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lemon and baking soda for skin
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #16902
4 days ago
23

lemon and baking soda for skin - #16902

Om

I am really confused about this whole lemon and baking soda for skin thing. A friend just swears by it and says it does wonders for her acne scars, even sent me some before-and-after pics. I’ve been dealing with these stubborn dark spots on my face for like a year now, tried countless products, from serums to those pricey creams, ugh! One night, desperate after doing some research, I tried mixing lemon and baking soda for skin, but it kind of burned my face a bit. I know lemon can be acidic, and baking soda has its own pH issues, so I’m super worried maybe it did more harm than good. I also read online that some people have had great results, but is it really safe? I mean, will using lemon and baking soda for skin just cause more irritation?? My skin is already sensitive, and I’m trying to figure out if this is like a miracle or just a bad idea. Are there precautions I should take or other safer alternatives to try instead? I don’t want to end up with worse skin because of this! I’m like, on the fence about continuing with lemon and baking soda for skin, can anyone share their experiences or advice?

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Doctors’ responses

Using lemon and baking soda on your skin, especially if it’s sensitive, is potentially problematic due to their irritant nature. Lemon juice is highly acidic (with a pH around 2), which can strip away natural oils and disrupt your skin’s acid mantle, leading to dryness and irritation. Baking soda, on the other hand, is alkaline (with a pH around 9), and while it might seem like it could neutralize the acidity, it can actually further disrupt your skin’s natural pH balance. This combination has the potential to cause more harm than good, especially for sensitive or already irritated skin.

Lemon juice can also increase your skin’s photosensitivity, meaning it makes your skin more susceptible to UV damage if exposed to sunlight, potentially worsening dark spots or leading to new damage. Given these risks, I would advise against using this combination as a treatment for acne scars or spots.

Safer alternatives exist, which are less likely to irritate your skin and have more evidence backing their efficacy. Products containing ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), or retinoids can be helpful in addressing dark spots and improving skin texture. These ingredients assist in promoting cell turnover and fading pigmentation gradually. Another option is vitamin C serums, known for their brightening properties and ability to even out skin tone.

Always patch test new products and introduce them slowly into your routine, especially if your skin is sensitive. Consulting a dermatologist can provide personalized advice and treatment options that fit your skin’s unique needs and conditions. This professional guidance can help you navigate the broad array of products and treatments available without risking further irritation or damage.

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