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side effects of baking soda on face
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #13873
209 days ago
263

side effects of baking soda on face - #13873

Saanvi

I am really concerned about my skin right now. I've been reading up on the side effects of baking soda on face and I feel a bit lost. A few weeks ago, I started using a DIY face scrub with baking soda because I heard it helps with exfoliating and brightening. At first, I was excited; my skin felt smoother, but then I started noticing things. My skin got super red and flaky right after, which seemed like maybe I was just overdoing it. I mean, I used it every other day for a week! I thought it was supposed to be good? Now I'm worried if these side effects of baking soda on face might be more serious. I've been moisturizing like crazy, but the dryness and irritation is lingering. Some friends mentioned that baking soda can disrupt the pH balance of skin, which totally freaks me out! Has anyone else experienced this? How long do the side effects of baking soda on face usually last? Should I just stop using straight-up baking soda altogether? Or is there a way to mitigate the damage? I feel stuck and I just want my skin back to normal without all these crazy side effects. Thx!

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Doctors' responses

Baking soda, while commonly touted for its exfoliating properties, can indeed be problematic for facial skin. The main concern is exactly what your friends pointed out: it can disrupt the skin’s natural pH balance. Human skin generally has a pH of around 4.5 to 5.5, maintaining a slightly acidic environment necessary for healthy skin barrier function. Baking soda, however, is alkaline, with a pH of around 9. When you apply it to your face, it can neutralize the skin’s natural acidity, leading to irritation, redness, and flakiness like you’ve experienced. The alkalinity can also strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and possibly compromising its barrier, making it susceptible to bacterial infection or breakouts. Using it every other day was probably too frequent, especially for facial skin, which is more sensitive than skin on other parts of the body.

To help your skin recover, the first and most important step is to discontinue use of baking soda immediately. Your moisturizing efforts are a good move, but focus on gentle, hydrating products that are fragrance-free and formulated for sensitive skin. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin can help restore moisture without further irritation. It would also be beneficial to look for creams or serums with ceramides, as they can support skin barrier repair. Avoid any other exfoliants, whether physical or chemical, while your skin is healing. If your skin still feels irritated or doesn’t improve, applying a soothing barrier cream with ingredients like zinc oxide might help soothe inflammation and give your skin a chance to heal. If irritation persists or worsens over the next week, it’s sensible to consult a dermatologist who can provide tailored advice or treatment. They might recommend something like a mild steroid cream to reduce inflammation if appropriate. Keep an eye on your skin’s response as you implement these changes; the improvements might take several days to weeks, depending on the extent of irritation. Prioritizing gentle skincare is key right now to restore your skin’s health.

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