baking soda good for skin - #17944
I am really confused about this whole baking soda good for skin thing. A few weeks ago, I started breaking out like crazy—just out of nowhere! It was super frustrating because I usually have pretty clear skin. I was talking to my friend, and she mentioned baking soda good for skin and how it helped her with some acne. Just the thought of rubbing baking soda on my face kinda freaks me out, though! I tried it for the first time last night, mixing it with water, but it felt weird and kinda burned a little after a few mins. Then I looked up more about this baking soda good for skin idea and found a ton of mixed reviews online. Like, some people swear by it, saying it’s amazing for exfoliating and clearing up breakouts, while others say it messes up your pH balance or dries you out. I don’t wanna make this worse than it already is! Can someone clear this up for me? Is baking soda really good for skin or is it just a myth? I’m also worried about my sensitive skin reacting badly! Any tips or personal experiences would be great!
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Doctors' responses
When it comes to using baking soda on your skin, it’s definitely a mixed bag, and for good reason. Baking soda has an alkaline pH, usually around 8 to 9, which can indeed disrupt the skin’s natural barrier. Your skin’s surface has a slightly acidic pH, usually between 4.5 and 5.5, and this balanced environment helps to protect against bacteria and retain moisture. Using alkaline substances like baking soda can strip away that natural layer, possibly leading to irritation or dryness, which sounds like what you experienced with the burning sensation. While baking soda can have some exfoliating properties, it might be too harsh, especially for sensitive skin, and it could potentially make acne worse. If your skin is reacting or if you’re finding it makes things worse, I’d recommend discontinuing its use immediately. Instead, focus on products specifically formulated for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Look for gentle, non-comedogenic cleansers, and moisturizers to help maintain hydration without clogging pores. If acne persists, over-the-counter treatments with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide could offer benefits, though they should be used as directed to avoid over-drying. It’s crucial to patch-test any new product, particularly if your skin is reactive. If over-the-counter options aren’t effective, consulting with a dermatologist can provide more tailored treatment options that won’t compromise your skin health. They can recommend topical or systemic treatments which are much safer long-term solutions for your skin concerns. Remember, individual responses to skincare products can vary hugely, so personal assessments might be required to find what works best for your skin.
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