Why Baking Soda Scrubs Damage Skin

🧴 Why Baking Soda Scrubs Damage Skin

Many DIY skincare tips floating around the internet suggest using baking soda scrubs to exfoliate your face. The idea sounds tempting – cheap, easily available, and “natural.” But here’s the truth: baking soda is one of the worst things you can put on your skin. Let’s see why.

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⚠️ Baking Soda and Your Skin’s pH Don’t Match

Your skin has a natural protective layer called the acid mantle. Its pH is slightly acidic (around 4.5–5.5), which helps protect against bacteria, pollution, and water loss.

Baking soda, on the other hand, is alkaline (pH ~9).

When you scrub your face with it, the pH balance is disturbed, and your skin loses its natural defense shield.

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❌ What Can Happen If You Use Baking Soda Scrubs

1. Dryness and Tightness

Skin may feel smooth at first, but very soon it becomes dry, itchy, or tight.

2. Increased Sensitivity

Without the protective barrier, your skin reacts more to sunlight, dust, or even normal skincare products.

3. Microtears from Harsh Scrubbing

Baking soda particles are rough and can create tiny cuts on your skin’s surface, leading to irritation.

4. Breakouts

Ironically, instead of “cleaning” acne, it can trigger more pimples by irritating pores.

5. Premature Aging Signs

Damaging the skin barrier repeatedly can make fine lines and wrinkles show up earlier.

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✅ Better Alternatives for Gentle Exfoliation

• Oats (soothing and mild)

• Honey + sugar scrub (occasional use)

• Dermatologist-approved exfoliants like glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid (depending on your skin type).

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👨‍⚕️ Dermatologist’s Note

Your skin isn’t a kitchen sink that needs baking soda scrubbing. It’s a delicate organ. What feels “clean” for a moment can cause long-term harm. Stick to skincare that supports your skin barrier, not destroys it.

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👉 Final Word: Baking soda belongs in your kitchen, not on your face.

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