Irrespective of how a lot injury management I attempt to do for my acne-prone pores and skin in the summertime, my face nonetheless finally ends up turning into a sweaty, shiny, tomato-red mess inside minutes of stepping outdoors. And certain sufficient, there’s at all times a brand new zit or two brewing shortly after.

I’ve tried the whole lot (together with blotting papers to sop up oil and “redness reduction” serums to calm my infected face) however nothing labored—till I purchased a bottle of hypochlorous acid. In accordance with a bunch of individuals on TikTok who relate to my seasonal struggles, this skin-saving ingredient is a grasp at banishing sweat-spawned pimples—and after two years of utilizing it myself, I’m pleased to verify that it’s my secret weapon for retaining blemishes at bay.

Simply to ensure these spectacular outcomes aren’t all in my head, although, I requested two dermatologists if these things actually deserves my rave evaluation. Right here’s the whole lot they instructed me about my skincare BFF.

So, what’s hypochlorous acid?

Hypochlorous acid is an antibacterial (which means it could kill micro organism, together with the type that causes pimples) and antimicrobial (it destroys different pathogens like fungi and viruses) compound that’s present in quite a lot of family disinfectants, together with bleach.

However don’t let that scare you away: As a lifelong member of the sensitive-skin membership, I might by no means advocate one thing you’d use on a dirty bathtub on your delicate face. When hypochlorous acid is correctly diluted, it’s secure for just about anybody to strive, Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego and the founding father of skincare firm AziMD, tells SELF.

“Our white blood cells naturally produce hypochlorous acid [made of hydrogen, oxygen, and chlorine] as a part of an immune response to combat off micro organism and viruses,” Dr. Shirazi explains. Skincare corporations chemically replicate this pure compound by electrically charging a mix of salt, water, and vinegar (a course of referred to as electrolysis), so it may be used topically. And analysis exhibits that this answer is light sufficient to make use of immediately in your face to do away with the little microorganisms accountable for your breakouts.

(Plus, since hypochlorous acid already exists in your physique, it’s much less more likely to trigger irritation and allergic reactions in comparison with stronger pimples therapies like benzoyl peroxide, Dr. Shirazi provides.)

Right here’s how hypochlorous acid may also help forestall pimples in the summertime—and past.

As I complained about above, when the warmth and humidity ramp up, my pores and skin feels bumpier than ordinary. That’s fairly frequent, analysis suggests, as a result of excessive temperatures can set off your physique to supply extra sebum (the pores and skin’s pure oil)—which, in extra, can result in breakouts. When sweat mixes with that further oil, together with the dust and lifeless pores and skin cells already in your face, you’ve acquired the right storm for clogging pores and creating annoying blemishes, in keeping with the American Academy of Dermatology

So for these occasions while you’re a sticky, sweaty mess—and double-cleansing isn’t an choice—Dr. Shirazi recommends spraying your face with hypochlorous acid. Not solely will that little spritz really feel cooling and refreshing, however this derm-favorite ingredient may forestall and kill acne-causing micro organism, which thrive in heat, moist environments (like your scorching, sticky face), she provides.