Baking Soda for Acne: DIY Miracle or Recipe for Regret?

"Pimple ki saazish toh har angle se ho rahi hai… ab baking soda bhi villain banega kya?" 😑Listen, I’ve tried it all. Multani mitti, toothpaste, haldi, rubbing ice cubes till my nose froze — and yes, baking soda. Why? Because some blog said it “neutralises acne bacteria” and “exfoliates gently.” Cut to: red face, itchy chin, and a week of moisturising like my life depended on it.

Baking soda isn’t evil. But putting it on your face, especially if you’re prone to acne, is a slippery slope. Let’s talk about what it does, why it’s trending, and whether your skin actually wants this pantry item near it.

TL;DR

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is alkaline and mildly exfoliating. It can absorb oil and kill some bacteria, but it can also irritate skin, mess up your pH balance, and worsen acne if overused or misused. Don’t apply it straight. Ever. Dilute, patch test, and proceed only if your skin has the personality of steel 🧪⚠️

What Is Baking Soda & Why Are People Rubbing It on Their Face?

Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate — a basic (alkaline) salt that reacts when mixed with acid. That fizz you see when you mix it with vinegar or lemon? Yep. That’s the same stuff some people are slapping on zits.

Why? Because it’s:

• Cheap
• Readily available
• Mildly abrasive (exfoliating)
• Claimed to neutralise acne-causing bacteria

Sounds great till you remember your skin isn’t a kitchen sink.

How Baking Soda Might Work Against Acne (In Theory)

Here’s what fans of this DIY hack believe:

In theory, these could help. But in practice? It depends entirely on your skin type.

What Dermatologists & Research Actually Say

Let’s just say baking soda is not topping any dermatologist’s list of acne-safe ingredients.

• Its high pH can disrupt your skin’s acid mantle — the thin barrier that keeps bacteria out and moisture in
• Overuse can lead to dryness, irritation, sensitivity, and ironically... more acne
• There’s no strong scientific evidence that it clears acne better than tried-and-tested actives like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide
• Anecdotal cases report chemical burns, especially when left on too long or used undiluted

Bottom line? It’s more baking no-no than soda glow-up 🙅‍♀️

Benefits (When Used Very Carefully)

If — and this is a big if — you’re going to try it, here’s what it might help with (mildly):

✅ Oil Absorption

Can help reduce shine and oiliness, especially in the T-zone.

✅ Surface Exfoliation

Can slough off dead skin when used as a very gentle scrub.

✅ Temporary Anti-Bacterial

Might reduce some surface-level acne bacteria.

But again — these results are temporary and inconsistent, and side effects can outweigh the benefits.

Risks & Side Effects (Read Before You Rub) 🛑

This is where things get messy. Using baking soda without knowing what you're doing can lead to:

• Redness & itching
• Dryness and flaking
• Increased acne or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
• Tiny micro-tears in your skin from its gritty texture
• Burning sensation if applied too long or too frequently

And no, your skin doesn’t “adjust” to it. If it reacts, it’s a no from your barrier.

How to Use Baking Soda for Acne (Safely-ish)

If you still want to experiment, here’s the safest low-risk method:

👩‍🔬 DIY Spot Treatment

• Mix 1 tsp baking soda + 2 tsp water
• Apply only on active pimples
• Leave for 1–2 minutes MAX
• Rinse off and moisturise immediately
• Don’t use more than twice a week

☠️ Do NOT:

• Apply it all over your face like a mask
• Use it daily
• Mix with lemon juice (acid + base = unpredictable reaction)
• Combine with actives like AHAs/BHAs or retinoids

When to Avoid It Completely

Skip baking soda if you have:

• Sensitive or dry skin
• Active, red, or inflamed acne
• Rosacea or eczema
• Recently exfoliated or chemically treated skin
• No time for regret skincare experiments 🙃

Baking Soda vs Proven Acne Treatments

Let’s be real and compare this trend to stuff that’s actually backed by derms.

What Results Can You Expect (If Any)?

Honestly? Not much — and not consistently.

• First few uses: mild drying of pimples
• Over time: more irritation than glow
• Long-term: likely damage to your barrier if used recklessly

Common Myths vs Reality

FAQs

Q. Can I use baking soda as a daily face wash?

A. Absolutely not. That’s a fast track to irritated skin.

Q. Will it lighten my skin or marks?

A. Not really. It’s not a proven treatment for pigmentation.

Q. Can I mix it with lemon juice for a DIY mask?

A. Please don’t. Acid + base = chemical chaos. Not recommended.

Q. Is it safe for teens with acne?

A. Teens = sensitive, hormonal skin. Use proven OTC products instead.

Q. Why do some people swear by it?

A. Some skin types can handle it. But many regret it — they just don’t post the aftermath.

Final Thoughts: Should You Use Baking Soda on Acne?

In short: “Agar skin ki izzat pyaari hai, toh soch samajh ke lagao.”Baking soda is not a skincare staple, it’s a home cleaning ingredient. It might give a temporary illusion of clearer skin, but in the long run, it can mess with your barrier and worsen acne.

Stick to proven ingredients. And if you're really fed up?Book an acne-safe facial at home with The Monsha’s — because zits need trained hands, not kitchen hacks 💁‍♀️