Is Baking soda safe to use on face? Differing opinions
Hello Beautybrains,
I always used to use baking soda as an exfoliant for my face. I used it about twice a week. There are differing opinions as to whether it is OK to use baking soda as an exfoliant. Many people advocate baking soda as an exfoliant because they say it is "natural" and not very abrasive compared to other exfoliants. You have also recommended baking soda as an exfoliant as well. My concern is, is there any truth to the concern that baking soda is too harsh to use on the face, since the pH is highly basic, and it can supposedly disrupt the skin mantle? For instance, Futurederm is strongly against using baking soda, and she gives a pretty reasonable explanation: http://www.futurederm.com/2013/10/24/baking-soda-exfoliator-absolutely-not
What do you think Beautybrains? I respect everyone's opinions, but I'd especially like your insights on this, and whether it is truly OK for my skin if I use this as an exfoliator. Should I stop using baking soda as an exfoliant? Am I doing permanent damage to my skin by continuing to use baking soda?
Comments
I really appreciate your response, thank you. What alternative budget-friendly exfoliants would you recommend instead? I was thinking about using a washcloth, since many of the exfoliants available on the market are either too abrasive (like st Ives scrubs), or they are too expensive. Is it possible to make a homemade exfoliant that is just as effective as baking soda, but not as harmful? I am perfectly fine with buying commercial scrubs and exfoliants, its just that it is more convenient to use stuff already at home. (Which is why I used baking soda in the first place - not because it was "natural", but because it was convenient). What do you suggest/recommend?
Actually, do you really need to exfoliate the skin on your face? I haven't seen any benefit from doing it and most of the time it makes me break out. But I sometimes use sea salt mixed with oil for my body, that's OK, right?