QuestionHello doctor,
This past Wednesday, I put pure baking soda on my chest to bring out new skin. I did not dissolve the baking soda in water but instead put the actual powder on my chest and then rinsed it off with water. Now I notice itchy red/white bumps on my chest. They have been there since Wednesday and today they still have not healed. Did I cause permanent damage? And if not, what should I do to help heal it? Or when will it fully heal? Thank you.
AnswerDear Mary~
Thank you for your question, but please note, I am a skin care expert and product developer, not a doctor. :)
Baking does in fact work as a great exfoliant. No worries, you have not done any damage. You probably just used too much baking soda.
The point of exfoliation is to slough off the cells from the top layer of skin and reveal the younger, healthier cells underneath. What makes baking soda especially effective is that it is a fine, yet hard powder, making it highly effective at removing the dead skin cells without causing excessive irritation.
To reap the benefits of exfoliating with baking soda, add a teaspoon of the powder to your facial cleanser, mix well, and massage into skin like you would with a commercial exfoliant. Do this 2-3 times a week or as per your regular exfoliation routine. If you notice that your skin is red or irritated afterwards, try putting in less baking soda and use the treatment at night so that your skin has a chance to get back to normal while you sleep. Remember to always moisturize afterwards!
In summary, all signs point to baking soda being an excellent and cheap physical exfoliant. It is ph neutral and a fine powder, which means that it will be gentle on your skin. But, always remember to moisturize afterward. That should help to soothe and heal the skin you exfoliated.
Best of luck, Mary.
Linda Gearke
Strictly Personal - The Personal Care Marketing Experts
