3% hydrogen peroxide (the kind used in first-aid kits) works well for treating acne, for some people.
I’ve been using it myself, but only for about three weeks so far. I tried it because I’d heard its effects were similar to chlorine, and going swimming was one of the only things that had a noticeable effect on my skin. Before I started using the peroxide, I stopped using topical acne medicine for two weeks, but continued taking minocycline (which I was taking for the acne). The acne got worse, but not a whole lot worse—it was only slightly outside the noise. After two weeks with nothing, I started wiping my face and shoulders with peroxide twice a day. After a couple days, there was less acne than when I’d been using nothing, and after the first week it was better than the best it got when I’d been using the old treatments. It’s fluctuated a little after that, but in general it’s much better than before.
The main cost of this is that it’s really itchy immediately after putting the peroxide on. For me, this only lasts a few minutes, but I suspect it would be worse for someone with sensitive skin. I also burned myself a few times when I’d first started using it, but 3% peroxide burns are just itchiness. I’ve also heard that it can hurt for several days if you get it in your eyes, and can stain clothes. I haven’t been using it long enough to know if there are negative long-term effects. The monetary cost is negligible—the sponges to apply it with were the most expensive part, and they’re normal dish sponges.
I’m still figuring out the best way to put it on. I’ve been using a soft, fabric-covered type of dish sponge for my shoulders, which is good for keeping it off my hands, but after a week and a half the plastic backing on the sponge started to fall apart. That was a little worrying, so I’m going to try something else soon. So far, the only thing I’ve tried using on my face is cotton pads made for wiping off makeup and such. They work, but I have to fold them into fourths to keep the peroxide from soaking through too fast, and even then I get a lot on my hands.
I suspect this works for me because my skin is really oily, and not very sensitive. Based on my internet searches, using hydrogen peroxide this way doesn’t appear common, so it’s probably a your mileage may vary sort of thing.
As a more general rule, if something appears helpful but isn’t really practical , google for other things that are similar or have similar effects.
3% hydrogen peroxide (the kind used in first-aid kits) works well for treating acne, for some people.
I’ve been using it myself, but only for about three weeks so far. I tried it because I’d heard its effects were similar to chlorine, and going swimming was one of the only things that had a noticeable effect on my skin. Before I started using the peroxide, I stopped using topical acne medicine for two weeks, but continued taking minocycline (which I was taking for the acne). The acne got worse, but not a whole lot worse—it was only slightly outside the noise. After two weeks with nothing, I started wiping my face and shoulders with peroxide twice a day. After a couple days, there was less acne than when I’d been using nothing, and after the first week it was better than the best it got when I’d been using the old treatments. It’s fluctuated a little after that, but in general it’s much better than before.
The main cost of this is that it’s really itchy immediately after putting the peroxide on. For me, this only lasts a few minutes, but I suspect it would be worse for someone with sensitive skin. I also burned myself a few times when I’d first started using it, but 3% peroxide burns are just itchiness. I’ve also heard that it can hurt for several days if you get it in your eyes, and can stain clothes. I haven’t been using it long enough to know if there are negative long-term effects. The monetary cost is negligible—the sponges to apply it with were the most expensive part, and they’re normal dish sponges.
I’m still figuring out the best way to put it on. I’ve been using a soft, fabric-covered type of dish sponge for my shoulders, which is good for keeping it off my hands, but after a week and a half the plastic backing on the sponge started to fall apart. That was a little worrying, so I’m going to try something else soon. So far, the only thing I’ve tried using on my face is cotton pads made for wiping off makeup and such. They work, but I have to fold them into fourths to keep the peroxide from soaking through too fast, and even then I get a lot on my hands.
I suspect this works for me because my skin is really oily, and not very sensitive. Based on my internet searches, using hydrogen peroxide this way doesn’t appear common, so it’s probably a your mileage may vary sort of thing.
As a more general rule, if something appears helpful but isn’t really practical , google for other things that are similar or have similar effects.