Alcohol Rubbed on Acne: Effectiveness, Safety, and Substitutes
Rubbing alcohol, a common household disinfectant, is widely known for its antimicrobial properties. However, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) **strongly advises against using rubbing alcohol as a treatment for acne.** This is due to its potential to overly irritate and dry out the skin, which can worsen acne rather than improve it.
Rubbing alcohol is a harsh drying agent that can disrupt the skin's natural barrier, leading to inflammation and increased breakouts. Instead, the AAD recommends **safer and more effective topical treatments** for acne, such as:
- **Adapalene (a topical retinoid):** Adapalene helps normalize skin cell turnover and reduce inflammation, preventing clogged pores and improving acne. It typically causes less irritation than other retinoids. - **Benzoyl peroxide:** An antibacterial agent, benzoyl peroxide reduces acne-causing bacteria and excess oil with a mild drying effect. It may cause side effects like redness, dryness, and irritation, but these are usually manageable.
Both adapalene and benzoyl peroxide are widely endorsed by dermatologists as first-line acne therapies, offering targeted benefits with a better safety profile than harsh alcohol-based products.
In addition to topical treatments, other options for acne management include medications like birth control pills, topical and oral antibiotics, and ointments and creams containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. For severe acne, medical procedures such as laser or light therapies, chemical peels, or corticosteroid injections may be recommended.
It's important to note that **no studies are investigating rubbing alcohol as a treatment for acne.** If medical options do not work, a person should talk to their doctor or dermatologist about trying natural remedies.
To manage existing acne and reduce the risk of future outbreaks, the AAD provides the following tips: avoid picking or popping pimples, wash twice a day, use clean fingertips, avoid scrubbing the skin, use cosmetics sparingly, shampoo oily hair daily, avoid excessive sun exposure, and follow the instructions on the label of acne products.
Experts warn that applying rubbing alcohol to acne may make the acne worse. If skin irritation develops or acne worsens while using an acne product, a person should stop using the product and make an appointment with their doctor.
References: 1. American Academy of Dermatology. (2019). Over-the-counter acne products: What you need to know. [online] Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/over-counter-acne-products 2. American Academy of Dermatology. (2020). Acne: Tips for managing moderate to severe acne. [online] Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/tips/managing-acne 3. American Academy of Dermatology. (2021). Acne myths and facts. [online] Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/facts/acne-myths-and-facts
Skin-care products that contain rubbing alcohol may potentially irritate and dry out the skin, leading to worsened acne. A safer and more effective approach to managing acne involves topical treatments such as adapalene, a topical retinoid that helps normalize skin cell turnover and reduce inflammation, and benzoyl peroxide, an antibacterial agent that reduces acne-causing bacteria and excess oil. Both adapalene and benzoyl peroxide are widely endorsed by dermatologists in health-and-wellness and skin-care regimens for acne management.
