:Clear Skin Blog

Let’s face it, most “home treatments” that involve using chemicals or foods in unconventional ways are often either ineffective or more work than they are worth (and in some cases dangerous). However, there are a few out there that have stood the test of time and are still fairly effective. Baking soda is one such “at-home” acne treatment that is still helping people out with their skin.

I’ve blogged about baking soda on a few other occasions, but now that there are even videos of people using it on YouTube, it’s worth going over again some basics, including how not to use it.

As an acne treatment, baking soda is most commonly used as either a facial mask or an exfoliant. Baking soda works by neutralizing your skin’s pH levels, killing local bacteria, and drying and dislodging the plugs of bacteria and dead cells that get stuck in your pores. While baking soda will not prevent future acne, it can help with the elimination of current blemishes, and thus is also helpful when applied as a spot treatment.

To be effective, baking soda should first be made into a paste. You don’t want to apply the dry powder itself directly to your skin. For best results, gradually mix warm water into baking soda until you have an even paste. You can then gently apply this paste to your face, letting it sit for not more than 15 minutes before washing it off. The length of time can very and the drying effect of baking soda may irritate those with sensitive skin, so start with just a few minutes if you think this may be a concern for you.

Unfortunately, some sites promote the other use of baking soda - as an exfoliant, rather than a mask or spot treatment. This method is both less effective and potentially harmful to your skin. Baking soda granules are so small that they can do damage to your pores if rubbed in forcefully. These fine particles can tear at your pores’ openings, leaving them potentially damaged and swollen. Also, just as it’s important not to leave the mask on too long to avoid over-drying your skin, baking soda particles can easily be left lodged in your pores if you massage them in with too much force, causing irritation to your skin later.

Baking soda isn’t a miracle cure for acne, but as a topical treatment it is more effective than many name-brand creams and gels. As long as you use it carefully and don’t nuke your skin with overuse, it can be a helpful aid for those who need a quick topical fix.

PS: As baking soda is drying, consider following it with a gentle moisturizer during the winter months. It’s not a smart treatment to use right before you go outside.