Hydrogen peroxide causes skin discoloration that could be interpreted as bleaching. Household peroxide--a three-percent solution--causes the skin to appear lighter when it comes into contact with the skin. Salon-strength hydrogen peroxide is used to color hair and ranges in strength from five-percent to 40-percent hydrogen peroxide. When it comes into contact with the skin for a prolonged period of time, pure white patches develop.

On the Other: Long-term Effects

Hydrogen peroxide does appear to bleach skin; however, the effects quickly wear off. Discoloration caused by household peroxide wears off in a few minutes. The effects of salon peroxide wear off in a day or two. Hydrogen peroxide is a corrosive. If it is left on the skin or repeatedly applied to the skin, skin damage and burns can occur.

Bottom Line

Hydrogen peroxide does not really bleach skin; it discolors it temporarily. It should not be applied to skin to bleach age spots or other skin discolorations. Always use hydrogen peroxide according to the packaging instructions. Prolonged exposure to the skin should be avoided. If the skin becomes discolored by hydrogen peroxide, rinse the area thoroughly with water.

Source:

"Milady's Standard Textbook of Cosmetology;" Milady, Diane Carol Bailey, Margrit Attenburg; 2008