Hydrogen Peroxide for Skin, Wounds, Whitening, Acne, Scars, Side Effects

Hydrogen peroxide for skin
Hydrogen peroxide for skin

The uses of hydrogen peroxide for skin can be both useful and harmful. Here is more on the benefits, uses and side effects of using hydrogen peroxide for the skin

Being the largest organ in the body, the skin contains the epidermis and dermis. Much of what is seen in the epidermis which helps to regulate body temperature and protect the body from damage. The dermis, on the other hand, contains all necessary fibers, nerves, glands, follicles, and vessels for the skin’s existence.

Any attack on the skin is exhibited on the epidermis and homemade recipes are best for treatment to prevent the harm of dermis. One of the best treatments is the use of hydrogen peroxide.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Have you ever wondered why some infections appear on the skin in adulthood yet the underlying causes as explained by the doctor have existed for years?

3% hydrogen peroxide
3% hydrogen peroxide

This is due to the existence of hydrogen peroxide. This compound does occur naturally in the body though in small quantities. It is produced by a subclass of the white blood cells known as Neutrophils. This help the body to fight against bacteria, parasites, yeast, toxins, and viruses

Chemically existing as H2O2 where it is composed of only water and an extra oxygen. This composition makes it non-toxic in nature thus suitable for most skin types. It is also cytotoxic in nature in that it destroys germ and bacteria cells thus eliminating them from the body

It is a germicidal agent and can be found naturally in rainwater, colostrum watermelon, and cranberry juice. However synthetically in three grades that include:

3% which makes it suitable for use in households

6% for cosmetic use

35% for food grade which is in very high concentration for industrial purposes

How does Hydrogen Peroxide Work for Skin?

Kills germs and disease organisms through the oxidation of the cells that is a controlled burning process.

Benefits of Using Hydrogen Peroxide for Skin

Here are different ways you can use hydrogen peroxide for skin

Benefits and uses of hydrogen peroxide for skin
Benefits and uses of hydrogen peroxide for skin

Prevent infection

A cut exposes the skin to infection.Skin infections are mostly caused by anaerobic bacteria which in this case is the tetanus bacteria that flourishes without oxygen.When applied to small cuts and burns, hydrogen peroxide through the catalyzes enzyme releases its extra oxygen. This creates a foam-like substance that kills the bacteria that may be on the skin thus prevent infection. The water, on the other hand, cleans the skin surface.

When the skin rubs on tough surfaces, a scrape may occur.Though it may appear as a mild abrasion it may also cause nerve damage. Depending on the severity it may contain a lot of dead skin.

Hydrogen peroxide’s use on the scrapes provides the much-needed moisture and oxygen to the cells rejuvenating them. This helps to rid of the dead skin giving rise to few healthy skin.

It also contains antiseptic properties which help to eliminate bacteria that may further damage the skin Recipe for skin infections

Using 3% hydrogen peroxide, add tow tablespoon to bath water and soak the cut for ten minutes. This helps to rid of all infections.

Treat foot fungus

Also referred to as Athlete’s foot or tinea pedis it is characterized by sores, redness, itching, and burns on the skin. It is a fungal infection precipitated by the moist, warm conditions experienced in summer and humid climates. It also occurs in people who, over-cover their feet in tight socks and shoes and also in public showers where warm water is overused.

Treat foot and toe nail fungus
Treat foot and toenail fungus

The fungi exist in the outer skin layer primarily attached to dead tissues.  The lack of proper exfoliation and very moist conditions support the growth of the fungi. The growth can occur on the toes, heel or foot. The construction of the feet can also create some odor.

Hydrogen peroxide is rich in antifungal properties’ that curb the growth of the foot fungi.  Since is also a germicidal agent, hydrogen peroxide kills the odor causing germs on feet.

Recipe for foot fungus

Mix 1 part water to one part of hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle and use on affected toes.

Detoxify the body

The body absorbs toxins from diet and the environment and it is the duty of the skin to eliminate them. Some of the toxins are lost through sweat and urine but if the body is dehydrated this may be challenging.

The topical application of hydrogen peroxide assists the body to remove these organisms, residues, and toxins

Recipe: Mix together warm water in bath tub with 2 parts hydrogen peroxide and soak body for twenty-five minutes

Treat canker sores

Canker sores appear on the skin on the lips, tongue, throat, and mouth as round ulcerations that are small and very painful. They can last for a week or even a month. They occur due to vitamin deficiency, hormones or as a result of an immune suppressed disease such as Chron’s disease.

Heal canker sores
Heal Canker sores

Recipe:–mix two teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide with one part water and dab a cotton ball before application.

Read more on home remedies for mouth sores, canker sores, and mouth ulcers. 

Yeast infection

When there is unbalanced PH in the body the skin around the area is affected. This is caused by the presence of a fungus and bacteria that affects the normal acid to base ratio. Yeast infection is caused by fungi that skin rash, irritation, and inflammation. This appear on the mouth, nails, vaginal area and skin folds

Hydrogen peroxide is produced within the vagina though in small quantities. It exists in the vaginal area to fight off bacteria and fungus. However due to the influx of excess fungus and bacteria caused by factors such as hormonal imbalance and fungal infested diet. Its quantity within the body is depleted leaving the body vulnerable.

On careful application of 3% hydrogen peroxide topically or through soaking. It breaks down releasing the extra oxygen which fights off the fungus.

Recipe: Yeast infection adds to a cup of water a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide and soaks a tampon in this solution. Insert the tampon into the yeast infected area and remove after half an hour.

Also, fill a basin with water and add a pint of 3% hydrogen peroxide. Soak in the solution for about ten minutes

Enema or Colonic

Chronic constipation has an effect on the skin since the excessive dehydration and toxic influx tends to darken the skin. In the colon, there exist aerobic bacteria known as lactobacillus bacteria. It requires oxygen to thrive. During constipation, the lack of water dehydrates the cells and exposes the colon to attacks from yeast, viruses and anaerobic bacteria which thrives in no oxygen conditions.

The treatment for this sometimes makes use of enemas that can contain hydrogen peroxide. The solution helps to rejuvenate the formation of the good bacteria through adding oxygen to fight off infection.

Recipe:  add 3 tablespoons of 3% Hydrogen peroxide to a quart of water add 11 ounces of distilled water and mix. To the solution take at least 3 tablespoons and mix with one part of water and use as an enema.

Treatment of corns and calluses

There are areas of the body that have tough skin such as the hands and feet. When there is repeated friction or pressure it may result in calluses and corns. Corns are usually formed on the toes and can cause a pain when walking. The frequent friction destroys the skin cells and they eventually die to lead to a hard surface.

Hydrogen peroxide on application breaks down into water and oxygen that softens the calluses and corns. The water helps to moisturize the skin while the oxygen helps to rejuvenate the cells.

Recipe: To a quarter cup of warm water add a tablespoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide and soak infected area for ten minutes.

Prevention of Boils

They appear on the skin as pus-filled lesions.

Occur when staphylococcus bacteria attaches itself on the sebum or hair follicle especially on the face, armpits, shoulders, and neck. This attachment occurs when there is a cut or ingrown hair that allows it to thrive.

Hydrogen peroxide destroys this unwanted bacteria eliminating the boils.

Treatment of gangrene

The skin appears discolored or is filled with blisters and pus.

Caused by lack of blood supply in the body, it results in the death of body tissues leaving the skin dry and emaciated. Blood helps to transport nutrients, oxygen, and antibodies for protection. The lack thereof leads to cell death, infections and tissue damage.

Hydrogen peroxide contains an extra oxygen which when released in the body helps to drench the blood thus rejuvenating the dying tissues and cells. It also reduces bacteria growth thus stopping infections.

Wound care

In small wounds, an abrasion may affect the blood vessel in the dermis. Naturally, blood vessels constrict in such circumstances to stop the bleeding. However, the process is strained if there is depletion of oxygen in the body.

Also, a wound might cause damage to the collagen fibers and surrounding tissues affecting the formation of new skin cells. This means that a lot of dead skin appears on the surface

Hydrogen peroxide applied to the wound releases the extra oxygen which helps to provide air that prevents the vessel bleeding. It also eliminates the bacteria thus clean wounds and eliminates the dead cells and tissues.

Use Hydrogen Peroxide to get rid of acne and acne scars

When acne vulgaris comes into contact with the oil producing glands sebum and the dead skin on the epidermis. It results into clogging of the pores resulting to blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts. Hydrogen peroxide on application releases the extra oxygen and burns the affected area.  The burning makes it very unsuitable for bacteria growth thus eliminating it.

Use hydrogen peroxide to remove acne scars
Use hydrogen peroxide to remove acne scars

Hydrogen peroxide also helps to constrict the sebaceous glands such that they produce less sebum thus reducing acne.

Recipe for acne treatment

On clean dry face rub, a cotton ball soaked in 3% hydrogen peroxide and wait for five minutes. Wash carefully with lukewarm water, pat dry and use an oil free moisturizer.

Skin whitening

Skin pigmentation is caused by a number of factors including diet, acne, drugs, age, UV radiation and hormonal imbalance.Some of these factors affect melanin production causing its overproduction that leads to dark spots appearing on the skin.

Hydrogen peroxide for skin whitening and pigmentation
Hydrogen peroxide for skin whitening and pigmentation

At times dark spots appear on the skin due to the lack of enough oxygen supply to the cells to allow for regeneration. This often leads to a buildup of dead skin cells on the surface.

Hydrogen peroxide, when applied to the skin, releases its surplus oxygen which helps to speed up exfoliation. It is acidic in nature and contains antioxidant properties that help to remove the toxin build up thus lightening the skin.

How to use hydrogen peroxide for lightening

Mix to a paste one teaspoon milk, two and a half flour, few drops of water and two teaspoons water.One can also add a few drops of lemon juice.

Apply on skin and leave for a fifteen minutes before washing face with warm water. Pat dry and repeat the process for a few weeks.

Further reading on how to get rid of dark spots and acne scars.

Treatment of Arthritis

The skin appears numb, swollen and inflamed.

This is due to the lack of oxygen which helps to supply nutrients. The use of hydrogen peroxide helps to provide the body with the much-needed oxygen for cell growth.

Treatment of subdermal parasite infection

Mites are transported by birds and they cause infection on the skin. They are attracted to warm moist areas of the skin such as the face and groin and are very itchy.

Hydrogen peroxide kills mites

Precautions while using Hydrogen Peroxide for Skin

  • Excessive use of hydrogen peroxide can result in skin redness, irritation, and overall skin damage
  • Can cause skin burns due to its oxidizing properties on sensitive skin also leading to the formation of blisters.
  • In high quantities, hydrogen peroxide has been associated with premature aging. This is because its high oxidative capabilities have been known to destroy skin cells thus damaging the collagen and elastin fibers. This causes faster aging as well as early onset of Alzheimer’s.

Side Effects

While hydrogen peroxide offers a myriad of benefits for the skin, it has harmful effects too. Are you aware of the side effects of hydrogen peroxide on the skin?

  • Overuse of hydrogen peroxide damages skin cells which leads to premature aging.
  • Too much application of hydrogen peroxide can lead to dry skin and irritation a precursor for pimples and acne breakouts.
  • Increased levels of hydrogen peroxide on the skin can lead to vitiligo- the loss of the dark pigment of skin.
  • Some people can suffer from serious allergic skin reactions with symptoms such as burning sensation and inflammation

References

How to use Hydrogen Peroxide for Home and Beauty: https://wellnessmama.com/130122/hydrogen-peroxide-uses/

Hydrogen Peroxide Acne Treatment Guideline: http://www.beautyhealthplus.org/2015/08/hydrogen-peroxide-acne-scars-cystic.html

Does Hydrogen Peroxide Lighten Skin: http://www.lightskincure.org/skin-lightening/does-hydrogen-peroxide-lighten-skin-permanently-fast-side-effects/

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