That advice is not medically sound and can actually harm your skin.
Why baking soda “cream” is a bad idea
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is highly alkaline (pH ~9). Human skin is mildly acidic (pH ~4.5–5.5), which is part of its natural protective barrier.
Applying baking soda regularly can:
- Disrupt the skin barrier
- Cause dryness, irritation, or burning
- Make wrinkles look worse over time (from dehydration)
- Trigger breakouts or sensitivity
- Worsen dark spots due to irritation and inflammation
So instead of helping wrinkles or pigmentation, it often does the opposite.
About wrinkles and dark spots (what actually works)
For wrinkles
Evidence-based options include:
- Sunscreen daily (most important)
- Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives like tretinoin)
- Moisturizers with ceramides or hyaluronic acid
- Adequate sleep + hydration
For dark spots (hyperpigmentation)
- Sunscreen (prevents them from getting darker)
- Vitamin C serums
- Niacinamide
- Azelaic acid
- Professional treatments if severe
Related condition: Hyperpigmentation
Simple rule dermatologists follow
If a “home remedy” is:
- Highly alkaline or acidic
- Harsh on the skin barrier
- Not studied in dermatology trials
…it’s usually not worth applying to your face.
