Baking Soda Scrub?

Jun 17, 2015

Claire D.

I have really bad acne on my face and was curious about the article I saw on a baking soda scrub which is made out of baking soda and water.

My questions:
have you tried it?
if so,what were your results?
is it bad for your skin?

Jun 17, 2015

Les N.

It is REALLY bad for your skin and I don't recommend it to anyone.
do NOT try it.

Jun 17, 2015

Roz X.

It tampers with your skins PH and cam prove irritating and harsh. Have you tried a wash with Salicylic Acid or Tea tree oil while alternating with a hydrating cleanser, such as CeraVe or Cetaphil...an aloe - based toner and gentle moisturizer?

Jun 18, 2015

Claire D.

No I have not Rozberry, but thanks for the suggestion:)

Jun 18, 2015

Roz X.

I think you'd find it quite helpful. If no change, I'd then consult a derm. Definitely a great start. Good luck. :)

Jun 18, 2015

Kaylee D.

I tried a lemon and baking soda mask and was quite pleased, I thought it would be very harsh on my skin but it actually made my skin very smooth and helped me acne so much!

Jun 18, 2015

Brittany F.

Do not apply baking soda on your skin. Baking soda exfoliation is common in DIYS I’ve seen it in a ton of places and every time, it makes me cringe a little. Baking soda isn’t just ineffective, it’s actually damaging to your skin. Baking Soda + Water is alkIine. Bronsted-Lowry theory says that acids are proton donators that are able to give a proton (the hydrogen cation or H+), and bases are proton acceptors that are able to receive a proton (H+). Bases neutralize acids by bonding with the acid’s hydrogen ion. Baking soda’s chemical name is sodium bicarbonate, and bicarbonate is an amphiprotic ion, so it can both take and lose a hydrogen ion. So, this means that baking soda reacts with acids and bases by either donating or accepting a hydrogen ion. But bicarbonate is a stronger base than it is an acid, so it’s more likely to accept a hydrogen. What this means is that when you dissolve sodium bicarbonate in water, the solution tends to be more alkaline. The pH of the products you use is super important for maintaining healthy skin. Here’s how the pH scale works: It runs from 0-14 with 7 meaning neutral. Anything above 7 is considered alkaline, or a base, and anything below 7 is considered an acid. The skin naturally falls somewhere around 4.5 to 6.5, and is maintained by sebaceous glands, sweat glands, and normal skin flora, among others. This skin acidity is called the “acid mantle” An alkaline cleanser disrupts the skin’s acid mantle (affecting the skin barrier), and changes the bacterial flora composition on the skin and the activity of the enzymes in the upper layers of skin, as these have an optimal pH level. And the damage is cumulative: The longer you use it, the more damage it does to your skin.Because of this, you want mildly acidic products, which help the skin hold moisture and also improve the skin barrier. But it’s important that they’re mildly acidic, as you can, in fact, go too low. If you go too low with products, you risk skin irritation, sun sensitivity, and hyperpigmentation. What I really do like and recommend on scars though is a vitamin C serum as well as plenty of chemical exfoliation (but do not go overboard of course) check out murad products for a vitamin c line.

Jun 18, 2015

Brittany F.

Developing a solid skin care routine is key when it comes to clearing up your skin. Cleanse, tone, moisturize.
The most effective and most commonly used acne fighting ingredient is Benzoyl Peroxide. Benzoyl Peroxide works by killing off the bacteria causing your acne and drying up pustules at the same time.
Another common favourite is tea tree oil, it has anti bacterial and nourishing properties that will combat your acne and overall improve your complexion. It can be used as a spot treatment or found in acne fighting products.
Sulphur masks are also great; they work through osmosis to rid your body of the toxins under your skin that may be causing breakouts. I highly recommend the Murad one; use a sulphur or any acne fighting mask once a week to help speed up the process of ridding your skin from pimples.
When it comes to the actual routine you want to be sure you're consistent with it and washing your face once a day. A problem a lot of people have it that they do not properly wash their face, whenever you touch your face you want to follow your lymphatic system. It is the system that flushes out toxins from your face and working against it will cause build up and lead to breakouts. I like to think of it like streams, ponds and lakes. Streams are from your nose outward, working from the innermost part of your face you want to move your hand towards the outer edges. Now toxins are built up in 'ponds' Around the edges of your face, so finish off by going from the temple to the chin on either side, the lakes are the bottom of your chin! Start off with a cleanser with any of those acne fighting ingredients and use it to wash off any dirt oil or makeup from that day, always run in gentle circular motions following your nymphatic system. I recommend a foaming or gel water activated cleanser as they're usually more deep cleansing and will help you get rid of the bacteria under your skin. After wards always follow it with a toner. The high quantity of minerals in water will throw off your Ph balance and cause your skin to freak out which will not contribute to your acne problems. Afterwards follow up with a water based moisturizer. Oil can clog your pores and irritate your acne. If you have dry skin and cannot go without proper moisturizing get a hydrating serum to apply under your day cream.

Jun 18, 2015

Claire D.

Thanks brittany:) I really should have researched the scrub because I have no intention of putting alkaline on my face!