Don't use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on wounds or to control oily skin or acne breakouts. They're not effective and they can damage your skin, making the problem worse.
Hypochlorous acid is an antibacterial (meaning it can kill bacteria, including the kind that causes acne) and antimicrobial (it destroys other pathogens like fungi and viruses) compound that's found in a lot of household disinfectants, including bleach.
Alcohol was once a frequently used ingredient in some toners and acne-fighting facial products, but not so much anymore. That's because alcohol does kill bacteria on the skin, but it also does a lot of harm by stripping away healthy oils and that keep your natural moisture locked in.
Consumption of alcohol can reduce the immune system functionality, which ultimately makes you more prone to foreign body attacks which can lead to breakouts in the skin. Many alcoholic drinks contain sugar, and when drinks are mixed the sugar levels can considerably increase.
People should not apply isopropyl alcohol to the skin for any reason, as it can pass into the bloodstream and cause poisoning. Rubbing alcohol is better for use in first aid and to sterilize small objects or surfaces.
Many over-the-counter treatments contain retinoids. Topical anti-inflammatories, like dapsone gel, can also reduce acne. An oral prescription medication called spironolactone can reduce the effects of male hormones. Chemical peels and blue light therapies also help if you want to clear up acne more quickly.
Flammable Surfaces
Rubbing alcohol is a highly flammable substance, so you should never use it to clean flammable surfaces, or areas that are exposed to open flames (such as a fireplace). It's also a smart idea to steer clear of surfaces that routinely get hot.
Alcohol in Skincare for Acne and Oily Skin
And get this: Alcohol can actually increase oiliness, so the immediate de-greasing effect is eventually counteracted, prompting your oily skin to look even more shiny.
Long story short, the use of alcohol may have a few benefits but will cause unnecessary irritation to those prone to sensitive skin or razor burn.
Acne is a common issue for many people, especially for teenagers and young adults in their 20s. Some have mild symptoms, while others can have very severe issues. Acne effects around 90% of adolescents with the prime age across all genders being the teenage years of 14-19 years old.
Ice may help reduce redness, swelling, and pain in inflammatory-type pimples, including pustules and cysts. However, ice may have little to no effect on noninflammatory pimples, such as comedones, more commonly known as blackheads and whiteheads.
A number of antibiotic regimens, including either all-intravenous or a combination of intravenous and oral, have been successfully used to treat C. acnes prosthesis infection. These include vancomycin, beta-lactams, tetracyclines, and clindamycin, typically over a course of several months [3, 5, 21, 22].
Both cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol are listed by the FDA as non-sensitizing, non-toxic, and safe. Stearyl alcohol is most common in moisturizers, shampoos, masks, exfoliators, and conditioners. Isohexadecane is non-irritating and non-comedogenic.
Putting toothpaste on a pimple won't help it go away faster. Toothpaste is an acne remedy that has no evidence to support it. It may even cause problems such as skin irritation and over drying.
People should be aware that rubbing alcohol can increase skin dryness and irritation. This, in turn, can increase the severity and frequency of acne breakouts. As such, the AAD do not recommend rubbing alcohol as a treatment for acne. There are some steps a person can take to manage their acne.
She recommends staying away from products that contain ethanol, methanol, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, SD alcohol, and benzyl alcohol, “especially if these are listed high in the ingredients, as they can pose a problem for dry skin,” she says.
Rubbing alcohol can help kill odor-causing bacteria. A person can apply rubbing alcohol under the armpits to help eliminate body odors. However, they should avoid applying rubbing alcohol soon after shaving, as this will cause stinging.
The only downside of 99% isopropyl alcohol is that, understandably, it needs to be used and stored properly. In this concentration, it is highly flammable, may cause dizziness if used in high quantities in an ill-ventilated area, and can be an irritant to skin and eyes. Of course, it should also never be ingested.
Ice: Ice can slow down the amount of blood that flows to your pimples, which will reduce inflammation and pain. Apply an ice cube or ice pack covered in a light towel over your pimples for at least 10 minutes. Apply ice to your pimples two to three times a day.
Acne is most common in girls from the ages of 14 to 17, and in boys from the ages of 16 to 19. Most people have acne on and off for several years before their symptoms start to improve as they get older. Acne often disappears when a person is in their mid-20s. In some cases, acne can continue into adult life.