- TikTok users rave about the skincare benefits of baking soda.
- They claim that creating a baking soda paste with water can effectively exfoliate the skin.
- Dermatologists caution that while there may be some benefits, there are also risks to using baking soda on the skin.
When dealing with skin issues like acne, trying out numerous products can be expensive and potentially exacerbate the problem.
Therefore, when TikToker Angela May claimed that exfoliating with baking soda improved her hyperpigmentation and gave her a flawless complexion, people became curious.
May explained in a video that received over 3.5 million views that creating a paste with baking soda and water and using it as an exfoliant twice a week transformed her skin’s texture.
Some commenters on TikTok were already familiar with this hack, with one user stating, “Yup my grandma washes her face with honey and baking soda…aging like fine wine.”
While using simple household remedies for skincare, such as olive oil as a cleanser, can be surprisingly effective, it’s important to consider the advice of experts.
Baking soda can effectively exfoliate the skin at a low cost
Dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp explains that exfoliation is beneficial for revealing healthier and brighter skin, especially for individuals with dark spots or discoloration.
There are two types of exfoliants: mechanical and chemical. Baking soda falls into the mechanical category, as it physically removes dead skin cells by scrubbing the skin’s surface.
Baking soda has a few advantages: it effectively exfoliates the skin, removes excess oil that can lead to future acne, and is a cost-effective option as it is commonly found in kitchen cabinets.
However, there are potential risks to using baking soda on the skin
Despite its benefits, dermatologists do not recommend cleansing the skin with baking soda due to its impact on the skin’s natural pH balance.
Dr. Joyce Park explains on TikTok that prolonged use of baking soda can disrupt the skin’s acidic pH balance, potentially leading to the growth of acne-causing bacteria.
In addition, the gritty texture of baking soda can be too abrasive and create small tears in the skin, making it more susceptible to infection. Individuals with dry or sensitive skin may find baking soda irritating.
If you are still interested in trying the baking soda skincare hack, it is advisable to proceed with caution.
Chemical exfoliants are a better choice for individuals with sensitive skin
For those aiming to treat hyperpigmentation, dermatologist Dr. Hope Mitchell suggests using gentler, chemical exfoliants that dissolve dead skin cells without the need for physical scrubbing.
One budget-friendly option she recommends is CeraVe’s Renewing SA Cleanser, which contains salicylic acid along with hydrating ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
