Wash your face with baking soda, is it safe and effective?

Many acknowledge the various benefits of baking soda for the face. One of them is baking soda's ability to act as a natural exfoliator. Because it is believed to be able to remove dead skin cells, many people try to wash their face with baking soda. So, is it safe to use baking soda to wash your face? How effective is it to remove dirt on the face?

Can you use baking soda to wash your face?

Although the benefits of baking soda for the face are softening and brightening the skin, using it for washing your face is not the right way. There are several reasons why baking soda should not be used on your face.

1. Difference in pH

Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is most commonly used to relieve heartburn because it is a basic chemical that helps neutralize acids.

Well, it can also happen to your skin, baking soda can make acidic skin neutral. However, that doesn't mean it's good.

The reason is, healthy skin has a slightly acidic pH. This condition can protect the face from various dirt and oil. Apart from that, the acids in the skin are also important for the overall health of your skin.

If you use baking soda to wash your face, it will lose the acidity of the skin. This results in lowering the production of natural oils, disrupting the skin's natural bacteria, and changing the pH of the face.

Such facial skin conditions will easily cause pimples, blackheads, and irritation.

2. Irritating

Although generally harmless, baking soda can irritate the skin. Most people don't know that their skin is sensitive to baking soda until they start applying it directly to the skin.

Side effects like rash, redness, and burning are common in some people when used in homemade or natural deodorants.

If you react to baking soda, avoid baking soda products and use a fragrance-free moisturizing lotion until the irritation goes away.

3. Exfoliate too much

Exfoliating excessively can cause redness, acne, burning, and dry skin. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends giving your skin plenty of time between exfoliating treatments to prevent irritation or avoid it altogether if you have sensitive skin.

Much like a salt or sugar scrub, baking soda acts as a physical exfoliator when it's not completely dissolved in water. Exfoliating can be beneficial, but exfoliating day and night, like you would if you wash your face with baking soda, is not recommended.

Choose other natural ingredients that are safe

If you are thinking about washing your face with natural ingredients, there is no need to try baking soda. You can do this with essential oils such as olive oil, jojoba oil, and coconut oil.

These essential oils can remove makeup and other oil-based products. However, it is important that you do an allergy test first for the essential oils you use. This is because many skins are sensitive to the use of essential oils.

A gentle facial cleanser with a few simple ingredients such as glycerin can help you keep the natural oils hydrated in your skin. This is especially suitable if your skin is dry.

You can also use diluted apple cider vinegar or witch hazel as a face wash. This material can refresh your face.

If you are still unsure which skin type and facial cleanser is right for you, you should consult your doctor.