form and require urgent combination with other particles. By “capturing” dirt and bacteria, oxygen brings them to the surface from the deep layers of the skin.

Free oxygen also has the property of a natural oxidizing agent. Therefore, it should not be used on areas with damaged skin. This increases the risk of tissue death and prolonged healing.

Cleaning efficiency

The results of cleaning can be assessed after the first session. Cleaning is carried out as needed, but not more than once a week. Positive changes are observed after a month of use. The number of sessions depends on the condition of the skin. On average, a course of 4–8 procedures is required. To consolidate the effect, it is recommended to carry out preventive cleaning once a month.

Used in a complex for the treatment of acne; it is also recommended to select products for cleansing, toning, moisturizing according to your skin type, professional or therapeutic line. It is worth remembering that peroxide is used only on the affected areas; application to the entire face can lead to dryness, peeling, and burns of the skin.

Efficiency of application:

• rashes and inflammation go away;
• pores narrow;
• pigment spots and acne marks disappear;
• structure improves;
• an even, healthy skin tone is restored;
• the face looks fresh and well-groomed.

Perhydrol or chlorhexidine?

Both drugs are similar in that they are able to disinfect wounds, scratches, abrasions, and also, if used externally, do not have a systemic effect. But their medicinal features differ significantly. Peroxide does not have the properties of a strong sterilizer, and therefore the effect of its influence is only temporary, and pathogenic microorganisms disappear for a short time.

Chlorhexidine, on the contrary, is very active against hostile microflora and in certain concentrations not only stops its development, but also completely destroys it.

The methods of using both drugs are practically the same - the problem area is spot-disinfected.

Preparatory stage

If you follow all the recommendations, you can achieve high-quality cleansing, remove sebaceous plugs, and normalize the synthesis of the sebaceous glands. But to achieve the desired effect, you should follow the advice of experts:

• Do not perform skin scrubbing or exfoliation or mechanical cleansing before a scrubbing session;
• a week before, you should avoid visiting the sauna, swimming pool, gym, and you should not sunbathe to prevent the appearance of age spots;
• you need to exclude fatty, salty, spicy dishes, sweet drinks, and alcohol from the menu so as not to provoke an exacerbation of acne;
• the day before, you must stop using decorative cosmetics.

How to remove acne and tighten pores with peroxide

A budget-friendly way to combat acne and tighten pores is a solution of salt in hydrogen peroxide. Both substances have antiseptic properties, and salt dries the skin and tightens pores.

For cooking you need 1 tsp. peroxide add salt on the tip of a knife. After complete dissolution in the liquid, a cotton pad is moistened. The skin should be wiped only in places where acne or blackheads accumulate.

After wiping, rinse your face with cold water several times and apply a moisturizer.

Procedure protocol

You can carry out cleaning yourself, following the recommendations of specialists. It is better to schedule the procedure on the weekend so that the skin has time to recover. The best period for this is considered to be autumn and winter; you can practice cleaning in the summer, but you will have to give up tanning. Be sure to test for possible allergies by applying a small amount of the product to your wrist. If there is no burning, redness or other discomfort, it can be used to cleanse the skin.

Stages of implementation:

1. Remove make-up from the skin and remove cosmetics and dust using foam or gel. It is advisable to choose formulations with AHA acids.
2. To effectively remove sebaceous plugs, it is advisable to steam the skin using a herbal compress.
3. Mix the composition immediately before application in a ceramic or glass container, in a volume sufficient for one-time use.
4. Apply with light massaging movements to target areas. Do not use on the entire surface of the face in the absence of inflammation and ulcers.
5. Apply with light rubbing movements along massage lines in a thick layer, avoiding the eyelid and mouth area. The main target areas are the nose, chin, forehead, cheeks.
6. A feeling of warmth and slight tingling may occur; if more pronounced discomfort is observed, it is necessary to wash off the product. The total time should not exceed 10–15 minutes.
7. After rinsing off the composition with warm water, wipe the skin with lotion according to your skin type for a speedy recovery. Apply moisturizer or nourishing mask.

Hydrogen peroxide can be used to wipe ulcers and pimples using a cotton swab. But do not practice this procedure for the entire face. For the preparation of recipes, only 3% hydrogen peroxide is used; 6%, 9%, 11% and higher are not used for facial care; they can cause tissue burns.

With soda

Effectively gets rid of blackheads, tightens pores, regulates the functioning of the sebaceous glands. An effective product for use in the T-area, relieves inflammation and redness, improves complexion. Abrasive particles help remove dead skin cells and normalize the respiratory processes of the integument.

Components:

• 5 ml hydrogen peroxide;
• 5–7 gr. soda

Extinguish soda with peroxide, apply to steamed skin, massage for 3 minutes. Then leave for another 2 minutes, rinse with chamomile infusion or wipe with diluted lemon juice.

With white clay

It whitens the skin well, gets rid of comedones, prevents the appearance of acne, and tightens pores. A peeling mask allows you to smooth out the relief and soothe the inflamed, irritated dermis.

Components:

• 10 gr. white clay;
• 5 ml hydrogen peroxide;
• 5 gr. calendula.

Grind dried calendula flowers in a coffee grinder, mix with clay, add peroxide. If necessary, add a little mineral water. Apply the finished mask to the target areas in a thick layer. If there are ulcers, distribute the medicinal composition using a cotton swab. After 15 minutes, rinse and treat the skin with anti-inflammatory cream.

With aspirin

The recipe allows you to cope with pigmentation, freckles, and post-acne marks. The composition also disinfects pathogenic microflora, helps speed up the healing of acne, and relieve pain. Removes keratinized epithelium and helps restore renewal processes.

Components:

• 3 aspirin tablets;
• 5 ml hydrogen peroxide.

Crush aspirin into powder, dilute with water, add peroxide, you should get the consistency of a paste. Apply along massage lines in a circular motion. Leave for 10 minutes, rinse with warm water, apply a cream with a whitening effect.

With yogurt

Natural peeling is intended for the care of combination skin prone to irritation and exposed to aggressive environmental factors. The composition has disinfectant and anti-inflammatory properties, as a result, color is restored and pores are narrowed.

Components:

• 10 ml yogurt;
• 5 gr. oat bran;
• 25 drops of peroxide.

Grind the bran into powder in a coffee grinder, combine with yogurt and peroxide. Apply to steamed skin and leave for 15 minutes. Remove the mask using a damp sponge.

Fruit

You can carry out high-quality cleansing and whitening of pigmentation at home. The product removes dead skin cells, sebaceous plugs, toxins and oxidants. Blood flow is activated, and a slight lymphatic drainage effect is observed.

Components:

• 20 ml apple juice;
• 10 gr. coffee;
• 5 ml hydrogen peroxide.

Grate the apple, squeeze out the juice using gauze, add coffee and peroxide. Distribute the composition on the face with circular massaging movements and leave for 10 minutes. After washing, apply moisturizer.

With yolk

Recommended for use on skin that often experiences inflammation and rashes. For the mask, beat one yolk. Then a teaspoon of liquid honey is added to it. The mass is mixed again until smooth.

After this, 1/2 tsp is poured in. hydrogen peroxide. The mass is quite sticky and difficult to apply with fingers or a cotton swab. For these purposes, it is recommended to use a cosmetic brush. You can wash off the mask after it begins to dry out.

Recovery period and care

After the procedure, the skin turns red and feels tight. Recovers on its own within a few hours. Detachment of epithelial plates is possible within 2–3 days. To speed up healing, moisturizing creams and serums with hyaluronic acid, B vitamins and aloe are used.

To maintain the effect and prevent complications, you should follow simple rules:

• Limit touching the skin during the day and do not use decorative cosmetics;
• for cleansing, toning, moisturizing, choose professional or therapeutic line products based on your skin type;
• you cannot visit the sauna, swimming pool, solarium, gym, this can lead to exacerbation of acne and re-infection;
• consumption of alcohol, sweet, salty, smoked foods activates the sebaceous glands and neutralizes the cleansing effect;
• It is not recommended to carry out procedures that injure the skin for about a week;
• Before going outside, use a cream with the maximum SPF factor.

With oatmeal

Oatmeal helps gently exfoliate dead tissue and tighten facial skin. To prepare the mask, 2 tbsp. oatmeal is ground into powder using a blender. Next you need to add 2/3 tsp to them. hydrogen peroxide. The mass is applied only to problem areas of the skin for 10 minutes. To increase the effectiveness of the mask, the skin needs to be massaged several times.

If desired, you can add half a teaspoon of baking soda to the mask. In this case, you need to wash it off your face 5 minutes after application.

Precautionary measures

Hydrogen peroxide is used exclusively at 3%; before use, the composition is tested for a possible allergic reaction. It is recommended to conduct sessions before the weekend to eliminate exposure to aggressive factors. There are contraindications that limit the procedure:

• individual intolerance to components;
• pregnancy, lactation;
• damage to the integrity of the integument;
• rosacea;
• dry, aging, sensitive skin.

Important! With frequent use, hydrobalance may be disrupted, dryness, irritation of the dermis, and the appearance of wrinkles. To prevent side effects, you should not use formulations with hydrogen peroxide more than once a week.

Beneficial features

Hydrogen peroxide, or perhydrol, is a clear liquid that, when used regularly, has an amazing effect on various processes occurring in our body. Here are the functions of perhydrol particles:

1. Participation in the metabolic processes of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
2. Cell temperature control.
3. Destruction and elimination of harmful toxins.
4. Fighting bacteria and fungi.
5. Normalization of blood composition (helps improve its fluidity).
6. Saturation of tissues and organs with oxygen.
7. Regulation of the thickness of the lumens of blood vessels (in some cases, slightly widens them).
8. Narrowing of pores.

These are not all the unique properties that allow you to use hydrogen peroxide for the face (for acne, wrinkles and age spots).

Advantages and disadvantages

Peeling with hydrogen peroxide is used for oily, problematic dermis. But using just one product is unlikely to get rid of acne. The main advantage is the possibility of self-exfoliation using effective components. Before cleaning, you should familiarize yourself with the features of the procedure.

Pros:

• effectively removes sebaceous plugs, pigmentation, oily shine;
• affordable price;
• carried out at home;
• the result lasts for several months.

Minuses:

• used only for oily, problematic dermis;
• requires coursework;
• Precautions must be taken to prevent side effects.

Spot impact

The most effective way to get rid of unwanted pimples and their marks is to use peroxide regularly. For example, to dry out acne, it is enough to wipe the affected areas every day for a week using a sponge pre-treated with a 3% perhydrol solution. Before this procedure, you need to cleanse your face with tonic, foam, gel or other means. It is recommended to keep the substance on the skin for no more than 7 minutes. After these manipulations, you must thoroughly rinse your face with warm water. After seven days of using the substance, you will have to stop so as not to harm the skin. It is allowed to repeat the course no earlier than after a month.

Do not forget that prolonged exposure to an oxidizing agent will not only provoke the development of burns and allergic reactions, but can also cause the formation of destructive cancers. Therefore, the answer to the question: “Is it possible to wipe your face with hydrogen peroxide for a long period?” will be negative.

Opinion of cosmetologists

Cosmetologists share their experience of using peroxide in skin care procedures.

The specialist describes the stages of disincrustation with mechanical cleaning; Uno spoons are periodically immersed in peroxide, but the solution itself is not applied to the face.

The cosmetologist asks about the stability of hydrogen peroxide in the peeling composition.

The user describes caring for problem skin, neutralizing local inflammation with peroxide. The specialist advises taking an additional course of retinoic peels.

Mask for the face

The use of face masks based on hydrogen peroxide allows you to cope with pigmentation, deeply cleanses the pores and epidermis, successfully whitens the skin, and smoothes wrinkles. After using the masks, the face becomes fresher and smoother. Some recipes give an obvious lifting effect, which prevents age-related fading, especially noticeable on not very deep expression wrinkles.

The use of perhydrol for dry skin is possible only as part of masks. To prepare you will need:

• yeast;
• soda;
• clay;
• sour cream;
• badyaga;
• lemon;
• Castor oil;
• potato;
• cottage cheese.

Patient reviews

On the Internet you can find many positive reviews from patients who have experienced the effects of hydrogen peroxide.

The user writes that he uses peroxide periodically, it is a good effective remedy.

The review indicates a positive experience of using it to get rid of post-acne.

A participant writes about the lack of results when removing freckles.

But there are also negative experiences with use. The user writes that with frequent use, peroxide provokes rosacea.

How to use

Perhydrol for the face can be used for cosmetic purposes with caution. The most common method of use, but not the safest, is to use the product as a tonic, which is used to periodically treat and disinfect the skin. Another use option is as part of masks. Both of these options are applicable for different problems.

The solution is often used to make shaving easier, remove hair and lighten hair (for example, in the area above the lip) or on the head. A mixture of the product with ammonia is used to quickly remove hair from the body. Work order:

1. To prepare the composition, you need to take 40 milliliters of peroxide and half a teaspoon of alcohol.
2. To facilitate distribution, add shaving gel or foam.
3. The product should be left on the skin for fifteen minutes.
4. Then the composition is washed off with water and a thick cream butter or body oil is applied.