Hypochlorous acid spray – what’s all the skincare fuss about?
Scroll through Instagram or TikTok these days and you’re bound to see a new skincare ingredient generating buzz: hypochlorous acid (HOCl).
But is this just another fleeting trend, or a genuine hero for your skin?
I share the skincare benefits of hypochlorous acid, how to add this ingredient into your skincare routine and why everyone in the skincare world is running around with hypochlorous acid spray in their beauty bags!
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What is Hypochlorous Acid In Skincare?
HOCl is a naturally occurring compound found in white blood cells, where it plays a crucial role in fighting off infection. In the world of skincare, it’s lauded for its multi-tasking abilities:
- Antimicrobial: HOCl effectively combats bacteria that can contribute to acne breakouts and blemishes.
- Anti-inflammatory: Hypochlorous acid helps soothe irritated skin, making it potentially beneficial for conditions like eczema, psoriasis and rosacea (facial redness).
- Wound healing: Studies suggest HOCl may accelerate wound healing by promoting tissue repair, while reducing redness and puffiness from wounds in the process.
- Sensitive skin savior: Research supports hypochlorous acid calms and soothe skin, because it works to reduce the effects of angry, irritated skin, including itchiness, redness and puffiness.
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Does Hypochlorous Acid Spray Reduce Wrinkles?
In an indirect way – yes – hypochlorous acid spray can help reduce wrinkles by reducing inflammation and other negative skin issues that could contribute to more wrinkles and fine lines, such as dehydration and irritation.
Why All The Hypochlorous Acid Spray Bottle Love?
Hypochlorous acid often comes in a convenient spray format, making it easy to incorporate into your routine via a quick facial spritz. Here’s how to fit hypochlorous acid spray into your anti-inflammatory skincare routine:
- Morning and Night Cleanse: A spritz of hypochlorous acid spray after washing can help remove any lingering bacteria and prep your skin for serums and moisturizers.
- Targeted Treatment: Apply directly to blemishes, eczema, bug bites or other irritated patches for a calming and potentially healing effect.
- Post-Sun Soother: Sunburns can trigger inflammation. HOCl’s anti-inflammatory properties may offer relief.
- Post-Gym Anti-Bacterial Spray: After a gym session, spritz some hypochlorous acid on your face, chest, back or other parts of the body where bacteria can grow and cause breakouts.
- Eyelash Anti-Bacterial: HOCL reduces bacterial around the eyes and can reduce inflammation due to bacteria around the eyes (don’t apply directly into the eye).
Skincare Routine Order: Hypochlorous acid spray is super easy to add into your routine. It can be applied to your skin after cleansing and toning, before serums and moisturizer.
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What Ingredients Conflict With Hypochlorous Acid?
Hypochlorous acid reduces the power of antioxidants. If your skincare routine for the day uses products containing antioxidants like vitamin C, space out use of a hypochlorous acid spray, serums or moisturizers in your routine. For example, use your antioxidant skincare in the morning and then spray your hypochlorous acid in the afternoon or in your evening skincare routine.
Does Hypochlorous Acid Really Work? Is HOCl Right for You?
The good news: HOCl is generally considered safe for most skin types, even sensitive ones. However, it’s always wise to do a patch test before applying liberally to your entire face. As with any new product, if you experience irritation, discontinue use.