Bleach may be key in treating skin damage and aging, a new study from the Stanford University School of Medicine found[1] .


A diluted mixture of .005% bleach in water showed to reverse both the inflammation and aging of the skin in trials conducted on mice, giving researchers hope that this inexpensive household item may be the answer to addressing serious conditions in humans, including painful side-effects of cancer treatments.


Bleach dilutions have been effective in treating eczema, but doctors have never honed in on why, lead study author Thomas Leung said to The Huffington Post. His research in this study found that exposing skin to bleach blocked the expression of genes regulated by NF-kB cells, which play a critical role in inflammation.


The findings are especially promising for cancer patients suffering from radiation dermatitis, a painful, sunburn-like effect of radiation therapy that often necessitates long intermittencies between treatments.


“I think that if our human trials show the same changes in mice, everyone will adopt this,” Leung told HuffPost. “It could be really exciting. Economically, this is pennies per treatment and very widely available.”


When tested on older mice, the researchers found the bleach solution to be a sort of fountain of youth.


“We found that if we blocked NF-kB activity in elderly laboratory mice by bathing them in the bleach solution, the animals’ skin began to look younger,” Leung said. “It went from old and fragile to thicker, with increased cell proliferation.”


However, the anti-aging effects were short-term and diminished soon after stopping the bleach baths.


In human trials, the team will look into other applications of the dilute-bleach.


“It’s possible that, in addition to being beneficial to radiation dermatitis, it could also aid in healing wounds like diabetic ulcers,” Leung said. “This is exciting because there are so few side effects to dilute bleach … It could be easy, safe and inexpensive.”


While the bleach applications have shown to be safe, Leung cautions patients to only use the treatment under a doctor’s supervision.



Also on HuffPost:




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  • 1. Decode Botanicals


    Botanicals, or a plant or plant part valued for its medicinal or therapeutic properties, flavor, and/or scents, can be very useful in skincare products.
    <br><br>
    "Botanicals that contain beta-carotene can actually improve skin quality," Dr. Tabor says. "Keep in mind that products that contain botanicals should have a color or hue to them, as botanicals have a natural color. If the product you're using claims to have botanicals in it and it is white in color, you should ditch it. The only way skincare products can be white in color is through chemicals."
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  • 2. Rub Away the Years


    Massage is beneficial for more than just our backs. "A facial massage helps stimulate fibroblasts (or cells) in the skin to release collagen and restore elasticity that's lost as we age." Many facials offer massage techniques as part of the treatment.




  • 3. You're Never Too Young


    Did you know that your skin is already aging by your early 20s? "Do not wait until you're over 40 years old to use advanced, super-strength products -- start right now," Dr. Tabor says. "A 20 year old loses collagen in her face at the same rate as a 40 year old. By using full-strength products right away, you can help delay collagen loss and other signs of aging."




  • 4. Hands First, Face Second


    Think your makeup brush gets dirty? Our hands are carrying around billions of bacteria at any given time -- that inevitably gets transferred onto our faces.
    <br><br>
    "Never put on makeup, use skincare products, or even touch your face until you have thoroughly washed your hands," Dr. Tabor says. "Bacteria are the number one culprit in skin breakouts and, despite what people think, most of the germs that reach your face do not come from the air -- they come from your own two hands."
    <br><br>
    <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jariceiii/4960522015/" target="_hplink">jar ()</a></em>




  • 5. Open Pores are Preferred


    Closed pores means less absorption of product. "For maximum benefit, preface your nighttime skincare regimen by opening your pores. The best way to do this is to take a wash cloth or hand towel, soak it in hot water, and then let it rest on your face for a few moments," Dr. Tabor says. Then, apply your nighttime serums and moisturizers.




  • 6. Your Face is Shrinking


    "As we age, we lose bone mass, including the bones in our face. That's right, medical studies show that your face really does shrink as you age!"
    <br><br>
    Dr. Tabor suggests taking calcium supplements to support facial structure. "The more you can delay osteoporosis by taking calcium, the better," he says. This is the best way to prevent the appearance of skin 'hanging off' the face.
    <br><br>
    <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joeshlabotnik/2821342617/" target="_hplink">Joe Shlabotnik</a></em>




  • 7. The Most Important Skincare Products You're Not Using


    Vitamins do a body good -- in more ways than one. "One of the most important skincare products every woman should have is a high-quality vitamin. After all, your skin reflects how well you are nourished. As you age, make sure your vitamin regimen includes antioxidants and omega-3 oils," Dr. Tabor says.
    <br><br>
    <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/samcatchesides/5419124619/" target="_hplink">http://www.samcatchesides.com/</a></em>




  • 8. The Flabby Face Workout?


    While facial exercises may sound silly, "it's important to remember that your face has muscles, and toned muscles will always look better than flabby muscles," the doctor says. It's one more reason to smile a more often!
    <br><br>
    <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/diophoto/6183434185/" target="_hplink">DioBurto</a></em>




  • 9. Moisturize More. And More


    If you think you've moisturized enough, slather on some more! "Moisturize more than you think you need to. It's best to apply while the skin is still damp so the product can help trap some of the surface moisture into your skin. And, while you're at it, moisturize inside out by staying hydrated. In other words, drink lots of water!" Dr. Tabor says.
    <br><br>
    <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mandimaebe/3020305163/" target="_hplink">Mandarin Strawberry</a></em>




  • 10. Not Just an Old Wives Tale


    Putting cucumbers on eyes may sound like an old wives tale, but it's medically proven to work. "Cold cucumbers on puffy eyes really do soothe and reduce swelling. In fact, many high-priced eye products contain extracts that are chemically related to cucumbers," Dr. Tabor says. So head to that fridge and start slicing!
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