Does Rubbing Alcohol Lighten Skin? Know the Facts

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Rubbing alcohol is a medicated skincare item that is used to treat acne, blackheads, dark spots, infection, and other skin issues. This item is also used as a factor ingredient in different makeup products and medicated items. For oily skin, this rubbing alcohol works best to control oil production. 

But, Does Rubbing Alcohol Lighten Skin?

Frankly speaking-Not Directly! Rubbing alcohol doesn’t directly lighten the skin except treating the skin. However, after the treatment, your skin turns flawless, which gives you a natural glow. Now, to gain this natural glow, you have to follow some guidelines before the application. Otherwise, you may face its side effects. 

I’m sure you are curious to know more about rubbibg alcohol and its application, and why it doesn’t lighten the skin directly.

I have the detailed answer for you. Keep reading to know the facts.

Does Rubbing Alcohol Lighten Skin?

As I have already mentioned that rubbing alcohol doesn’t lighten skin directly but treats the skin to gain a natural glow.

Want to know how?

There are many different skin conditions that can be treated with rubbing alcohol. These include acne, dark spots, whiteheads, blackheads, fungal infection, excessive oil on the skin, and others. After treatment with rubbing alcohol, some people may notice an improvement in skin radiance.

But, to lighten your skin, you have to apply other makeup products which may contain this alcohol. And that’s how rubbing alcohol can have an indirect impact on having a natural glow on the skin.

When used in skincare products, rubbing alcohol can help dissolve oils and remove dirt, debris, and dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. It also has antibacterial properties that can help kill acne-causing bacteria. 

To have a natural glow with the rubbing alcohol, you have to know its application and side effects. The best way to determine how to use rubbing alcohol to treat a particular condition is to consult a dermatologist.

Let me give you an example.

In general, rubbing alcohol dries and sensitizes the skin. So if you have dry or sensitive skin, better you avoid it or not apply without a doctor’s consultation. Otherwise, it may turn your skin dehydrated.

Moreover, if it is overused or applied incorrectly, rubbing alcohol can strip any skin of its natural oils and cause dryness, irritation, and redness.

Are Rubbing Alcohol And Isopropyl Alcohol Same?

No. Rubbing alcohol and Isopropyl alcohol both are not the same. There is a minor difference between the both alcohols in the concentration.

Isopropyl alcohol is 100% alcohol without any water concentration while rubbing alcohol is concentrated with water in a ratio. The concentration of rubbing alcohol can be 60%-99%. It is relatively thinner than the isopropyl. Otherwise, both items contain the same antibacterial and antiseptic. 

Both isopropyl alcohol and rubbing alcohol are used for disinfecting surfaces. Isopropyl alcohol is a common ingredient in sanitizers and other home cleaning products while rubbing alcohol is often used for both home cleaning and personal care tasks. Rubbing alcohol may also be found in some makeup products.

Both types of alcohol are volatile organic compounds that can evaporate quickly at room temperature, so it’s important to use them safely and store them properly.

How To Treat Skin With Rubbing Alcohol?

As you know, rubbing alcohol is a medicated item to treat the skin. To get the best result out of it, you should know how to apply it. In this portion, you will know about its application. 

Rubbing Alcohol For Acne

To treat acne-prone skin, rubbing alcohol works as medicine. It helps clear the blocked lipid glands on the skin so that acne won’t appear. Now you also should know how to apply this to treat acne.

• Take a little amount of rubbing alcohol onto a cotton ball.
• Pat the ball gently around the acne or pimples.
• Apply it 2-3 times a day after washing your face.

Rubbing Alcohol On Skin For Oily Skin

For oily skin rubbing alcohol is a great item that helps not to turn your face so oily. What does the rubbing alcohol do? It simply dries the skin from the deep pores. So, when you apply this alcohol to the oily skin, it immediately cools down your skin and lessens the density of oil on the skin. And that’s how rubbing alcohol controls the skin’s oil. How to apply?

• Take a few drops of rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball.
• Pat the ball all over the oily areas of your skin. Remember, try not to apply this rubbing alcohol on the dry area of the skin.
• Apply this daily 2-3 times. To get a better result, use it each time before going out and applying makeup.

Rubbing Alcohol On Skin Yeast Infection

To kill the yeast infection on the skin, rubbing alcohol works like a rocket. You can see the result just in one day. All you need to do is-

• Spray the rubbing alcohol on the skin yeast infection. For better results, apply it at night.
• Leave it for 6-7 hours.
• Do the same for 3-4 days. The infection will be gone.

Rubbing Alcohol With Makeup

Although rubbing alcohol is a medicated skincare item, it is also used as a makeup product. Mostly this product is used by those who have oily skin. If you have oily skin and want to apply it normally, then make sure that your skin is not dry and sensitive. Moreover, dermatologists suggest using alcohol-free makeup products for dry and sensitive skin for better results. 

You can allow it like a primer for oily skin makeup but not instead of primer. Besides, with your – routine serum, sunscreen, and moisturizer, this rubbing alcohol is applicable. To apply with makeup-

• Wash your face with a good face wash.
• Take a few drops of alcohol on a cotton roller or ball
• Then roll or pat the ball all over your skin.
• Wait for 2-3 minutes.
• Now your skin is ready to apply makeup.

Needless to say, almost every makeup products contain a minimum amount of rubbing alcohol as an ingredient. From that side, if your makeup items already contain alcohol, then there is no need to apply the rubbing alcohol prior. However, the dual application won’t cause any irritation.

REMEMBER, either you apply this rubbing alcohol to treat acne or control oil, consult with a dermatologist before you go with it.

Can Rubbing Alcohol Be Harmful?

Nothing is better than necessity. Any product you use excessively may cause harm to your body. Rubbing alcohol is a chemical that is used as an ingredient to produce different products. Moreover, you should know the side effects and follow the instructions for applying such chemicals. Otherwise, it may cause severe skin and physical issues.

What are the potential risks associated with using rubbing alcohol? Prolonged or repeated use can lead to skin burning, skin dryness, redness, rashes, flaking, itchiness, wrinkles, and other skin irritation. If it is applied improperly, rubbing alcohol may cause your skin to become dehydrated and look dull over time. This situation is especially concerning for people with dry or sensitive skin.

Although surprised to hear, some think that rubbing alcohol is drinkable. Be careful! Rubbing alcohol is made of antiseptic and antibacterial ingredients. So, don’t make a mistake considering it like wine.

Wine is drinkable and does lighten the skin by mixing with blood. But rubbing alcohol is applied to the skin. Drinking it can cause nausea, blood vomiting, internal bleeding, abdominal pain, liver failure, etc.

What Not To Do With Rubbing Alcohol?

There are a few things to mention that you should not do ever with rubbing alcohol. Follow them as precautions.

1. Never apply the rubbing alcohol to dry and sensitive skin without a doctor’s suggestion.
2. Never drink this alcohol thinking as regular drinkable alcohol. 
3. Never apply after makeup.

FAQs

Is isopropyl alcohol safe for skin?

Isopropyl alcohol is a hard disinfectant. For rubbing and wiping the skin, applying a little amount of isopropyl alcohol is safe for the skin. But there is a risk of absorption and toxic effects if it is used in large amounts.

Does Rubbing alcohol kill scabies on skin?

Yes, Rubbing Alcohol works great on the skin to kill scabies and other fungal infections. All you need to do is simply spay it on the infected areas. Wait for 4-5 minutes. Wipe with a dry and clean cloth. Treat same daily 2-3 times for a week.

Conclusion

In this article, you have learned in detail about the application of rubbing alcohol, including its merits and demerits. Although this alcohol won’t directly lighten your skin, it treats your skin to get rid of different complications, which further helps to gain a natural skin tone. So indirectly, it helps to get a glow on the skin.