AskDocDoc
/
/
/
side effects of baking soda on skin
FREE!Ask Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Medical Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 50M : 51S
background image
Click Here
background image
Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #19486
175 days ago
305

side effects of baking soda on skin

Shanaya

I am really curious about the side effects of baking soda on skin after my recent experience. A few weeks ago, I decided to try a DIY facial scrub with baking soda since I'd read a lot about it being a natural exfoliant. At first, it felt great and my skin looked brighter for a day or two, but then I started noticing these weird red patches and irritation! I didn't expect that at all. I thought baking soda was supposed to be gentle on skin. Is it normal to have side effects of baking soda on skin like this? I didn't leave it on for long, just a few minutes, but now I'm on this hunt trying to figure out if maybe my skin is just super sensitive or if I should totally avoid baking soda in the future. I've even read about how some people actually use baking soda for acne, but now I’m like, are there any long-term side effects of baking soda on skin? I just want to clarify, should I be worried or is this a common reaction? Just feeling a bit confused and concerned about what to do next. Should I switch to a different routine, or is it safe to give baking soda another shot? Any thoughts would really help me out!

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors' responses

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, can indeed act as a mild exfoliant for some people, but it’s not unusual to experience adverse reactions, as you’ve described. The red patches and irritation can occur because baking soda’s pH level is quite alkaline—around 9—which disrupts the skin’s natural pH, typically between 4.5 and 5.5. This disruption can weaken the skin barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, and sensitivity, even after a short application. For sensitive skin types, using baking soda can easily lead to reactions like yours. While some individuals report benefits using it for acne, the long-term consequences might include chronic irritation and impaired skin barrier function, which could worsen issues like acne or dermatitis over time.

Given your recent experience, I would recommend discontinuing the use of baking soda on your skin. Instead, you could switch to gentler, pH-balanced alternatives specifically formulated for facial care, like salicylic acid or glycolic acid products, which are generally more predictable in their effect and safer for continuous use. As for any current irritation, employing a soothing, fragrance-free moisturizer and a mild hydrocortisone cream can help calm the skin. If symptoms persist or worsen, consider consulting with a dermatologist. They can provide tailored advice and help devise a skincare routine that’s safe and effective for your skin type. Your experience highlights the importance of being cautious with DIY home remedies and paying attention to how your skin reacts, redirecting to scientifically-backed skincare solutions for better long-term health.

20624 answered questions
90% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


कैसे पता करें कि मेरे बच्चे के पैर पर जो पैच है वो फंगल इन्फेक्शन है जैसे कि दाद और मैं कौन सी क्रीम इस्तेमाल कर सकता हूँ?
Sensodyne टूथपेस्ट इस्तेमाल करने के बाद मेरे होंठों की किनारी की त्वचा पतली और जलन क्यों हो रही है?
Dull skin and hairfall related problems
Pilonidal Sinus / abcess surgery after
Skin whitening treatment glow dark spot clear
Why my hair is not getting thick
How to reduce pimple and acne spot
do pimple marks go away
how to remove pimple at home
can i apply green tea on face
ointment to remove pimple marks
how to get rid of under the skin pimples
exfoliate neck
cream to remove black spots on face
चेहरे पर बर्फ लगाने का सबसे अच्छा समय कब है?
azithromycin टैबलेट का त्वचा के लिए उपयोग क्या है?
sun damage small white spots on skin
चेहरे पर बर्फ रगड़ने का असर
can we apply face pack after bleach
best acne pimple cream
क्या डायबिटीज़ से पीड़ित व्यक्ति गर्दन और डेक्लिटे के लिए फर्मिंग क्रीम का इस्तेमाल कर सकता है?
how to use amla powder
ointment for white patches on face
कैलेंडुला क्या है?
acne pimple marks removal cream
red spots on face
top skin whitening cream
खुले पोर्स के लिए स्किनकेयर रूटीन
whitening face pack at home
can we apply lemon on scalp