Let’s face it (pun intended), in the age of DIY beauty tricks, baking soda is somewhat of a celebrity. From scrubbing off dead skin cells to absorbing excess oil, this pantry staple has been touted by individuals as a champion of facial treatments. The recipe? Two teaspoons of baking soda and one teaspoon of warm water. Mix, apply, and either rinse off or maintain as a mask for five to ten minutes. If you’re feeling fancy, add a dash of lemon or a dollop of honey to your paste.

But before you become baking soda's biggest fan, let’s delve into the nitty-gritty. Within its positive press, baking soda also houses some shadowy characteristics. Claims that it lightens skin or banishes pimples are not backed by science. On the contrary, it’s proven to be ineffective for conditions like psoriasis.

"Baking soda" or sodium bicarbonate harbors an alkaline nature, with a pH level ranging from 8 to 9. On the flip side, healthy skin has a slightly acidic pH varying from 4 to 6.5. This acidity is beneficial in reducing bacterial buildup. Hence, using baking soda on your face can potentially distort this balance and encourage bacteria to take a foothold.

Moreover, repeated use of baking soda may dry out your skin. For those who still believe in baking soda miracles, be sure to balance out its drying effects with a noncomedogenic moisturizer. If you dare to give baking soda a whirl, do so sparingly-once or twice weekly should suffice.

Before you slap a baking soda paste on, we recommend reconsidering switching to a cleanser with a lower pH level. Ideal cleansers would be marked as gentle, sensitive, or acne-prone. Even better if they contain benzoyl peroxide, as it eliminates acne-inducing bacteria.

Despite mixed reviews from social media and DIY enthusiasts, a greener light on baking soda’s usefulness for skincare isn’t beaming yet. In the meantime, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider or dermatologist before jumping on the bandwagon. Baking soda might be a decent candidate for exfoliating or cleansing your face, but be prepared to scrutinize its potential drawbacks too. And remember, in beauty and health, one size does not fit all!