Understanding Hypochlorous Acid: Your Skin’s first aid kit in a bottle
A few months back, my sister, Nicole (@spruceandhoney), and I both started hearing about hypochlorous acid from some of our clients. It also started popping up in our social media feeds with recommendations to use it on everything from acne to bug bites to sunburn and even eczema. It sounded almost too good to be true. We were intrigued and wanted to learn more. Here’s what we discovered:
What is hypochlorous acid?
Imagine a skincare ingredient that is as powerful as it is gentle—one that your own body naturally produces to fight off invaders and heal wounds. This incredible substance is hypochlorous acid (HClO). Found naturally in your white blood cells, hypochlorous acid is a key player in your immune system, helping to defend against harmful bacteria and viruses. In skincare, it's harnessed for its potent yet soothing benefits, offering a safe and effective solution for a variety of skin concerns.
Hypochlorous acid works by mimicking the body's natural defense mechanisms. When applied to the skin, it gets to work by:
Fighting Bacteria and Viruses: Hypochlorous acid is a powerful antimicrobial agent. It effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi on the skin, reducing the risk of infections.
Reducing Inflammation: By calming the skin and reducing redness and swelling, hypochlorous acid helps to soothe irritated skin.
Promoting Healing: It accelerates the body's natural healing processes, making it a fantastic choice for treating wounds and skin injuries.
Balancing the Skin: Hypochlorous acid helps to balance the skin’s microbiome, maintaining healthy skin flora while keeping harmful microbes at bay.
The versatility of hypochlorous acid is amazing and the list of uses is extensive. It can be used on just about any form of skin injury and irritation. These are some of the most common uses:
Acne: Its antibacterial properties help to reduce and prevent acne breakouts by targeting *Propionibacterium acnes*, the bacteria responsible for acne. It also soothes inflammation, reducing the redness and swelling associated with pimples.
Eczema and Dermatitis: For those struggling with eczema or dermatitis, hypochlorous acid provides gentle relief. It calms irritated skin, reduces itching, and helps to prevent secondary infections.
Wound Care: Whether it’s a small cut, a scrape, or a post-surgical incision, hypochlorous acid promotes faster healing and minimizes the risk of infection. Its gentle nature ensures that it won’t sting or irritate open wounds.
Sensitive Skin: Hypochlorous acid is well-tolerated by even the most sensitive skin types. It’s non-irritating and hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for those who need a gentle yet effective skincare solution.
Burns and Sunburns: Its soothing and healing properties make hypochlorous acid an ideal treatment for minor burns and sunburns. It helps to reduce pain, prevent infection, and speed up the healing process.
Rosacea: By calming inflammation and reducing microbial activity, hypochlorous acid can help manage the symptoms of rosacea, leading to a calmer, more even complexion.
Incorporating hypochlorous acid into your skincare routine is simple and impactful. Hypochlorous acid can be used in your daily facial care routine as a toner to remove impurities and balance your skin’s microbiome. It’s also a great addition to any first aid kit, on-the-go bag, or glove compartment for more unexpected needs. I’ll definitely be bringing it along on all of my Summer adventures.
Convinced of its gentle potency, we now carry The Solution by Magic Molecule in-person at Handsome Folk and Spruce & Honey or online at www.spruceandhoney.com.
We chose Magic Molecule’s hypochlorous acid formulation, because it’s an exact replica of the compound that exists in our white blood cells. Magic Molecule’s formula is FDA-cleared for wound care and is produced in an FDA-registered facility. It’s shelf stable for 18 to 24 months. natural, vegan, non-toxic, and dermatologist tested. While safe for all skin types, I always recommend testing new products on a small patch of skin.
If you decide to give it a try, let me know how you use it and what your thoughts are!