Does putting alcohol on your face damage your skin?

Question

I put rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) on my face to kill bacteria. Everything else that I tried like benzoyl peroxide always irritates my skin. I have sensitive skin.

Answer 1

no it wont

Answer 2

OF COURSE IT IRRITATES YOUR SKIN!  YOU ARE APPLYING HARSH CHEMICALS DIRECTLY TO IT!!!   You are ABSOLUTELY going to dry it out, which will lead to premature aging, possible cracking and lots of other issues!  

Why aren't you using a product MADE FOR SKINCARE?  What you are talking about having used both now and in the past are straight up chemicals.  This isn't very smart.  I reccomend using an "astringent" which has some alcohol in it, but it's like 2%, which is MUCH BETTER for your skin.  You're nuts to be applying straight chemicals on a daily basis.  Go to Walgreens and get yourself some product.

Answer 3

It wont damage your skin but it will dry it out. So use a gentle lotion on your face since your skin is sensitive.  

Answer 4

Nope, but it is a natural degreaser so you may find that your face is very dry afterwards

Answer 5

It stings but as long as you are using a moisturizer like Clean And Clear Acne Moisturizer to keep a balance, then no, it won't hurt your skin.

It is ALL about balance!!

Answer 6

alcohol shouldn't be too bad but it can dry out the skin by removing or dissolving away the fatty (non-polar organic) film or layers on your face. the oily film on your face not only keep the moisture in but the fatty acids are actually known to discourage bacterial growth.

I assume you have some acne on your skin- using alcohol to disinfect the skin on your face may actually dissolve away antibacterial layer and make things worse- keep your face clean by using something mild.( Proactiv ;) )

the oily layer can accumulate dirt and grime but you are better off having that then erasing it everyday with alcohol

Answer 7

I have to let you know that alcohol will damage your skin long term.  Although it does clean your skin well, it makes your skin fry and flaky and it can make it like that for a long time.  I suggest that instead, you buy some clean and clear cleanser for sensitive skin.  It really works because I'm using it and my skin is sensitive as well.

Answer 8

it will dry your skin out and make it flake. Alcohol is an ingredient found in many face and acne products. but to kill the bacteria, you need more than just alcohol, you need to throw in some clindamycin powder, go to your doctor and ask him or a dermatologist for clindamycin powder in alcohol/water solution.  that stuff works great.