Acne is by far one of the most common concerns that dermatology providers encounter on a daily basis. This condition is so common that it affects up to 50 million people in America each year. It is also estimated that at least 85 percent of people between the ages of 12 and 24 experience some form of acne.
With numbers like these it is no surprise that 45% of those with acne search social media platforms for treatment tips on how to deal with their outbreaks. One product that has been trending over the past few years is a substance called hypochlorous acid.
What is Hypochlorous Acid?
Topical Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) is a powerful oxidizing agent that has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. It is typically used in concentrations of 0.005%-0.02%. In addition to these benefits, topical HOCl is surprisingly a gentle substance that tends to be well-tolerated by most. But this substance is not new. It has long had a place in wound care throughout history to the present day.
Due to the benefits of HOCl, it is a substance that has been used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis to prevent infection and reduce itching. Because it facilitates healing, wound care specialists use it to cleanse wounds, promote healing, and reduce scarring.
Can HOCl be Beneficial for Acne?
Since we know that HOCl can reduce inflammation and bacterial load, it should be an excellent over the counter recommendation to help treat inflammatory acne. Well . . . maybe. The issue with topical HOCl is the stability of the product. The efficacy of this ingredient hinges on this. It needs to be between a pH level between 3.5-5.5 for optimal performance, however factors such as the temperature of the environment that the product is stored in, exposure to the air and exposure to heat and sunlight can affect this. Unfortunately, currently, there are no guidelines for storing HOCl products for optimal performance. This makes it difficult to predict whether it will be helpful for acne.
Since there are many beneficial FDA approved treatments available for acne, we do not recommend treatment with topical HOCl as a first-line option.
How to Use It?
We feel that more studies are needed on this product to confidently recommend it for inflammatory acne treatment, however since it is well tolerated, its use is fairly harmless. Many patients swear by it and therefore it may have some benefit for certain patients. Some clinicians may even recommend an HOCl product as an alternative to benzoyl peroxide for various reasons. If you would like to try it, here are some helpful tips:
- Do not get the product in your eyes
- Do not apply HOCl with vitamin C products, AHA/BHA, or retinols/retinoids as irritation may occur
- Do not overuse the product as irritation can occur
- It is unlikely to have any impact on blackheads or whiteheads (comedonal acne)
- Use it only when needed and hold off when the acne is under better control
Can The Derm NP Help with Acne?
The short answer is – yes! We offer treatments for acne. The Derm NP is staffed by a dermatology certified nurse practitioner with over eighteen years of experience and ready to help you attain clearer skin using prescription medications custom chosen for your unique skincare needs. Contact us at (630) 233-9767 or thedermnp@thedermnp.com for an appointment to help you clear up resistant acne or other skin conditions and become the best you possible.
