Many women have to face the problem of age spots on their face. The appearance of pigmentation is associated with hormonal changes, so spots often appear during pregnancy or menopause. You can whiten your skin in a beauty salon; modern cosmetology offers a variety of methods for neutralizing melanin. But salon treatments are not for everyone. Therefore, many girls want to choose an inexpensive but effective remedy to combat pigmentation. Hydrogen peroxide can be such a remedy. Let's figure out how to properly use hydrogen peroxide for age spots in order to achieve better results and not harm the skin.
Causes of skin pigmentation
The most common cause of uneven skin color and texture is sunburn or scars. Without proper sunscreen, skin is exposed to harsh UV rays. As a result, the process of melanogenesis is triggered, which manifests itself in the form of pigment spots, freckles or larger spots of light or darker color.
The appearance of hyperpigmentation is also influenced by liver disease, hyperthyroidism, or the use of photosensitizers and herbs.
The basis for the prevention and treatment of pigmented skin changes is adequate sun protection. We should use sunscreen all year round, regardless of the season. But if age spots still form, you can try home remedies to combat pigmentation.
How does peroxide affect facial skin?
Hydrogen peroxide (hydrogen peroxide, H2O2) is a powerful oxidizing agent with three main properties:
- Oxidative. Peroxide destroys microbes, calms inflammation, promotes rapid healing of pimples, ulcers, and small wounds.
- Whitening. Active oxygen gives the skin a more even and lighter tone, making dark age spots and freckles on the face less noticeable.
- Foaming. Combining with ichor, pus and other organic matter, peroxide forms a vesicular base. When applied to a purulent and infected wound, it hisses, but remains inactive on a clean one.
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Cucumber mask
Cucumbers contain a valuable enzyme - ascorbinase, which has a lightening effect. In addition, natural cosmetics containing cucumber juice have properties that soothe any irritation, as well as soften and tone the skin.
Ways to lighten your skin
The simplest known home treatment using cucumber is the application of chilled compresses to the affected skin. A slightly more labor-intensive mask is grated cucumber combined with a teaspoon of natural yogurt.
Apply the prepared mixture to cleansed facial skin and rinse after approx. 20 minutes with warm water. It is important to regularly use the mask once a week.
Ways to whiten your face with hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can be used both in pure form (aqueous solution) and as part of masks. The first method is suitable for those with oily skin or single pigment spots on a limited area of the epidermis. Those who are lucky enough to have normal or dry skin need to combine peroxide with emollient bases: potatoes, sea salt, cottage cheese, fruit pulp.
Use only 3% pharmacy peroxide in all recipes!
Wiping the skin with an aqueous solution
An aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide is a pharmaceutical preparation in its pure form. Suitable for oily skin types and removal of single pigment spots of a small area.
Necessary materials:
- hydrogen peroxide, aqueous solution 3%;
- cotton swabs, disks;
- moisturizing cream.
Action time: 25 + 15 minutes.
Buy a bottle at the pharmacy and open it. When treating freckles, dip a cotton swab and apply pointwise. Apply the product to the stain, wait 5 minutes, reapply, wait again, and so on. No more than 5 applications in total. After the last treatment, wait 15 minutes, blot off any remaining moisture with a napkin.
There is no need to rinse anything off, since peroxide decomposes into water and active oxygen. Finally, lubricate your face with moisturizer.
Potato mask
The combination of potato starch and peroxide has a powerful positive effect on the skin: deep cleansing, evening out complexion, eliminating pigmentation, improving the color and texture of the epidermis. Skin whitening with hydrogen peroxide can be done with pure starch or finely grated fresh potato pulp.
Necessary materials:
- potato starch for mask – 3 tbsp. l.;
- peroxide as a catalyst – 6 tsp;
- warm water for rinsing – 1 glass;
- lemon juice to neutralize the mask – 1 tsp.
Action time: 15 minutes.
Mix starch and peroxide in a glass bowl. Steam the skin and apply the mask with massage movements for 15 minutes. During this time, prepare a neutralizer solution from water and lemon juice. After the mask has expired, rinse it with lemon solution and wash your face with clean tap water.
Sea salt recipe
Peroxide with sea moth can be spread on oily facial skin. The product has a cleansing and drying effect.
Necessary materials:
- peroxide - arbitrary amount;
- finely ground sea salt - arbitrary amount;
- cotton pad;
- moisturizing cream.
Action time: 5 minutes.
The combination of hydrogen peroxide and sea salt is not a mask, but rather an express peeling. Dip a clean cotton swab in peroxide, then in sea salt and wipe your face thoroughly, paying special attention to areas with blackheads. At the end of the procedure, wash with warm water and apply moisturizer. Repeat no more than twice a month.
With shaving foam
The foam has a softening, cooling, moisturizing effect and the necessary texture for easy application. Hydrogen peroxide for face whitening in combination with shaving foam eliminates inflammation and bleaches hair in the treatment area.
Necessary materials:
- shaving foam – 1 tbsp. l.;
- peroxide 3% – 4 ml;
- ammonia – 4 drops;
- cream or lotion.
Action time: 15 minutes.
Mix the ingredients and apply to the skin. Wait 15 minutes and rinse with running water. Finally, wipe your face with a moisturizing lotion or cream.
Repeat weekly until optimal results are achieved.
Curd mask
Face masks with hydrogen peroxide and cottage cheese have nourishing and moisturizing properties. Suitable for any age and skin type.
Necessary materials:
- cottage cheese – 50 g;
- 1 egg yolk;
- peroxide – 5 drops.
Action time: 20 minutes.
Grind the cottage cheese in a blender or rub through a sieve to reduce the fraction of grains. Mix all ingredients, apply for 20 minutes, then rinse.
Carry out the procedure in the evening before going to bed so that after the mask you do not expose your skin to ultraviolet radiation.
To achieve a positive effect, a course of 15 procedures is recommended.
Yeast recipe
A whitening face mask with hydrogen peroxide and yeast contains B vitamins. It has a whitening and nourishing effect, evens out skin tone and reduces oiliness. The composition is suitable for oily problem skin with inflamed elements and blackheads.
Necessary materials:
- granulated dry yeast – 1 tbsp. l.;
- lemon juice – 1 tsp;
- water – 1 tsp;
- hydrogen peroxide 3% – 1 coffee spoon.
Action time: 10 minutes.
Mix the ingredients until a homogeneous mass with the consistency of sour cream is formed. At first, the composition will begin to foam, but after 5 minutes after the start of kneading it will acquire a homogeneous structure. Apply the mask for 10 minutes. and rinse with water at room temperature. Repeat no more than 2 times a week.
With fruits
Fruits enrich the mask with substances beneficial to the skin. You can use the pulp of any fruit to which you are not allergic. One of the best options is avocado. It contains vitamins C, A, E, it moisturizes the skin, protects against ultraviolet radiation, smooths out wrinkles, gives a radiant appearance and in itself slightly brightens the complexion.
Required components:
- avocado – 1/2 fruit;
- peroxide 3% – 5 ml;
- potato starch - arbitrary amount.
Action time: 15 minutes.
Take half an avocado, remove the pit and skin, mash the pulp and mix with peroxide. Depending on the size and ripeness of the fruit, you may end up with a thick or thin mixture. In the latter case, it will be inconvenient to apply, so the consistency of the mask can be thickened using starch. Apply the composition, wait the prescribed time and rinse with warm water.
Egg mask
Every cosmetologist knows how to whiten the face with peroxide and not spoil the skin. You just need to combine the active component with a universal base of egg yolk and cosmetic oil.
Necessary materials:
- 1 chicken egg yolk or 3 quail yolks;
- almond oil – 5 ml;
- hydrogen peroxide 3% – 6 drops.
Action time: 15 minutes.
Grind the yolk with cosmetic oil, add peroxide, stir thoroughly. Apply the mixture, wait 15 minutes, rinse with warm water.
Baby powder product
The combination of peroxide with baby powder dries out inflamed areas, removes blackheads, and eliminates excessive oily skin. The composition is not suitable for dry skin.
Necessary materials:
- powder – 0.5 tsp;
- hydrogen peroxide 3% – 1.5 tsp;
- cotton pad or sponge.
The mask must be kept on the face all night.
Mix the ingredients until it becomes a liquid paste. Apply with a cotton pad and apply to problem areas. The composition can be left overnight and washed in the morning as usual. You can also wait for the mask to dry completely and wipe off the residue with a cotton sponge. Repeat the procedure 4 times a month.
Clay mask
Masks with hydrogen peroxide and cosmetic clay disinfect inflamed areas, reduce the secretion of sebaceous glands, dry out pimples, and lighten the skin. Any oil is suitable to enrich the mask - olive, castor, almond, peach, coconut, apricot or grape seeds, avocado, wheat germ.
Necessary materials:
- white or blue cosmetic clay – 2 tsp;
- hydrogen peroxide 3% – 4 drops;
- water – arbitrary amount;
- moisturizing oil – 2-3 drops.
Action time: 10 minutes.
Dilute the clay to a paste, add peroxide, and lastly add oil. Steam the skin, apply the mixture to it, leave for the prescribed time and rinse with warm water.
You don't have to add oil to the composition. In this case, apply moisturizer after the mask.
Bread recipe
A mask made from bran bread perfectly eliminates acne and areas of hyperpigmentation.
Necessary materials:
- bran bread - 1 slice;
- decoction of chamomile or green tea - arbitrary amount;
- sour cream – 1 tbsp. l.;
- hydrogen peroxide 3% – 10 drops;
- gauze.
Action time: 15 minutes.
Take a slice of bran bread, cut off the crusts, and pour a decoction of chamomile or green tea over the crumb to soften it. Then squeeze out the excess liquid and mix the mixture with sour cream and peroxide. Apply the composition to gauze and apply to areas of pigmentation on the face as a compress. Finally, remove the gauze and rinse off the paste with warm water.
Peeling mask with badyaga
The combination of badyagi and peroxide is quite aggressive. It eliminates pigmentation, deeply cleanses the skin, but can also cause burns.
The product is not suitable for dry and sensitive skin. Even those with oily skin should not apply the composition to the entire face. Use it for spot application.
Necessary materials:
- badyaga – up to 1 tsp;
- hydrogen peroxide 3% – 1 tsp;
- cotton swabs or disks for application;
- sponge for rinsing;
- moisturizing cream.
Action time: 5 minutes.
Combine badyagu and peroxide, mix well, wait 2 minutes for the reaction to begin with the formation of foam. You need to achieve a sauce consistency. Gently spread the mixture, avoiding sensitive skin on the lips and around the eyes. For the first time, apply the mask for no more than 5 minutes; subsequently, the action time can be gradually doubled.
Rinse off carefully with a sponge so that the product does not get on your mucous membranes or in your eyes. Finally, apply a moisturizing cream.
Parsley tonic or mask
Parsley contains significant amounts of flavonoids, which help brighten and invigorate tired skin. The nutrients and essential oils it contains deeply moisturize, remove dead cells, reduce blemishes and even out skin tone. Parsley can be used to make a whitening tonic or cleansing paste.
- Pour the parsley with cool water and let it brew for 12 hours in the refrigerator.
- In the morning, pour the prepared tonic, preferably into a bottle with a spray bottle, so that you can use it throughout the day, lightly spraying it on your face.
Another option is to carefully chop the parsley with a knife and grind it with a spoon or mortar. Combined with buttermilk, we get a ready-made cleansing paste that can be used to wash your face in the morning and evening.
Properties of peroxide
Peroxide is successfully used to treat the skin. This is a biologically active substance consisting of water and oxygen atoms. When it comes into contact with the epidermis, it immediately begins to work:
- disinfects,
- dries out wounds and pimples,
- cleanses pores of dust,
- gets rid of comedones,
- improves the function of the sebaceous glands,
- eliminates age spots, acne marks and freckles.
Peroxide is highly effective, but must be used carefully. When it gets on the face, it instantly oxidizes. The reaction causes the skin to become lighter. This indicates that a minor chemical burn occurred and the upper layer of the dermis was injured.
To avoid unpleasant consequences, it is important to use a liquid in which the peroxide concentration does not exceed 3%. A more saturated composition is too aggressive. It must be diluted with distilled water.
Internet hit - baking soda
Recently, a baking soda mask, which has a strong whitening effect, has become a very popular method of lightening hyperpigmentation. However, it should not be used on sensitive or dry skin as this may cause irritation.
Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of milk. The mask should have the consistency of a thick paste. Apply the finished mixture to cleansed facial skin and rinse after approx. 10 minutes. Remember that after such treatment, you should return the normal pH of the skin with a tonic or micellar liquid.
Homemade lightening methods are not only economical, but also fast and effective. But before applying the above procedures, it is best to conduct an allergy test on a small area of skin.
Contraindications
It is not recommended to remove dark spots on the skin with hydrogen peroxide if you are individually intolerant to this drug. H2O2 should not be prescribed as a bleaching agent to persons with sensitive skin, as severe burns may occur that are difficult to heal and leave behind scars. Hydrogen peroxide procedures are not carried out to whiten areas of the epidermis in the cells of which a lot of melanin has accumulated, if the skin in their place and nearby is damaged in the form of wounds and scratches.
Recommended for whom?
Hydrogen peroxide can be used in home cosmetology for various purposes. If used correctly, it will help:
Do you have freckles?
Of course there is! No and there is no need!
- cleanse pores well, eliminate comedones and pimples;
- will eliminate excess pigmentation, whiten freckles and age spots.
However, you need to understand that hydrogen peroxide is by no means a harmless remedy. If this remedy is used incorrectly, negative consequences may occur, namely:
- the appearance of a feeling of skin tightness, excessive dryness, peeling;
- formation of burns.
How does it work?
Peroxide is water with an oxygen atom attached to it. It is he who, during contact with the skin, enters into an oxidation reaction and is destroyed. During this process, dirt, sweat and bacteria located on the surface of the epidermis are bound by an oxygen atom and removed.
Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic in nature. It destroys all pathogens and also removes sebum, making the face matte and with fewer rashes.
Girls' opinion
Many girls who have used peroxide to get rid of freckles are happy with the results, they leave excellent reviews.
Marina, 25 years old:
I have always had freckles, and during pregnancy pigment spots also appeared on my face. With a baby in your arms, you don’t really go to the cosmetologist, so I started looking for simple home remedies. Hydrogen peroxide helped me a lot. The spots became much lighter, and small freckles disappeared completely. I am pleased with the results, but I will make more masks, as I want to achieve complete disappearance of spots.
Olesya, 19 years old:
I have red hair and freckles. Some may find this image cute, but I have hated it since childhood. It's easy to dye your hair, but what to do about freckles? I tried different methods, but the most effective for me was hydrogen peroxide. I use this product regularly and my skin tone has become much more even.
What kind of drug?
The chemical formula of hydrogen peroxide is similar to the formula of water, but it contains an “extra” oxygen atom. When peroxide is applied to the skin, the substance begins to break down, producing water and releasing oxygen. And free oxygen is a very strong oxidizing agent , and this is what the whitening effect of the product is based on.
Free oxygen can destroy pigment, so peroxide is used not only to remove freckles, but also to bleach hair and lighten teeth.
But the concentration of the active substance during each procedure should be different.
Methods of application
Let's figure out how to use hydrogen peroxide for freckles on the face. The easiest way is to apply undiluted . The procedure goes like this:
- the skin is thoroughly cleansed;
- Only a 3% peroxide solution is allowed for application; more concentrated formulations cannot be used due to the risk of burns;
- Use a swab dipped in peroxide to wipe the problem areas. If you are fighting pigment spots, then you need to apply peroxide using a cotton swab pointwise;
- In 20 minutes, almost all of the applied peroxide will disintegrate, forming water and oxygen, so washing is not a necessary procedure, you can simply blot your face with a towel, and then apply a moisturizing cream.
Whitening Lemon Lotion
This composition can be prepared for future use.
Whitening Recipe:
Do you like your freckles?
Oh yeah! Of course! No, nightmare!
- 50 ml of freshly squeezed, strained lemon juice;
- 25 ml natural apple cider vinegar;
- 1 aspirin tablet, crushed into powder;
- 10 ml hydrogen peroxide;
- 10 ml of vodka or 5 ml of medical alcohol diluted with 5 ml of water.
Mix everything and shake vigorously for several minutes. Pour into an opaque bottle and store in the refrigerator for no more than a week. Use 3-5 times a day, rubbing the areas of pigmentation. After five minutes, you need to wipe your face with an alcohol-free tonic or wash your face. After applying the lotion, it is not recommended to go out into the sun for at least an hour.
Whitening Cucumber Lotion
This whitening composition is simple to prepare. We need to brew strong green tea; we need 50 ml of cold brew.
In addition, you will need 30 ml of cucumber juice; to prepare this product, you need to grate a fresh cucumber on a fine grater and squeeze the juice through cheesecloth. Mix the two liquids and pour 20 ml of peroxide into the mixture, shake. Store the composition in the refrigerator in an opaque bottle for no more than five days. Wipe the skin where freckles are located several times a day.
