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Why People Think Baking Soda “Works”
Some people report:
- Smoother skin
- Temporary oil reduction
- Fewer visible blackheads (at first)
Here’s why that happens:
1. Temporary Oil Stripping
Baking soda removes oil aggressively. Less oil = pores appear smaller.
But this is short-lived.
2. Physical Exfoliation
Its gritty texture scrubs dead skin cells away.
But harsh exfoliation ≠ healthy exfoliation.
3. Optical Illusion
Removing surface debris can make skin look brighter—temporarily.
This is not healing. It’s surface disruption.
Why Dermatologists Warn Against Using Baking Soda on Skin
Skin experts consistently advise against this practice.
Major risks include:
❌ Barrier Damage
Alkaline substances weaken the skin’s protective layer.
❌ Increased Acne
Stripping oil triggers the skin to overproduce sebum, worsening breakouts.
❌ Hyperpigmentation Worsening
Irritation can make age spots darker, not lighter—especially on deeper skin tones.
❌ Micro-tears
The abrasive texture can create invisible damage.
❌ Increased Sensitivity
Skin becomes reactive, inflamed, and vulnerable.
Baking Soda & Age Spots: The Reality
Age spots (also called sun spots or hyperpigmentation) form due to:
- UV exposure
- Melanin overproduction
- Skin inflammation
They do not disappear because of scrubbing.
In fact:
- Harsh exfoliation can stimulate more pigment
- Irritation signals melanocytes to darken the area
So while baking soda may temporarily brighten, it can worsen discoloration long-term.
Baking Soda & Acne: Why It Backfires
Acne is complex. It involves:
- Oil production
- Bacteria
- Inflammation
- Hormonal activity
Baking soda does nothing to address these causes.
Instead, it:
- Disrupts the microbiome
- Triggers rebound oil
- Increases inflammation
This creates a cycle of:
scrub → dryness → oil surge → more acne
Baking Soda & Blackheads: Short-Term vs Long-Term Effects
Blackheads are oxidized oil trapped in pores.
Baking soda may:
- Remove surface buildup temporarily
But it does not:
- Clean pores deeply
- Regulate oil
- Prevent recurrence
Over time, damaged pores stretch and fill again—often worse.
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