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 : 26M : 32S
background image
Click Here
background image
Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #19486
152 days ago
275

side effects of baking soda on skin - #19486

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.

20186 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.


ice treatment for face benefits
how to use curd for hair growth
how to cure pimple
how to use apple cider vinegar on face
How to reduce the pimples on face and dandruff on hair
how to get rid of a pimple fast
how to make glowing face at home
bleaching skin
pimples black marks removal cream
applying green tea on face
can we apply henna on oily hair
How to remove black spots from body
how to use aloe vera gel on face
best men's face cream for pimples and dark spots
does curd reduce dandruff
best cream for blemishes and pigmentation
get rid of hyperpigmentation
How to clear acne and facial hairs
how to remove acne from face naturally
how to glow face naturally for male
How to naturally remove dark spots on face?
how to get rid of acne spots
which face cream is best for skin whitening
what does hair serum do
skin whitening treatment at home
lemon for pigmentation
What to do for an itchy scalp that hasn't improved with lice shampoo?
papaya for oily skin
How to stop itching palm and soles of fungal infection
neck black remove home remedies
how to glow face naturally at home
skin diseases home remedies
night face pack for skin whitening
face whitening face pack
How to clear skin and frizzfree hair
home remedies for black spots on face
how to get rid of dark spots on legs
remedy for black spots on the face
I had few acne on face specific on forehead . Which tend to be recurring
skin care consultation
how to get a clear and glowing skin
nature's face pack
best cream for acne and pimples by dermatologist
How to get a proper and healthyskin
acne marks removal cream for oily skin
how to make cheeks red naturally
can we apply lemon on hair
How to reduce pimples and acne on face
How I can get rid off from Lichen Planus Pigmentosus skin disease?
home remedies for dark skin
how to remove pimples for men
skin black patch
how can i get rid of pimples
pure skin whitening cream side effects
skin pimple face
cleanser or face wash which is better
how to get rid of black spots
homemade hair mask for hair growth and thickness at home
how to get clear and poreless skin and thick hairs
how to remove pimple in one day
Hairfall due to vitamin deficiency
home remedies for white skin
black dots in skin
how to get clear skin on body
can we put curd on hair
how much time acne scars take to fade
tips to get clear skin
how to remove hair on hands naturally
face mask for pimples homemade
skin whitening cream side effects
alovera cream
best black spot removal cream
reason for dark neck
remedies to remove facial hair
face pack for oily skin and pimples
papaya face pack
pimples black spot remove
benefits of drinking raisin water for skin
age spots pictures
how to remove waxing scars naturally
how many minutes aloe vera on face
how to reduce melanin permanently
white vinegar uses for skin
what is the reason of hair fall
long term side effects of face waxing
ice cube for face side effects
dry face skin home remedies
baking soda for dark neck
dark brown patches on skin
How would I treat my face acne?
red pimples on forehead
cleanser or face wash which is best
aloe vera and lemon for face overnight
hot oil treatment for hair
is serum good for hair
how to get rid of redness of pimples
different between cleanser and face wash
pimple remover home remedy
why do i get hormonal acne on one side of my face
small dark spots on face