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Hydrogen peroxide is a natural, non-toxic liquid that can be used around the home as a mouthwash, disinfectant, sanitizer, natural insecticide and even to kill mold. Hydrogen peroxide can leave the skin temporarily whitened, but this will fade within 30 minutes or so. You will find benzoyl peroxide in several acne treatments. If either kind of peroxide dries on your skin and if, for some reason, you want to get it off, you need to wash it off the affected area.

On the Body

Wet the skin with warm water either in the shower or in the sink. Avoid hot water as this may scald or irritate the skin.

Lather a mild cleaner on your hands.

Gently massage the affected area with the cleaner.

Rinse with warm water.

Pat the skin dry with a clean towel. Don't vigorously rub as this may irritate the skin.

On the Face

Wet your face with a gentle stream of warm water from the shower head or fill your open palms with warm water and gently splash the water on your face. Don’t use hot water for this.

Pump two or three pumps of facial cleanser into you hands and work it into a lather.

Bring the cleanser to your face and use a very light touch to rub the affected area with the lather.

Gently rinse with warm water.

Lightly pat the area with a towel. Do not scrub, only gently pat.

Moisturize as usual.