Composed of oxygen and water, Hydrogen Peroxide or H2O2 is considered to be the only germicidal agent that has innumerable uses and benefits to one’s health and even otherwise. Known to be one of the most effective and safe natural sanitizers, it is also found to be a great agent to treat a skin infection or a fungal infection. Hydrogen peroxide uses are plenty but hydrogen peroxide for skin is the most it is used for apart from nail care and to treat skin problems in rainy season. However, when it comes to the uses of hydrogen peroxide, it is also known to be a part of various beauty regimens for skin, hair, teeth, feet, ears and much more. The next time you search for skin care tips you might want to consider hydrogen peroxide and its uses to keep your skin and hair healthy.
So, before we get into the details of the uses of hydrogen peroxide for your body, here’s a succinct summary of why hydrogen peroxide must be present in your shower cabinet.
THE USES OF HYDROGEN PEROXIDE FOR YOUR BODY
Let’s take a detailed look at the uses of hydrogen peroxide for your skin, hair, teeth, ears, nails and feet.
Hydrogen Peroxide For Skin
First and foremost, before you decide on using hydrogen peroxide on your skin, better take a patch test to find out whether it suits your skin or not. Many times hydrogen peroxide can be found to be an irritant to the skin. So, as per your skin type, i.e. dry or oily, you can see if it works for you without causing any irritation or a sting. Other than being majorly used for treating acne and skin lightening, hydrogen peroxide also acts as an antiseptic and a disinfectant for the skin to prevent skin infection caused by bruises, burns or even minor cuts. Hydrogen peroxide releases oxygen on the affected area which in turn causes foaming that helps to remove dead skin cells on the skin and clean the area, thus clearing acne scars in the process. The properties of hydrogen peroxide also eliminate discoloration of skin, age spots, blemishes and scars. But remember, hydrogen peroxide needs to be used with precaution especially in procuring a lighter skin tone.
Hydrogen Peroxide For Hair
Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical that contains bleaching agents and is used for hair lightening. The catch here is that hydrogen peroxide will free your hair of any free radicals and germs but also strip your hair of its natural oils. So, make sure you do not use this bleaching agent every week but every six weeks and ensure that once bleaching is done, deep condition your hair to retain the natural shine of your hair. Just mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to lift the colour of your hair strands and this mixture will also dilute the damaging effects of hydrogen peroxide.
Hydrogen Peroxide For Teeth
To maintain oral hygiene and to get rid of the discolouration of teeth, hydrogen peroxide is proven to be very useful. It also improves your oral health and brings about whitening of teeth. Ensure you rinse your mouth only with a diluted form of H2O2 and not ingest it as it can cause grave harm if you do. Just so you know H2O2 is highly reactive in nature and can pass through the tooth’s enamel, react with the tissue layer of the enamel and the pulp part of your teeth if you overuse it.
Hydrogen Peroxide For Ears
If you want to remove earwax, hydrogen peroxide is useful. Earwax prevents dust and other particles from entering your ear thus preventing any ear infections. But, anything excess is always damaging. Excess accumulation of wax can lead to itching and discomfort in the ear. Therefore, using hydrogen peroxide can remove excess of earwax. Note that you should not use this kind of treatment if you have any perforation in the internal parts of your ear.
Hydrogen Peroxide For Nails
H2O2 or hydrogen peroxide is known to lighten and clean yellow nails and bring them back to their natural, healthy colour. All you have to do is simply rub a cotton ball soaked in hydrogen peroxide over your yellow nails and see the difference for yourself. Additionally, it also avoids the formation of fungus on the nail as well. Using the oxidative therapy, hydrogen peroxide destroys any fungus formed on your nails by increasing the oxygen level.
Hydrogen Peroxide For Feet
Mix hydrogen peroxide with water and soak your feet in the mixture. This mixture helps in softening cracked heels and calluses. And if your feet have fungus growing on them, H2O2 will easily help get rid of it. One point you need to remember is that you should not using this mixture if you have an open wound on your foot as it can cause a burning sensation and irritation on your skin.
As you can see, the uses of hydrogen peroxide are abundant. Being a strong oxidiser, it is used widely to prevent infections and treat discoloration. But one thing that’s common and should be remembered every time you use hydrogen peroxide is that it is a chemical and should not be ingested by any means whatsoever. Moreover, if you are allergic to this chemical then it can be irritating to the skin and eyes. Overuse of hydrogen peroxide can put your health at risk as well as its regular usage can result in damaging your skin cells, making them dry, rough and flaky. Therefore, check with your skin specialist or dermatologist before applying hydrogen peroxide anywhere on your skin, to avoid side effects. In case you want to find an expert dermatologist near you, Skin & Hair Academy is the best place to find one.
Points To Remember:
1.Do not pour hydrogen peroxide liquid in metal containers or bowls as the metal can react with the hydrogen peroxide and can cause excessive damage
2.If you are using hydrogen peroxide on your hair, wear old clothes. The chemical can cause clothes to discolour
3.Use only small amounts of hydrogen peroxide on your skin as prolonged use can cause harm to the skin and make it unable for the skin to regenerate on its own Just remember, hydrogen peroxide is as damaging as it is beneficial if not used properly and with precaution. So, when you use this chemical on your skin, maintain the highest level of caution and visit the dermatologist before applying it on your body or your hair.
Reference Links-
https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/how-to-use-hydrogen-peroxide-to-remove-blackheads/
https://www.healthline.com/health/hydrogen-peroxide-skin
https://food.ndtv.com/beauty/top-uses-of-hydrogen-peroxide-for-skin-teeth-hair-and-ears-1694585
