Is It Safe To Use Baking Soda To Treat Acne?

We all resort to home remedies and quick fixes to treat occasional breakouts. Baking soda for acne is one of them. It is probably the most common DIY hack to zap the zits. While there is no scientific evidence to prove the efficacy of baking soda for acne, you will find plenty of anecdotal evidence supporting this hack. Baking soda can be harsh on the skin, so you must be extremely careful before trying this hack. It can dry out your skin and irritate it. However, there are safe ways to use baking soda for acne. Scroll down to learn how baking soda may affect your skin and safe ways to use it for acne.

Can You Use Baking Soda For Acne? Is It Effective?

Anecdotal evidence claims that baking soda is a natural remedy effective for acne. Some suggest that it aids acne treatment by acting as a facial cleanser and, when used regularly, may help with oil control. However, there hasn’t been any research to evaluate whether baking soda works for acne or not. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved this popular home remedy for acne. The advocates of this popular home remedy believe that baking soda may help in minimizing your acne, depending on your skin type.

Did You Know?

The antibacterial properties of baking soda make it an ideal ingredient for managing acne.

• Baking soda has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe swelling and redness. It not only helps calm flare-ups, but also soothes rashes, irritation, and sunburn.
• Baking soda is a great ingredient for physical exfoliation. It has fine particles that dislodge dirt and dead skin cells from your pores. It also causes relatively less irritation than most chemical exfoliants while being more efficient.
• It not only helps fight and prevent acne but also minimizes the appearance of acne scars and pigmentation.
• It helps absorb the excess oil from your skin. This, in turn, dries out pimples and blemishes, helping them heal faster.

If you have oily or extremely oily and acne-prone skin, you may try using baking soda. However, there is no scientific research that proves that baking soda is good for acne or your skin, so you need to be very careful while using this ingredient. Baking soda can cause severe discomfort if it does not suit your skin or if you overuse it. Check them out in the next section.

Are There Any Side Effects Of Using Baking Soda For Acne?

Yes, there are a few risks associated with using baking soda on your skin. Anything in excess is not good for the skin. The same goes for baking soda. If you use it too frequently or if it does not suit your skin, the following side effects may occur:

• It might damage the protective barrier of your skin and worsen your acne. This is because the pH of your skin is slightly on the acidic side (which is crucial for maintaining a balance). When you apply baking soda, it removes the acidic protective barrier and leaves it vulnerable to breakouts and bacteria.
• It can cause skin irritation. Baking soda has a drying effect, and if you use it on your skin (or use it too frequently), it may irritate the skin and cause redness, breakouts, rashes, and burning sensation.
• It might overdry your skin and cause inflammation.

The average natural pH of the skin (without showering and using any cosmetic products) is 4.7. It usually ranges between 4.5 and 5.5. On the pH scale, anything below 7 is acidic and anything above 7 is alkaline. While our skin is acidic, baking soda has a pH of 9, which is alkaline. When you apply an alkaline ingredient to your skin, it naturally strips away its natural oils, leaving it exposed to UV rays, bacteria, and environmental damage.

Although it is not recommended, you can try a few baking soda recipes to control inflammation. Make sure that you only use the recommended amount of baking and do not exceed that. Also, do not follow any of these recipes more than once a week.

Did You Know?

Pumpkin seed paste and corn meal can be effective substitutes for baking soda for the management of acne.

How To Use Baking Soda For Acne

Sinéad shared her experience with a commercial face mask in her blog. She writes, “A minute after I put it onto my skin, it began to really burn, and I had to wash it off straight away.” This incident reinforced her commitment to homemade and natural skincare and avoiding harsh chemicals. “…I much prefer to partake in a more creative, simple and natural skincare regime at home!” Sinéad’s DIY mask with baking soda has benefits like oil reduction, fighting blackheads, and acting as a mild exfoliant. She encourages others to try the baking soda mask for its simplicity and effectiveness and offers an additional tip, “I like to sweep apple cider vinegar diluted with water over my face after I rinse off the mask, as this ensures the optimum PH level for your complexion (i).”

Nicole Rae, a blogger, shared her success with a baking soda face mask, stating, “Do you fight with having acne scaring? I sure do! I used this face mask today and i already noticed a difference (ii)!” Additionally, she suggests following up the mask with a moisturizer.

1. Baking Soda And Lemon

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Method

1. Mix baking soda, water, and lemon juice in a bowl. Make a smooth paste.
2. Apply a thin layer of the paste on your face and leave it on for 15 minutes or until it dries.
3. Wash your face with cold water.
4. Follow up with a moisturizer or skin serum.
5. Use this face mask twice a week.

Why This Works

Lemon juice helps control oil production in your skin while shrinking your pores with the help of its astringent properties (1). It also has antimicrobialⁱ  XSubstances that help fight microorganisms like bacteria and mold and prevent them from spreading disease. properties that may help kill acne-causing bacteria (2).

Caution:  Lemon juice (and most citrus fruit juices) can make your skin sensitive to sunlight, which may result in sunburns. Hence, make sure to apply sunscreen before you step out.

2. Baking Soda And Water

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 1-2 tablespoons water (adjust the quantity)

Method

1. Mix baking soda and water. Adjust the quantity of water to make a smooth paste.
2. Apply the paste only on the affected areas. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes and then wash with cold water.
3. Follow up with a moisturizer. Do this twice a week.

Why This Works

Baking soda removes the accumulated dirt and dead skin cells from the pores. It is also said to dry up the pimples, shrinking them and allowing them to heal faster. This may also help with pimple prevention, blackhead removal, and whitehead removal.

3. Baking Soda And Apple Cider Vinegar

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Method

1. Dilute the apple cider vinegar with water.
2. Add baking soda to the ACV-water mixture.
3. Apply the paste on the affected areas (like spot treatment). Leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
4. Wash with cold water.
5. Apply moisturizer.
6. Do this twice a week.

Why This Works

Apple cider vinegar is said to help maintain the pH balance, keeping the baking soda from making your skin too alkaline. ACV also contains lactic acid that might help reduce acne (3).

4. Baking Soda And Honey

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon organic honey
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• Washcloth
• Warm water

Method

1. Mix baking soda and honey in a bowl.
2. Apply the paste all over your face or just on the affected area.
3. Dip the washcloth in warm water and wring it. Place it on your face and wait for 5 minutes.
4. Once the washcloth has cooled down, wipe the mask with it.
5. Wash your face with cold water and apply moisturizer.
6. Repeat this 2-3 times a week.

Why This Works

Honey is a humectant that binds moisture to your skin (4). This mask may help prevent acne and give you clear skin.

5. Baking Soda And Aloe Vera

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel

Method

1. Mix both the ingredients and make a paste.
2. Use your fingers to apply the mixture on the affected area. Leave it to dry for 15-20 minutes.
3. Wash your face with cold water.
4. Follow up with a moisturizer.
5. Repeat this treatment 2-3 times a week.

Why This Works

Aloe vera has anti-inflammatoryⁱ  XSubstances that help reduce inflammation, including redness, swelling, and pain. and antimicrobial properties (5). This mixture reduces redness and inflammation and helps in fast healing of acne.

6. Baking Soda And Witch Hazel

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• A few drops of witch hazel (adjust the quantity as per need)A Q-tip

Method

1. Mix the baking soda and witch hazel in a bowl.
2. Use the Q-tip to apply the paste on the affected area (just as tiny dots on the acne). Leave it on for 10-15 minutes and then wash your face with lukewarm water.
3. Follow it up with a moisturizer.
4. Repeat this remedy 2-3 times a week.

Why This Works

Witch hazel is a natural astringentⁱ  XAn ingredient applied to skin to reduce bleeding from minor abrasions and/or to reduce skin oiliness. that unclogs your skin pores and tightens them. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect on your skin (5). Thus, it can help reduce the redness and irritation caused by acne.

7. Baking Soda, Yogurt, And Lemon

You Will Need

• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon yogurt
• 1 drop lemon juice or lemon essential oil

Method

1. Mix all the ingredients to prepare a creamy paste-like mixture.
2. Apply it on the affected areas and leave it on for 5-10 minutes.
3. Rinse your face with lukewarm water and pat it dry.
4. Follow up with a face serum or moisturizer.

Why This Works

Lemon, along with baking soda, helps shrink the skin pores and unclog them. Lemon contains vitamin C, which has antioxidant properties and may prevent signs of aging. Yogurt helps keep your skin moisturized (6).

Note: If you have highly sensitive skin, dilute the lemon juice with water before using it to avoid allergies.

8. Baking Soda And Aspirin (For Spot Treatment)

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 aspirin tablets (crushed)
• Water (as per requirement)
• A cotton swab or Q-tip

Method

1. Combine the baking soda and aspirin tablets in a bowl and mix them with water.
2. Use the cotton swab or the Q-tip to apply the paste to the affected area as spot treatment. Leave it on for 15 minutes.
3. Wash with lukewarm water.
4. Pat your skin dry and apply a moisturizer.

Why This Works

Although no study shows that topical treatments with aspirin could heal acne, it may help reduce inflammation (7). Aspirin contains salicylic acid (which is excellent for acne) and may help reduce breakouts (8).

A few other natural ingredients suggested to help manage acne along with baking soda are turmeric, cinnamon, coconut oil, and tea tree oil. You can also consult a dermatologist to check if benzoyl peroxide can be used to reduce acne spots.

Explore the potential risks and benefits of using baking soda on your face in this informative video. Gain expert insights and make informed decisions about your skincare routine.

Infographic: 5 Ways To Use Baking Soda For Acne

Baking soda is a kitchen staple that has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It offers gentle exfoliation, aids in oil control, soothes inflamed skin, and reduces acne scars. Check out the infographic below for easy ways to use baking soda to manage acne.

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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If you are using baking soda for acne treatment, make sure that you limit your skin’s exposure to this substance. If you have any more questions, feel free to post them in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is baking soda good for acne scars?

According to anecdotal evidence, it seems that baking soda might help reduce their appearance, but there is no scientific proof to back this up.

Can you leave baking soda on your face overnight?

Absolutely not! It will damage the skin.

Is it safe to use baking soda on the face every day?

Not really. If you do, it will damage the skin’s protective barrier.

How long does it take for baking soda to remove acne?

It may take a day or two to reduce the swelling and inflammation. The acne may dry out initially and will eventually heal.

How do you make baking soda paste for the skin?

Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with warm water to prepare a paste. You may also follow the remedies mentioned above to make a baking soda paste.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Dr. Vindhya L VeerulaMD, FAAD

   

Dr. Veerula (Dr. V) is a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons. She is an energetic, proactive, and compassionate medical practitioner with 5 years of experience and a thorough understanding of overall mind-body-spiritual wellness. Dr.V is on a mission to inspire and teach people to...more

Ramona SinhaEditor

 

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...more

Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru. Her passion for writing and editing and her background in psychology help her create content that...more

Krati DarakAssociate Commerce Editor

Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches. She has also worked with a number of high-profile beauty brands on a freelance basis to upscale their businesses. Krati...more