Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is gaining traction in the skincare world for its powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Naturally produced by white blood cells to fight infections, HOCl has been formulated into sprays to help cleanse and soothe the skin. While it’s an excellent tool for improving skin health, it’s important to use it correctly. Overuse can disrupt the skin’s natural balance, and combining it with vitamin C can reduce its effectiveness.
What Is Hypochlorous Acid?
Hypochlorous acid is a weak acid with strong antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Unlike harsh disinfectants, it is gentle on the skin and does not cause irritation when used correctly. In skincare, it is commonly used to treat acne, soothe inflammation, and support wound healing.
When to Use Hypochlorous Acid Spray
HOCl can be beneficial in a variety of skincare situations, such as:
• After Cleansing: Helps eliminate lingering bacteria and preps the skin for serums and moisturizers.
• For Acne-Prone Skin: Reduces acne-causing bacteria and calms breakouts.
• Post-Treatment Care: Minimizes irritation and protects against infection after facials, chemical peels, microneedling, or laser treatments.
• For Wound Healing: Speeds up recovery by reducing microbial contamination.
• For Sensitive or Irritated Skin: Helps soothe redness and inflammation for conditions like eczema or rosacea.
Why You Shouldn’t Use Hypochlorous Acid Multiple Times a Day
While hypochlorous acid is safe and gentle, overusing it can have unintended negative effects:
1. Disrupting the Skin Barrier: The skin has a delicate balance of good bacteria that support its health. Using HOCl too frequently may strip away beneficial microbes, leading to increased sensitivity or dryness.
2. Potential for Increased Sensitivity: Since HOCl is slightly acidic and acts as an antimicrobial, excessive use could irritate the skin, especially for those with compromised skin barriers.
3. Unnecessary Oxidation: HOCl has mild oxidative properties. When used too often, it may contribute to oxidative stress rather than providing healing benefits.
4. Diminishing Returns: More is not always better—applying HOCl too often won’t necessarily enhance results and may instead make the skin dependent on it for balance.
For best results, it’s recommended to use hypochlorous acid spray once or twice daily, such as after cleansing, rather than multiple times throughout the day.
Why You Shouldn’t Use Hypochlorous Acid with Vitamin C
Although both HOCl and vitamin C are beneficial for the skin, they should not be applied together:
1. Chemical Incompatibility: Hypochlorous acid is an oxidizing agent, while vitamin C is an antioxidant. When combined, HOCl can break down vitamin C, reducing its effectiveness.
2. Weakened Antioxidant Protection: Vitamin C helps protect against free radicals and brighten the skin, but HOCl can destabilize it, making it less effective.
3. Potential for Irritation: Using both together may cause increased sensitivity, especially on delicate or post-procedure skin.
To maximize benefits, separate the use hypochlorous acid by applying in the evening, followed by vitamin C in the morning or vice versa.
Conclusion
Hypochlorous acid spray is an excellent addition to any skincare routine, offering powerful antimicrobial and soothing benefits. However, it should be used in moderation—typically once or twice a day—to prevent over-disrupting the skin’s microbiome. Additionally, avoid applying it alongside vitamin C to preserve its full antioxidant potential. With proper use, HOCl can be a game-changer for maintaining clear, healthy skin.
Medical Sources:
• Block MS, Rowan BG. Hypochlorous Acid: A Review. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2020;78(9):1461-1466. doi:10.1016/j.joms.2020.06.037
• Sakarya S, Gunay N, Karakulak M, Ozturk B, Ertugrul B. Hypochlorous Acid: An Ideal Wound Care Agent with Powerful Microbicidal, Antibiofilm, and Wound Healing Potency. Wounds. 2014;26(12):342-350.
• Wang L, Bassiri M, Najafi R, et al. Hypochlorous Acid as a Potential Wound Care Agent. J Burns Wounds. 2007;6:e5.