Here’s the truth about using baking soda for homemade acne treatments

We bet you currently have at least one package of baking soda stored in your kitchen. Whether it’s in the pantry waiting to be mixed into your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe or sitting under the sink ready to be used as part of a homemade cleanser, there’s no denying that baking soda wins out when it comes to versatility. However, contrary to what you may have heard, there is one area where baking soda isn’t appropriate: your face.

According to anecdotal evidence, baking soda has been used as a homemade mask or spot treatment for acne. However, according to top dermatologists Marnie Nussbaum, MD, FAAD, and Annie Gonalez, MD, adding this ingredient to your skincare routine can do more harm than good. To get the facts straight, we asked the experts what they think about using baking soda to fight acne.

Here’s how to use baking soda safely, as well as its benefits and possible side effects when used on your skin.

Meet the Experts

Marnie Nussbaum, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City who specializes in non-invasive cosmetic rejuvenation treatments.

Annie Gonzalez, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Glossense Dermatology and Aesthetics in Miami.

What is baking soda?

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a compound with alkalizing properties and is technically classified as a salt, Nussbaum explains. The alkalizing effect is important when using baking soda in skin care and acne, Gonzalez notes, but by the same token, baking soda also helps neutralize internal and external acidic substances.

Baking powder

Ingredient type: Exfoliant

Potential benefits: Exfoliation, anti-inflammatory properties, and helps balance the pH of oily skin.

Who should use it: Only people who are strapped for cash and don’t have access to products with ingredients specifically formulated to fight acne, like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, should use it, Nussbaum warns. It’s also generally a better choice for oily skin types, but even then, it can be problematic, Gonzalez adds.

How often you can use it: No more than once a week.

It works well: Just mix it with water for a spot treatment.

Don’t use it with: Because baking soda can be very drying, don’t use it with other skincare ingredients that can cause drying, such as retinoids or acids.

There’s no denying that baking soda can play a role in many at-home beauty treatments, not to mention that it’s a very affordable ingredient for these uses. It’s a potential physical peel; it can replace dry shampoo in a pinch and is ideal for foot baths. It can easily be turned into toothpaste and is a key ingredient in many natural deodorants (both DIY recipes and ready-made versions). You get what I mean. But when you use baking soda on your face to fight acne, things start to get a little tricky and you need to tread carefully.

Benefits of Baking Soda for Acne

There are a few; otherwise there wouldn’t be countless articles praising it as a natural way to fight acne. Check out some of the notable benefits below:

Exfoliation: Nussbaum says baking soda’s slightly grainy texture means it has an exfoliating effect. Peels are a way to prevent clogged pores and prevent blackheads, pimples, and red pimples from forming.

Is anti-inflammatory: Baking soda has anti-inflammatory properties, according to Gonzalez. That’s why it’s often found in many over-the-counter topical products designed to soothe minor skin irritations like insect bites and rashes, she notes. That’s why it can also help soothe red, inflamed breakouts, she adds.

Can help balance pH for oily skin: To put things into perspective, let’s start with a quick refresher from school chemistry class: The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Anything below 7 is acidic, and anything above 7 is alkaline. Our skin is normally acidic, with a pH between 4 and 6.1. “This is a healthy level that retains moisture while keeping out bacteria and pollution,” Gonzalez explains. “However, if your skin is more acidic than normal, it can lead to overproduction of sebum (the skin’s natural oil), which can clog pores and cause acne,” adds Nussbaum. In this case, Nussbaum says, the alkaline nature of baking soda can help balance the skin, returning it to a healthier pH.

Potential Side Effects

Nussbaum warns that because baking soda is so alkaline (it has a pH of around 9), it can easily disrupt the skin’s natural pH, over-stripping the skin’s natural oils and causing dryness, irritation, and inflammation. Gonzalez warns that disrupting the skin’s pH can also lead to premature wrinkles and eventually even worsen existing acne.

In short, baking soda has the benefits mentioned above, but there’s a fine line between the benefits mentioned and quickly entering skin-irritating territory. That’s why both doctors we spoke to warned against using it as part of a homemade acne treatment.

Applications

If you still want to test baking soda, remember that first and foremost, the oilier your skin is, the less likely it is to have problems. In other words, if you have a naturally dry and sensitive complexion, this is definitely not for you. Second, small, infrequent uses are safest. Nussbaum recommends mixing about two teaspoons of baking soda with enough water to create a paste-like consistency and using it as a targeted spot treatment for blemishes only. To be clear: Do not apply it to your entire complexion as a mask. Leave it on for five to 10 minutes, then gently rinse with warm water — and don’t do this more than once a week, Nussbaum says.Since it also has the potential to dry out the skin, you should be extra careful when using moisturizers and sunscreens.

If you experience adverse side effects such as redness, dryness, irritation, or flaking after using baking soda as a topical treatment, consult a licensed dermatologist.

Final Verdict

Ultimately, baking soda, a compound with alkalizing properties, is best used only in the kitchen or around the home. It can easily upset the skin’s natural pH balance by over-stripping natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and inflammation. Before trying to use baking soda as a water-mixed paste spot treatment, keep in mind that the oilier your skin, the less likely it is to cause problems. If you experience side effects such as redness, dryness, irritation, or flaking from using baking soda as a topical treatment, consult a licensed dermatologist.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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