Advertisement

Could BLEACH be the answer to anti-ageing? Experts reveal new findings but warn to NOT try this at home

Researchers reveal bleach may be able to treat some skin conditions and potentially slow ageing

There are a whole raft of creams, serums and beauty treatments that promise to slow down the clock.

But scientists reckon they may have unlocked the secret to slow skin ageing once and for all - and it's not a ground-breaking new formula for face cream.

According to new research, heavily-diluted bleach is effective in treating skin damage caused by radiation therapy, excess sun exposure or ageing.

A diluted mixture of 0.005 per cent bleach in water was said to reverse the inflammation and ageing of the skin when trialled on mice during a recent study.

Researchers at Standford University School of Medicine tested their theory having already discovered that many skin disorders, such as eczema, can cause inflammation to spiral out of control. They decided to see if the bleach solution could somehow block this response.

Dr Thomas Leung from Stanford University, who carried out the study, said if the treatment was proven to work in humans, it could provide a new way to treat skin damage, sun exposure or ageing and perhaps address many other serious conditions in humans.

"Originally it was thought that bleach may serve an antimicrobial function, killing bacteria and viruses on the skin," he said.

[Is this the most bonkers anti-ageing product EVER?]
[12 of the most BIZARRE plastic surgery procedures]
[Is Frotox the new botox?]


"But the concentrations used in clinic are not high enough for this to be the sole reason. So we wondered if there could be something else going on."

Leung and his colleagues tested the effect of daily, 30-minute baths in bleach solution on laboratory mice with radiation dermatitis.

They found that the animals bathed in the bleach solution experienced less severe skin damage and better healing and hair regrowth than animals bathed in water.

Experts are now considering testing the formula on humans and what other skin conditions it could be used to help treat. They are however warning people not to apply bleach to their skin.

Dr Graham Johnston, of the British Association of Dermatologists added to the BBC: "I cannot emphasise enough that it is very important that individuals with inflammatory conditions do not apply bleach directly to their skin.

"We often see patients with severe reactions to even milk bleaches, and I would recommend that people with inflamed or broken skin avoid contact with bleach in those areas."

Tell us what you think of the new research, over on Twitter now.