This article describes the effect of rubbing alcohol on the skin and why it may cause more harm than good. It also offers several alternatives to keep your skin clean while preventing pimples.
Rubbing Alcohol Effects on Skin
Rubbing alcohol (isopropanol or isopropyl alcohol) is antiseptic, meaning that it prevents the growth of disease-causing microorganisms. This makes it useful for cleaning wounds and sanitizing the skin before an injection.
Although isopropanol is found in many skincare products—most specifically astringents that clean and tighten skin—it is diluted to levels that are less harsh on the skin. Some may tolerate this well, while those with sensitive skin may not.
Undiluted rubbing alcohol has a different effect on the skin. Unlike products specifically formulated for facial skin, rubbing alcohol has a very high alcohol content (typically at least 70%). This can affect sebum, your skin’s natural oils.
Sebum has many key functions essential to skin health. It:
Lubricates the skin to protect against friction Locks in moisture by preventing evaporation Makes skin impervious to external moisture that can cause dryness during evaporation Transports antioxidants (like vitamin E) from sebaceous glands to the skin, protecting it from harmful free radicals Provides protection against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun Has antibacterial properties that can reduce the risk of skin infections Has anti-inflammatory properties that help ease tissue redness and swelling
By stripping the skin of sebum, you remove the natural protections that can help the skin heal if you have acne. Even the occasional use of rubbing alcohol can cause skin irritation, dryness, and inflammation.
Alternatives to Rubbing Alcohol for Acne
It is best to use rubbing alcohol for things like a skinned knee or paper cut (although soap and water work just fine, too). For acne, you’re much better off using a gentle facial wash or cleansing bar to clean your skin.
For toning, opt for a non-alcohol-based astringent containing acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid. Some astringents also contain witch hazel, a natural alternative that can prevent moisture loss and reduces skin inflammation.
Or instead of an astringent, try using a toner made with gentler ingredients like camphor, green tea, or aloe vera. As opposed to astringents that clean and tighten skin, toners help clean, hydrate, and nourish the skin while balancing out the skin’s pH levels.
Acne Treatments
Simply removing excess oil from the skin isn’t enough to clear up pimples. To do that, you will likely need proven acne treatment medications.
If you want to treat a pimple, dab on an over-the-counter blemish spot treatment rather than using rubbing alcohol. The regular use of these acne-specific medications can often stop pimples before they start.
Prescription and over-the-counter treatments options include:
Topical benzoyl peroxide Topical salicylic acid Topical azelaic acid Topical retinoids, such as Retin-A (tretinoin) and Tazorac (tazarotene) Topical antibiotics, including Aczone (dapsone)
Because acne can be stubborn and persistent, you may find yourself willing to try anything to clear things up. Of all the possible options, rubbing alcohol is one of the worse.
If you are unable to gain control of stubborn acne outbreaks, consider seeing a dermatologist for more effective treatments and advice.
