:Clear Skin Blog

Baking soda has many uses, but most people have probably never thought about using it for clear skin. I hadn’t even heard of it myself until after researching about the use of toothpaste as an acne spot treatment. However, it seems that baking soda is in fact one of the most well-recommended alternative acne treatments since tea tree oil.

Baking soda works by neutralizing the pH levels in your skin, reduces swelling, dries and dislodges the bacteria in your pores, and assists in the expulsion of underlying bacteria (some users notice bacteria leached from deep within your pores and pulled to the surface). It is typically used either as a scrub or a mask, and is prepared similarly in both scenarios.

All that is needed is baking soda and water. Users should slowly add water to a few tablespoons of baking soda, mixing the solution into a thick paste. After rinsing your face (preferably with warm water, which will cause your pores to open), the baking soda paste is applied. Those who use it as a scrub will want to gently rub the paste into your face, exfoliating dead cells, and then rinse it off immediately afterward. Conversely, those using the paste as a mask should gently smear the paste over your face, and then let the mask dry before rinsing it off. Depending on your skin’s pH, you may start to feel a burning sensation, in which case you should go ahead and rinse off. Follow with cool water and pat dry. Take care to keep the solution out of your eyes.

As an acne solution, the benefits of baking soda are more likely to be felt from the mask, as it provides a longer time period for the baking soda to penetrate your skin. As a powder baking soda is very fine, and so it may not be the best scrub for the simple purpose of exfoliation. However, in either case it is a very cost-effective solution, since you can purchase a large box of baking soda relatively cheap, and it should last you a long time. How much of an effect baking soda will have on preventing acne and preserving clear skin is uncertain, but the neutralization of pH levels may help at least mild acne sufferers in this respect.

Some users see results faster than others, but many appear to see improvement within the first week. Baking soda is not an overnight solution, but judging from the reviews it can help those who stick with it. Just keep in mind that it may pull existing acne bacteria to the surface, so new users sometimes see the equivalent of an initial breakout (similar to the pore-tightening effects of vitamin B5). Follow with a moisturizer if your skin feels overdried.

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Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA’s) have become some of the most popular ingredients in modern skin care products. Acting primarily as exfoliants, these acids have most recently come into the limelight for their anti-aging properties, although a few have also become popular in acne treatments.

Alpha hydroxy acids are derived from milk and fruit sugars. As exfoliants, AHA’s cause the top layer of your dead skin cells to peel away. Because most people to not shed their dead skin cells evenly, these cells can build up in certain areas, leading to clogged pores and uneven pigmentation. AHA’s can help to prevent this from occurring by evenly causing exfoliation over the applied area. Alpha hydroxy acids can also help firm up the skin and preserve elasticity by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. For acne sufferers, deep-penetrating AHA’s such as glycolic acid can get beneath the surface to unclog pores where acne lesions are trapped.

For both those seeking younger-looking skin and acne relief, alpha hydroxy acids are a good recourse in mild cases. Enhanced exfoliation prepares the way for new cell growth, clearing away the unsightly layer of dry and cracked dead cells. This, combined with the benefits of more firm and elastic skin, can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. While exfoliation can happen rapidly, users should keep in mind that it can take months to see the visible affects of AHA’s other skin-firming properties.

Minor acne breakouts can also be dealt with by the use of AHA’s, particularly in cases where small acne pustules form near the surface of your skin. For those who suffer from deeper acne lesions that form farther below the skin level, AHA’s may not help, since even with your pores unclogged, large pustules that form rapidly cannot fit out the narrow passageway of your pores (and thus remain trapped in the socket of your sebaceous glands). To be effective, AHA treatment must penetrate the area before the bacteria hardens within your glands.

Alpha hydroxy acids are generally used in concentrations of 5% to 8%, and at a pH of 3 to 4. It’s generally best to start with a lighter (and less frequent) application and then gradually increase after your skin adjusts to the strength of the acid. Initially, many users experience dry and irritated skin when using AHA’s. This is natural, as the acid is basically burning away the top layer of your skin. Users may or may not find the irritation to decrease over time. In the case of continued irritation, I would highly recommend discontinuing the treatment, as dried-out skin is even more prone to the very problems AHA is intended to correct. Also, be aware that the use of AHA’s will increase your skin’s sun sensitivity (as much as 50% with higher concentrations). Since sun exposure is the leading cause of fine lines and wrinkles, using alpha hydroxy acids and then spending time outdoors will actually do more harm than good to your skin. Take into account both the positive and negative effects of alpha hydroxy acids, and time your use of them accordingly.

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