Baking Soda for Acne: Benefits, How to Use, and Side Effects
While acne is not a severe skin issue, it might cause low self-esteem, skin irritation, and sometimes may be slightly painful because of inflammation. As baking soda has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, it is a good option to treat acne or minimize breakouts.
In this guide, you will get to explore DIY uses of baking soda for acne, along with its benefits and risks.
Table of Contents
What is Baking Soda?
Baking soda, chemically termed sodium bicarbonate, is a versatile kitchen staple with alkalinizing properties and is technically classified under the salt category. The alkalinizing part determines the efficacy of baking soda in skincare and for acne treatment.
Benefits of Baking Soda for Acne
Baking soda is an affordable kitchen ingredient with the following acne-fighting purposes when topically applied :
Exfoliation
Baking soda has an inherent exfoliating effect due to its mildly gritty texture. The natural exfoliating properties make it effective at eliminating dead skin cells and unclogging pores. This ingredient effectively exfoliates the skin, preventing the formation of acne lesions and promoting a clearer complexion.
Anti -inflammatory
The anti-inflammatory properties in baking soda soothe mild skin irritations like redness, swelling, and irritation associated with acne breakouts. Applying it topically may help soothe inflamed skin, thereby alleviating discomfort.
pH balance
Baking soda, with its alkaline properties, is the perfect method to restore the skin’s PH balance. This makes your skin less prone to acne-causing bacteria. This ultimately helps to promote skin health and prevent future acne breakouts.
Oil absorption
The absorbent properties of baking soda can help absorb excess oil on the skin’s surface( a common contributor to acne). It will also help reduce the risk of pore blockages and acne formation by minimizing oiliness.
How to Use Baking Soda for Acne? DIY Tips and Methods
Baking soda, because of its alkaline nature, can be used in various DIY acne treatments. Here are some of the DIY uses of baking soda to remove acne scars.
Face mask or exfoliant
To get rid of dead skin cells and minimize inflammation, people create an exfoliating mixture known as a baking soda acne scrub or mask.
- Combine 2 tablespoons of baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste.
- Use your fingertips and rub the mixture gently onto your skin.
- Let the paste remain for 10-15 minutes if applied as a face mask. Rinse immediately if used as a scrub.
- Apply a moisturizer on your face after rinsing to stop your skin from drying out.
- Use this method max 2 times per week for optimal results.
Enhance your facial cleanser
This method is effective in clearing acne breakouts. Here are the main steps :
- Blend 1/ 2 tbsp of baking soda in your hand with your face cleanser. Rub the mixture on your face gently.
- After rinsing off, apply a face moisturizer to prevent dry skin and tightening. Apply this not more than 2 times a week.
Spot Treatment
A very common method is to spot treat acne bumps, specifically visible on the face.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with water and make a baking soda paste.
- Apply the mixture on the required area or bumps and let it remain for at least 20 minutes.
- Rinse off the paste thoroughly and apply a moisturizer.
Dos and Don’ts While Using Baking Soda for Acne Scars
Does baking soda remove acne effectively? It is a common query of many first-time users. The real answer lies in following the dos and don’ts concerning the combined use of baking soda and acne scars.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Do dilute properly. Prepare a paste by mixing baking soda with water in a 1:2 ratio, and to help minimize its abrasiveness. | Don’t use baking soda on open wounds or active acne to avoid irritation, stinging, and delayed healing. |
| Reduce the baking soda usage up to 2 times per week. Since, overuse might disrupt the skin’s natural pH. | Don’t rely on it for treating deep acne scars like icepick or box scars. |
| Apply gentle pressure in circular motions. Scrubbing hard might damage the skin and worsen scars. | Don’t skip SPF sunscreen during the day after exfoliating your skin with baking soda. |
How do You Use Baking Soda to Get Rid of Dark Spots?
Baking soda’s bleaching properties and exfoliating action can help lighten dark spots and improve skin texture.
Detailed steps:
- Mix baking soda: Combine baking soda with a small amount of water or fresh lemon juice to form a paste. You can also add a bit of coconut oil for extra hydration.
- Apply to dark spots: Gently apply the paste to the dark spots, ensuring it doesn’t rub too harshly, as baking soda can be abrasive.
- Leave for 20 minutes: Allow the paste to sit on your skin for about 20 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly: Wash the area with lukewarm water to remove the paste completely.
- Moisturize: Follow up with a moisturizer to soothe and hydrate your skin.
- Repeat as needed: You can repeat this process a few times a week, but be mindful of potential dryness or irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Important Considerations:
Patch Test: Before applying the paste widely, do a patch test on a small area of skin to check for any allergic reactions or irritation.
Sensitivity: If your skin is sensitive, start with a lower concentration of baking soda or shorter application times.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice can be helpful for its bleaching properties, but it may also increase skin sensitivity to the sun, so use sunscreen when going outdoors.
Other Ingredients: You can also mix baking soda with other ingredients like turmeric for added benefits.
Consistency: Regular use is key to seeing results, but avoid overdoing it, which could lead to dryness or irritation.
Potential Side Effects of Using Baking Soda for Acne
While baking soda is good for acne scars, it also has potential risks and side effects, like :
- Skin inflammation and irritation: Excessive use might disturb the skin’s natural barrier response, leading to irritation and inflammation.
- Worsened acne breakouts: Prolonged or improper use of baking soda might cause chemical burns, further aggravating acne breakouts.
- Extremely dry skin: Baking soda soaks natural oils from the skin, which further dries the skin out and disrupts its protective barrier.
- Early onset of wrinkles
- Enhanced sensitivity to natural elements such as the sun.
Conclusion
Before you apply baking soda for acne in the form of water-combined, paste-like spot treatment, a key thing to keep in mind is that the more oilier your skin is, the less likely you are to face any skin issues. If you select baking soda as your perfect DIY acne treatment method, reduce both the quantity and frequency of use, and moisturize your skin after each use.
FAQs
Is baking soda good for acne scars?
The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, make baking soda an ideal candidate for reducing acne scars.
Can we use baking soda for acne and dark spots together?
As a gentle exfoliant, baking soda is useful for dark spots, and its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties make it the best fit for acne treatment.
How does baking soda help acne scars vanish naturally?
Baking soda can help fade acne scars naturally, but it doesn’t make them vanish overnight. It works in a few specific ways that help improve the appearance of scars gradually.
Can baking soda remove tan?
Yes, but it’s crucial to use it gently and avoid harsh scrubbing, as it might cause skin irritation.
Does baking soda remove dark spots?
The bleaching properties of baking soda help in decreasing the appearance of dark spots on the skin.
Is it a good practice to leave baking soda on skin overnight?
Due to baking soda’s alkaline nature, it is generally not recommended to leave it on your skin overnight.
Does baking soda help with pimple scars?
As one of the best natural exfoliators, baking soda will help in removing pimple marks from the face.
When not to use baking soda for acne?
Baking soda should be avoided for acne treatment when you have sensitive skin, dry skin, or any pre-existing skin issues.
What is the time duration for baking soda to eliminate acne scars?
Baking soda can help with acne scars, but it’s not a quick fix. It works as a natural exfoliant by eliminating dead skin cells, but it’s not guaranteed to fully remove them.
How do you use baking soda for acne?
Baking soda paste, scrub, and face mask are certain proven ways of applying baking soda for acne.
