Skin troubles? Get your glow back with the help of hypochlorous acid

If having sensitive skin is the reason for your distress, treat it with some hypochlorous acid and stay away from all sorts of skin maladies.
hypochlorous acid
Hypochlorous acid is the secret behind beautiful and healthy-looking skin. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Nikita Bhardwaj Updated: 30 Oct 2023, 15:13 pm IST
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If you’re a beauty fanatic, we’re sure you must be reading the ingredient list every time you buy a product. Isn’t it? Have you ever seen an ingredient called ‘hypochlorous acid’ in any of your beauty products? If yes, bravo! You are choosing the right skin care products for yourself. Do you know why? That’s because hypochlorous acid is the secret behind getting hydrated and ultra glossy skin, especially after 30s.   

If you haven’t heard about this beauty secret before, then today you are in for a treat.

What is hypochlorous acid?

 According to Dr Charu Sharma, head dermatologist at Cureskin, hypochlorous acid is actually produced in our body by our white blood cells. While people earlier used it in cleaning ingredients as a disinfectant, lately its benefits for the skin have surfaced. Its antibacterial properties are pretty powerful in response to viruses, fungi and other bacteria. 

hypochlorous acid
Give your skin a kiss of hypochlorous acid. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Each molecule is made up of hydrogen, oxygen, and chlorine (HOCl) together, creating hypochlorous acid. The best thing about this ingredient is that it isn’t toxic or irritating for the skin, because it is produced naturally by the body!

Here are some fascinating skin benefits of hypochlorous acid

This acid has various helpful properties that are beneficial for the skin, including protection against the coronavirus! Let’s take a look:

1. Helps in preventing acne

Hypochlorous acid is beneficial in keeping acne at bay. This is because of its antimicrobial properties. It fights the bacteria that causes clogged pores and acne. Moreover, it also enables it to fight bacteria that causes skin infections, helping prevent them from occurring.

2. Prevents skin allergies

Hypochlorous acid also has anti-inflammatory properties. This is very helpful in reducing the effect of allergic reactions. It is a great way to reduce maskne too! It can also help reduce inflammation caused by acne, rashes, and skin diseases like psoriasis, eczema etc.

3. Repairs damaged skin

Hypochlorous acid has a soothing effect on the skin. This helps with the reduction of skin irritation. It also quickens wound healing or skin damage. This takes place, because the acid provides the cells with more oxygen, thereby speeding up the process of healing!

hypochlorous acid
Take care of your skin this summer with hypochlorous acid based products. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
4. It is excellent for sensitive skin

Because of the mildness of this acid, it does not affect sensitive skin like other ingredients. This is because your own immune system creates it. This makes it a perfect ingredient for all skin types.

Here’s how to use it

“There are several products out there that use hypochlorous acid. You can identify serums, cleansers, sprays, and creams that have it by reading the label before buying a product. You can use it to disinfect your mask and cleanse your face on the go when travelling during the pandemic,” suggests Dr Sharma.

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Because it is naturally found and non-irritating, you do not need to wash it off from your skin like a face pack. You can let it absorb into the skin and work its magic!

hypochlorous acid
A few drops of hypochlorous acid can go a long way in keeping your skin healthy. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

The best time to use hypochlorous acid, considering the current pandemic we are living through, is when you go out and are at risk of exposure to the virus. You can also use it if you are struggling with acne, inflammatory skin diseases or damaged skin. There is no wrong time to use this ingredient, as it is safe for every situation. When in doubt, please check with your doctor.

“Unlike other acids or skincare ingredients, this acid is suitable for all skin types, so you don’t really have to worry. However, just to be on the safer side, conduct a patch test on your arm before you use it on your face. Allergies might be rare when it comes to this ingredient, but it is still possible to have them,” concludes Dr Sharma.

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About the Author

Six-pack abs are all that Nikita needs, along with her daily dose of green tea. At Health Shots, she produces videos, podcasts, stories, and other kick-ass content. ...Read More

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