How To Use Hydrogen Peroxide To Remove Blackheads?

If you’re to use a potentially dangerous chemical on your face, you should know the proper ways. Blackheads are enlarged pores filled with skin debris and oil that have been oxidized and turned black after coming in contact with air.

 

The use of hydrogen peroxide to remove blackheads is quite widespread and has become a common beauty treatment and name in dermatology. Hydrogen peroxide is a mild antiseptic and a bleaching agent and is often used for dermatological and industrial purposes (1), (2). However, as it can be corrosive if not correctly used, you need to understand precisely how to use it safely. Read on to know how to remove blackheads using hydrogen peroxide effectively and safely.

1.Wash your face with a mild cleanser to remove any excess oil, bacteria and other impurities from your skin. Wash off with water and pat dry.

2.Next, exfoliate the areas of your skin that are affected by blackheads. You can use a homemade face scrub that is a paste made with sugar and water. It will be mildly abrasive to help in removing the oxidized blackhead surfaces. Rinse thoroughly.

3.Now it is time for the hydrogen peroxide treatment. Moisten a cotton ball with 3% hydrogen peroxide and gently dab your blackheads with it. Make sure you avoid your eyebrows and hairline as hydrogen peroxide has whitening properties and may bleach your hair.

4.Moisturize your skin with jojoba, avocado or olive oil while it is still damp. Massage 1 teaspoon of the oil on your face. It will act as an emollient that smoothens and protects your skin by retaining moisture (4), (5).

 

Topical application of enzymatically generated hydrogen peroxide can help alleviate acne (6). You can also use it to remove acne and blackhead scars (7). All you need to do is exfoliate, and then using a cotton ball, rub the affected areas with a solution of equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water. Leave it on overnight and wash off in the morning. With time, you will get skin that looks bright and clear.

This study examined the bactericidal efficacy of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes). The minimum inhibitory concentration of H2O2 after 30 minutes was found to be 1% in both saline and water solutions. A topical solution of 3% H2O2 demonstrated superior bactericidal effect compared to lower concentrations. After five minutes of exposure, all H2O2 mixtures showed a reduction in live bacteria, with the topical solution being the most effective. These results support the use of topical 3% H2O2 for five minutes in surgical skin preparation before shoulder surgery to eradicate C. acnes.

Tips To Remember:

• Never over-exfoliate your skin as it will irritate your skin and remove more stratum corneum than it should. This is a layer of bonded, dead skin cells that prevents your skin from losing moisture and keeps infection away.

• If you do not want to use hydrogen peroxide on your skin, you can opt for lemon juice instead. This is another great home remedy for acne and pimples as well as for removing scars (8).

• If you prefer, you can use salt instead of sugar to exfoliate your skin. However, remember that salt will make your skin dry. Sugar is a humectant, which means it helps in drawing moisture from the air to your skin (9). It is also a good source of alpha hydroxy acid, which keeps the sebum plugs in your pores soft .

• Always be careful to avoid contact with your eyes when you use hydrogen peroxide. If it gets into your eyes, rinse off with water immediately. If you experience any problems, visit a medical professional at once.

• Use an exfoliating scrub 1 to 2 times a week. This will work on the pores and prevent blackheads from appearing on your skin.

• Always use a mild face cleanser and moisturizer to help soothe and heal your skin. All-natural products are best, especially when you have acne and other skin problems (10).