If you’ve ever been told to clean a wound with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, you’re not alone. For decades, those two were considered the go-to antiseptics for everything from scraped knees to ear piercings.

But let’s set the record straight:
You should not use alcohol or peroxide on a healing body piercing.
And here’s exactly why.

🚫 Harsh Chemicals = Harsh Healing

While alcohol and hydrogen peroxide do kill bacteria, they also destroy healthy cells. These cells are vital for healing your new piercing. By using harsh chemicals, you’re essentially causing micro-trauma every time you clean. Delaying the healing process and increasing the risk of complications.

I want your piercing to heal efficiently, comfortably, and beautifully. That’s why we stick to what’s tried and true in the professional body piercing world: gentle, sterile saline.

🔍 Let’s Break Down the Risks

❌ Rubbing Alcohol

  • Overly drying — pulls moisture from the skin
  • Damages skin tissue, slowing healing
  • Can cause burning or stinging

❌ Hydrogen Peroxide

  • Aggressive bubbling action kills good cells
  • Leads to scabbing, peeling, and prolonged redness
  • Can create a false sense of “clean” while actually causing harm

❌ Antibacterial Soaps & Bactine

  • Often contain fragrances or additives
  • Disrupt skin’s natural microbiome
  • Can lead to contact dermatitis or chemical burns

💡 What Should I Use Instead?

Sterile saline spray. That’s it. The same type you’d find in a wound care section at a pharmacy, or directly from me.

A few brands we love and carry:

  • NeilMed Piercing Aftercare
  • Steri Wash Wound Wash

These solutions are isotonic, meaning they match your body’s natural salt levels and won’t cause trauma to delicate healing tissue.

🧼 Simple Aftercare Routine

  1. Wash your hands first. Always.
  2. Spray sterile saline directly on your piercing.
  3. Let it soak in and air dry or pat dry gently with clean, disposable material.
  4. Avoid overcleaning — twice a day is plenty.

🔄 What If I Already Used Alcohol or Peroxide?

First off, don’t panic! Most people were told these were the right products, especially if they were pierced at a mall kiosk or by someone who wasn’t an APP member. The best thing to do now is stop using them immediately and switch to a gentle saline routine.

If you’re noticing prolonged irritation or dryness, reach out to your piercer (or me!) so they can help guide your aftercare back on track.

🧠 Education Is Key

Part of our job as professional piercers is not just to give you the best piercing possible. But to support your healing and education too. Misinformation around piercing aftercare is still out there, and we’re here to help you sort fact from fiction.

📲 Got Questions? I’m Here.

You can always reach out if you’re unsure about your aftercare products or if something doesn’t feel quite right. We offer personalized advice and carry professional-grade aftercare products right in our studio.

Stay smart, stay clean, and don’t let outdated advice mess with your piercing!