Baking soda may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a facial cleanser, but it turns out it’s one of the most effective and natural ways to cleanse your skin.
I’m going to share the benefits of using baking soda as part of your skincare regime, as well as a baking soda face wash review, so you can decide whether you want to try using baking soda face wash to clean your face, as part of your skin care routine…
Is Baking Soda A Good Face Cleanser?
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, has been used for various purposes, from cleaning to baking. It’s no wonder that you might be curious about its potential benefits as a face cleanser.
When it comes to your skin care routine, baking soda has some notable properties that can be beneficial for certain skin types and conditions, to leave your face looking and feeling better.
Baking soda is a gentle exfoliant. This means that it helps remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, promoting a smoother and more even complexion.
When you include baking soda in your facial wash, you’re providing a gentle means of exfoliation without being overly harsh or abrasive, as it’s a mild abrasive ingredient to help exfoliate skin.
Baking soda has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated skin and redness.
If you’re prone to skin rashes or have sensitive skin, a baking soda-based facial cleanser may help alleviate some of the irritation, so it’s worth it, to give it a shot.
For optimal results, consider mixing a drop or two of coconut oil with the baking soda, as it soothes the skin and provides extra benefits, such as antibacterial properties.
Not all skin types respond well to baking soda. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you may find that a glycerin-based cleanser is more appropriate, as it protects the skin barrier and doesn’t strip the skin of essential oils.
Some users of baking soda as a facial wash have reported experiencing powdery residue on their skin, which can be a minor inconvenience.
Benefits of Baking Soda Face Wash
Gently Exfoliates Your Skin
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, can act as a mild exfoliator for your face, helping to exfoliate dead skin cells. When mixed with water, it forms a smooth paste that can help remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin.
As you gently massage the baking soda face wash onto your skin, it helps to slough off the dead cells and reveal a fresh, vibrant complexion.
Deep Cleanses Your Pores
One of the key benefits of using a baking soda face wash is its ability to deep cleanse your pores.
The gentle scrubbing action helps to unclog pores and remove dirt, oil, and debris that can accumulate over time.
By clearing out these impurities, you can prevent acne breakouts and maintain a clearer complexion.
Clarifies Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, a baking soda face wash can be particularly helpful. Its natural absorbent properties can help to control excess oil production by drawing out the sebum from your skin’s surface.
When you’re clarifying your skin and reducing oiliness, you can achieve a more balanced and less greasy complexion.
Helps With Discoloration Or Pigmentation Issues
Baking soda has mild bleaching properties that can help with skin discoloration or pigmentation issues.
When used consistently in your face wash, baking soda can gradually fade dark spots and improve your skin tone.
Improves Uneven Skin Tone
An uneven skin tone can be caused by various factors, such as sun exposure or acne scars.
Using a baking soda face wash can help improve your skin tone by gently exfoliating the skin and promoting a more even complexion.
As you continue to use baking soda as part of your skincare routine, you may notice a smoother and more uniform skin tone over time.
Disadvantages of Baking Soda Face Wash
Baking soda face wash can provide some benefits, such as its natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
However, it is essential to be aware of the potential drawbacks, especially for those with sensitive or dry skin.
Firstly, using baking soda on your face may disrupt the natural pH balance of your skin, which is typically slightly acidic.
Baking soda is highly alkaline, and applying it to the skin might neutralize the acid mantle – the thin, protective acidic layer on the skin’s surface.
The acid mantle plays a essential role in maintaining your skin’s overall health, and disrupting it can lead to adverse effects.
When you use baking soda as a face wash, you might experience skin irritation, particularly if you have sensitive skin.
Over-exfoliation with baking soda could cause redness, breakouts, burning, and dry skin. It is essential to give your skin ample time between exfoliation treatments to prevent such issues.
People with existing skin conditions, such as eczema or rosacea, may be more susceptible to these side effects.
Using baking soda on a regular basis may lead to moisture loss, resulting in dry and flaky skin.
This is especially problematic for those who already have dry skin or live in dry climates.
Lastly, using baking soda face wash could contribute to hyperpigmentation and accelerated skin aging due to its alkaline nature.
It might also increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, making you more prone to sun damage and related issues.
Baking Soda Face Wash Review – What Are The Benefits?
Baking soda face wash is a popular DIY skincare option known for its numerous benefits.
As a natural antiseptic with antibacterial properties, baking soda can help reduce bacteria that cause acne when applied topically.
It also works as a gentle exfoliant, removing dead skin cells and leaving your skin smoother and more vibrant.
When using baking soda as a face wash, you may notice improved skin texture and a reduction in acne breakouts.
This is because the cleansing action of baking soda helps unclog your pores, thus reducing the chances of blemishes forming.
Plus, the baking soda face wash can help balance the pH level of your skin, resulting in a more even complexion.
To use baking soda as a face wash, simply mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste.
Then, gently massage the mixture onto your damp face in circular motions, taking care to avoid the delicate eye area. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry with a soft towel.
While there are several benefits to using baking soda face wash, some potential side effects include skin irritation or disruption of your skin’s natural oil barrier.
To avoid these issues, it’s essential to listen to your skin and adjust the frequency of use accordingly.
Remember that each person’s skin is different, and what works for one may not work for another.
Always perform a patch test before trying any new skincare product or treatment on your face to ensure your skin reacts well to the ingredient.
What Are the Disadvantages of Baking Soda Face Wash?
As you explore the world of DIY skincare, you might come across the idea of using baking soda as a face wash.
The primary issue with using baking soda on your face stems from its pH level. Your skin naturally has a pH level somewhere between 4.5 and 5.5, which means it is mildly acidic.
Baking soda, on the other hand, is a basic substance with a higher pH level. This difference in pH may disrupt your skin’s protective acid mantle.
This layer helps maintain normal oil production and can ward off harmful bacteria.
Secondly, washing your face with baking soda can strip away your skin’s protective oil barrier. This barrier is essential for preventing infection and acne.
If you remove it, your skin becomes more susceptible to these issues.
Without a proper oil barrier, your skin may overproduce oil to compensate, which can also lead to acne and other skin problems.
In some cases, using baking soda as a face wash may provide temporary relief for specific skin issues like itchiness associated with eczema.
However, it’s not a cure and shouldn’t be considered a long-term solution. Customer reviews vary greatly on the effectiveness of baking soda as a face wash: some users have experienced positive effects, but others have dealt with redness, irritation, or worsening of their skin conditions.
Is Baking Soda Face Wash Good for Acne?
Baking soda can be great to add to your skincare routine, especially if you have acne-prone skin. Its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties may help you treat existing acne or reduce acne breakouts.
However, it’s essential to understand how to use it correctly and be aware of the potential risks.
When used as an exfoliant, baking soda can help soothe inflammation and alleviate mild pain caused by acne breakouts.
You can create a gentle exfoliating paste by mixing a small amount of baking soda with water.
Apply this mixture to the affected areas of your face, gently massaging in circular motions for a few seconds. Rinse off thoroughly and moisturize your skin to restore hydration.
Although baking soda can be beneficial for acne-prone skin, you still need to be cautious with its usage.
Washing your face with baking soda can remove the skin’s protective oil barrier, alter its pH, and disrupt the natural bacteria on the surface that help prevent infection and acne.
These disruptions can make your skin more susceptible to irritation or new breakouts.
To minimize these risks, avoid using baking soda face wash daily and only apply it to targeted areas rather than the entire face.
It’s also a good idea to perform a patch test on your forearm to ensure that you do not experience an adverse reaction to the treatment.
Can Baking Soda Help with Acne and Blackheads?
Baking soda has some potential benefits for addressing acne and blackheads. In the case of acne breakouts, its properties can help soothe inflammation and provide mild pain relief.
You can use baking soda as an exfoliant or add it to your current acne treatments to enhance their effects.
When it comes to blackheads, baking soda might not be as effective. Blackheads are caused by a combination of dead skin and sebum (oil) clogging your pores.
Unfortunately, baking soda does little to remove this material. Instead, you’ll need to find a more targeted blackhead treatment.
Although baking soda can temporarily help with acne, be cautious when using it on your face.
Washing with baking soda could remove your skin’s protective oil barrier, alter its pH, and disrupt the natural bacteria on the surface that help prevent infection and acne. This can potentially lead to more harm than good.
Lastly, some people might consider using baking soda as an exfoliant to address acne scars.
However, there is no evidence to support its effectiveness in reducing acne scars after they have already formed.
It’s also worth noting that baking soda can irritate the skin and negatively affect its pH, which could cause even more unwanted issues.
Instead, focus on controlling acne symptoms and preventing new scars from forming with appropriate acne treatments.
What Are The Best Baking Soda Face Washes?
When looking for the best baking soda face washes, there are several products that stand out for their effectiveness and positive reviews.
Using these popular options in your skincare routine can result in cleaner and smoother skin.
Biore Baking Soda Balancing Pore Cleanser is a fantastic option that uses the natural antiseptic properties of baking soda to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin.
This pore cleanser not only unclogs pores but also helps balance your skin’s natural pH levels, leaving it refreshed and rejuvenated.
Etude House Baking Powder Pore Cleansing Foam is another popular baking soda face wash.
This foam-based cleanser features a combination of baking powder and botanical extracts to effectively cleanse your skin. It’s well-suited for those with oily or combination skin as it works to remove excess sebum and minimize the appearance of enlarged pores.
Epielle Baking Soda Pore Cleanser is an affordable and effective option for those looking to use a baking soda-based product into their skincare routine.
This cleanser also contains charcoal, which aids in drawing out impurities and toxins for a thorough cleaning experience. It’s gentle enough for everyday use and can help improve the overall texture and clarity of your skin.
When considering a baking soda face wash, remember to read pore cleanser reviews from users with similar skin types as yours.
This can provide valuable insight into how well a particular product works and whether it may be a good fit for your skincare needs.
Also, pay attention to the ingredients list, as some baking soda products contain other ingredients like botanical extracts or charcoal that can enhance cleansing results.
How To Make A DIY Baking Soda Face Wash
Creating your own DIY baking soda face wash at home is a cost-effective and straightforward way to enhance your skincare routine.
This natural treatment can help to cleanse and exfoliate your skin using minimal ingredients.
To start, gather your simple ingredients: baking soda and water.
You may also add extra ingredients, like lemon juice, honey, or essential oils for added benefits, but ensure they are suitable for your skin type.
Begin by mixing one teaspoon of baking soda with just enough water to form a paste-like consistency.
You can adjust the ratios slightly to achieve the optimal thickness that works best for you. Remember that if it’s too runny, simply add more baking soda, and if it’s too thick, a small amount of water can help to thin it out.
Once you have achieved the desired consistency, it’s time to apply your DIY baking soda face wash.
First, ensure your face is clean and free of makeup, oil, or dirt. Use your regular face wash and warm water to cleanse your skin and pat it dry with a clean towel.
Apply the baking soda mixture to your damp face using your fingers. Gently rub the paste onto your skin, moving in small circular motions.
This will help to distribute the mixture evenly and provide exfoliating benefits. Be cautious not to get the mixture too close to your eyes, as it may cause irritation.
Finally, rinse your face thoroughly with warm water to remove all traces of the baking soda face wash.
Pat your face dry with a clean towel and continue with your regular skincare routine, such as applying moisturizer.
How Often Should You Wash Your Face And Use Baking Soda?
Washing your face is an essential part of your skincare routine. Typically, it is best to wash your face twice a day – once in the morning and once before bedtime.
However, using baking soda on your face should not be done as frequently.
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, has natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties that may help reduce acne-causing bacteria when applied topically.
But, it is essential to understand that baking soda is a basic chemical. Using it too often on your skin may cause irritation, dryness, or disrupt your skin’s natural balance.
To use baking soda into your facial cleansing routine, start by using it sparingly.
You may try using it once or twice a week, as a mild exfoliant, to see how your skin reacts. Remember to always patch test on a small area of your skin before applying it all over your face.
To gain the potential benefits of baking soda face wash, follow these simple steps:
- Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste. The consistency should be thick and smooth.
- Gently apply the paste to your face in circular motions, avoiding the eye area.
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water and pat dry with a clean towel.
Summary
Baking soda is a popular DIY ingredient that can be used as part of your skincare routine.
It is an effective exfoliant that can help cleanse and smooth your skin, as well as clarify oily skin and improve the appearance of discoloration or pigmentation issues.
However, it’s essential to be aware of the potential drawbacks when using baking soda on your face.
Too much usage could disrupt your skin’s natural pH balance, strip away its protective oil barrier, and lead to irritation or breakouts.
In terms of acne treatments, baking soda may provide some temporary relief but should not be considered a cure-all solution.
To create your own DIY face wash at home, simply mix one teaspoon of baking soda with water to form a paste-like consistency and apply it gently onto damp skin in circular motions before rinsing thoroughly with cool water.
All products featured on Gemma Etc. are PR samples or gifted items, unless otherwise indicated. This post may contain affiliate links. If you wish to find out more, please see my Disclaimer within my navigation bar.