Is Baking Soda Good for Skin

Baking soda is one of those household staples that seems to have a use for everything. From keeping the fridge fresh to lifting stains on clothes, it is often praised as a low-cost solution for cleaning and even personal care. Some people also turn to it as a quick home remedy for skin concerns like acne, blackheads, or dullness. But while baking soda may sound like a simple natural fix, it is worth exploring whether it is genuinely good for your skin, especially when compared with products designed specifically for skincare.

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What is Baking Soda and Why Do People Use It on Skin?

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is an alkaline powder. Its fine texture makes it slightly abrasive, which is why some people use it as a natural exfoliant to scrub away dead skin cells. It is also thought to neutralise acids, so it has been used as a home remedy to calm irritation or reduce excess oil. Because of this, you will find recipes online suggesting baking soda face masks or scrubs to brighten the skin, reduce spots, or even out tone.

How Baking Soda Affects the Skin Barrier

Although baking soda can temporarily make the skin feel smoother, there are some important things to consider. The skin naturally has a slightly acidic pH, which helps protect it from bacteria and maintain a healthy barrier. Baking soda is very alkaline, so applying it directly to the skin can disrupt this balance. When the skin barrier is disturbed, it can lead to dryness, redness, irritation, or sensitivity. For those who already have sensitive skin, eczema, or rosacea, using baking soda may worsen these conditions rather than improve them.

The Benefits of Baking Soda for Skin

It is true that baking soda has some short-term benefits. Its texture can work as a physical exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and smooth rough patches, particularly on areas like elbows or heels. Some people find it helps reduce odour when used under the arms or on the feet because it neutralises sweat acids. For very occasional use on tougher areas of skin, it may provide a quick fix. However, when it comes to the face or areas with delicate skin, its benefits are less clear and its risks more noticeable.

The Downsides of Using Baking Soda on Skin

The biggest concern with using baking soda as skincare is its high alkalinity. Regular use can strip away natural oils, leading to over-drying. The abrasive texture can also cause micro-tears in the skin if scrubbed too harshly. For acne-prone skin, it may initially seem to reduce oiliness, but over time it can actually encourage the skin to produce even more oil in response to dryness, making breakouts worse. There is also little scientific evidence to support its effectiveness as a long-term treatment for acne, pigmentation, or anti-ageing.

Alternatives That Work Better for Skin Health

If you are considering baking soda because you want smoother, clearer skin, there are safer and more effective options. Gentle exfoliating acids like lactic acid or glycolic acid, found in many skincare products, are designed to work with the skin’s natural pH. Hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin help keep the skin barrier strong, while niacinamide can reduce excess oil and redness. These ingredients are backed by research and formulated in safe concentrations for regular use, unlike baking soda which is better left for occasional household tasks.

Does Baking Soda Have a Role in Beauty Routines?

Although it is not ideal for daily skincare, baking soda can still be useful in a beauty routine. Some people use it to soften cuticles before a manicure, as a gentle scrub for feet, or mixed with water as a soothing soak for tired hands. It can also be added to bathwater to calm itchiness from insect bites. These uses are generally safe because the skin in these areas is less delicate than the face. Even so, it should be used sparingly and followed up with a moisturiser to restore hydration.

Can Baking Soda Support Anti-Ageing or Collagen?

Baking soda does not influence collagen production, elasticity, or firmness. While it may leave the skin feeling smoother after exfoliation, it does not provide nutrients or stimulation for long-term skin health. Anti-ageing routines are best supported through consistent sun protection, hydration, and ingredients such as vitamin C, retinoids, and collagen supplements. Collagen in particular supports the skin structure from within, something baking soda cannot achieve.

Should You Use Baking Soda on Your Skin?

The simple answer is that baking soda can have some limited uses on tougher areas of the body, but it is not recommended as part of a daily face care routine. Its alkaline nature can disturb the skin’s protective barrier, leading to irritation and sensitivity. While it may be tempting to reach for it as a cheap and quick home solution, specially formulated skincare products are more effective, safer, and designed to keep your skin healthy in the long run.

Conclusion

Baking soda is a useful product in many areas of life, but its role in skincare should be approached with caution. While it may provide a temporary smoothing effect or help with tougher skin areas, it is not well suited for delicate facial skin and does not support long-term skin health. For most people, sticking to products designed for skincare is the better option.

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