If you’ve ever received a beauty tip, the likelihood that some home remedies were involved is high. And with so many available, you might have heard of baking soda as a must-try ingredient, but is it safe and effective? More importantly, does baking soda for the face actually work? Let’s examine these questions, so you can decide if it’s worth risking your skin’s health for.
What is Baking Soda?
Baking soda, otherwise known as bicarbonate of soda, is a household staple used mostly in baking and cleaning, but it also has other practical uses. Despite that, it is not entirely harmless; it’s a chemical compound that undergoes a chemical reaction when mixed with an acid, which means it can be very alkaline. Its high alkalinity makes it an effective cleaning agent, but since it has a pH level around 9, it means that it’s somewhat harsh and can pose some dangers.
Baking Soda as a Facial Treatment
Baking soda is a natural exfoliant, meaning it helps remove dead skin cells through physical and/or chemical shedding. Using baking soda on the skin may reduce skin blemishes such as blackheads, acne, and dark spots since it removes dirt, oil, and dead skin cells, allowing the skin to breathe and look fresh. However, on the contrary, other people claim that the use of baking soda can cause skin dryness, irritation, inflammation, and long-term damage to the skin barrier, which can lead to infection, skin thinning, and a compromised skin barrier.
Benefits of Using Baking Soda on Your Skin
The chemical properties of baking soda that allow it to be an effective cleaning agent have made it a popular home remedy for many skin-related issues. Here are some of the benefits that proponents of baking soda as a facial treatment claim:
- Baking soda as an exfoliator: As mentioned earlier, baking soda can physically and chemically remove skin cells, excess sebum, and dirt, helping to unclog pores and prevent acne and blackheads.
- Baking soda can brighten dull skin: The tiny, granular texture of baking soda can help remove a thin layer of dead skin cells from your face, making your skin look more youthful and glowing.
- Baking soda can reduce skin inflammation: People claim that baking soda helps soothe inflammation from insect bites, minor burns, or an itchy skin reaction.
- Baking soda may reduce acne scars: Baking soda can’t eliminate acne scars completely but using it as an exfoliant may help smooth and brighten the surface of the skin, lessening the appearance of acne scars over time
Drawbacks of Using Baking Soda on Your Skin
Baking soda is made from sodium bicarbonate, which is a fine, slightly alkaline powder that can work wonders in your fridge, but not on your skin. Here are some of the concerns regarding the use of baking soda as a facial treatment:
- Baking soda can dry out your skin: The alkaline nature of baking soda can disrupt your skin’s natural pH balance, making it drier and more susceptible to damage from pollution, UV rays, or unhealthy habits.
- Baking soda can cause skin irritation: Using baking soda too aggressively, too often, or in too high of a concentration can be harmful to the skin. It can dry the skin out and cause small cracks or abrasions to develop, allowing bacteria to penetrate into the skin barrier and causing further irritation and long-term damage.
- Baking soda can increase the risk of hyperpigmentation: Applying baking soda on your skin can increase the risk of hyperpigmentation, which is an uneven skin tone. If you have olive or darker skin, you may be more susceptible to this risk, which is why dermatologists tend to recommend staying away from it altogether.
How to Use Baking Soda on Your Face
Using baking soda as a facial treatment is not complicated, but you need to know how to do it correctly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Mix a small amount of baking soda with water in your hand or a small bowl, ensuring that you have the right consistency.
- Gently massage the paste onto your face in a circular motion, avoiding the sensitive skin around your eyes.
- Rinse your face with warm water, then finish by splashing some cool water on your face to close your pores.
- Pat your face dry with a clean towel, then moisturize.
Baking Soda Alternatives for Skin Care
If you’re not sure whether baking soda is appropriate or safe for your face, there are other effective and safe alternatives to consider. Here are some of them:
Honey Face Mask
Honey is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, making it an excellent choice to add to your skincare routine. It can help unclog pores, prevent acne, and hydrate the skin, leaving you with a healthy, refreshing glow. The healing properties of honey can also help in reducing the inflammation associated with acne, making it a successful natural acne treatment.
Aloe Vera Gel
If you suffer from dry or irritated skin, aloe vera is an affordable and effective natural remedy that can heal and hydrate skin. Aloe vera contains vitamins and minerals that soothe the skin and reduce inflammation, promoting cell growth and regeneration.
Coconut Oil
If you’re looking for a natural, chemical-free skincare routine, coconut oil makes an excellent substitute for harsher chemicals. Coconut oil is a great moisturizer that hydrates the skin while providing antifungal, antibacterial, and antioxidant benefits. It can also calm sensitive or irritated skin.
Conclusion
While baking soda has many advantages when used on the face, it has some potential drawbacks. The risks may outweigh the benefits depending on your skin type, condition, and overall health. Keep in mind that skincare is a large part of self-care, so it’s crucial that you consult a dermatologist or a skincare specialist to confirm whether or not How to Use Baking Soda on Your Face is okay for your skin type. Also, consider taking a patch test, which is a technique that involves applying a small amount of the product to the back of your hand or another less noticeable area of your skin three times a day for several days to see the effect on your skin. As always, you should never let curiosity lead to dangerous or risky behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions and Their Answers
- Is baking soda paste safe for the face?
- Is it okay to use a baking soda face mask before bed?
- Can baking soda cure acne?
- Why is baking soda bad for the skin?
- Can I use baking soda instead of shampoo?
It is usually safe when used infrequently and in small amounts. However, baking soda is not recommended for long-term use on the skin.
You shouldn’t leave baking soda on your face for too long, so it’s best to avoid using it before bed. The recommended time is once or twice a week, and limit to 5-10 minutes.
Baking soda won’t cure acne because it only removes excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. To cure acne, you need a treatment that targets the root cause.
Baking soda is too abrasive for most skin types and can irritate the skin, leading to more problems. It may also expose your skin to potential infection or lead to hyperpigmentation.
Baking soda can be used as a natural shampoo, but it can be an irritant to some people’s scalps and hair. It’s best used sparingly or diluted before use. However, a well-formulated shampoo will cleanse your scalp and hair without potential damage.
References
- https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/baking-soda-face#managing-risks
- https://www.byrdie.com/baking-soda-face-mask
- https://www.homeremedyhacks.com/baking-soda-face-mask-for-blemishes/
- https://www.ecowatch.com/5-natural-alternatives-to-use-instead-of-baking-soda-2647319348.html