This article was medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.
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A pimple may be unsightly, but luckily, there are plenty of options out there when it comes to combatting these blemishes. While it’s understandable that you’re seeking out treatment options that will get rid of this zit as fast as possible, baking soda may not be the solution you’re looking for. However, there are plenty of other potential answers to the issue you’re facing. If you want to learn more about how you can handle that annoying pimple, you’re in the right place!
Steps
Is baking soda and lemon good for pimples?
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1No, this combination can seriously damage your skin. Baking soda on its own is capable of irritating your skin, but lemon juice is seriously going to damage your skin barrier, which is the outermost layer of your skin. While many slightly acidic ingredients are safe for skin, lemon juice is not one of them; it has a pH of 2, which is wildly acidic.[8] If you just think about it in this context, combining one skin irritant with another skin irritant isn’t going to create a winning combination that’s safe for your skin.[9]
- Your skin barrier is really important when it comes to protecting your skin from damage, disease, and dehydration, so you really don’t want to wear it down with something caustic, like citrus.[10]
- Lemon juice may also cause discoloration in your skin; it’s a popular (albeit unsafe) skin whitening agent for this reason.[11]
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2You don’t want to mix things together and put them on your skin. When you combine multiple ingredients at home, it’s very hard to know how the different chemicals will react with another, let alone how those reactions will impact your skin.[12] You’re always better off keeping it simple and using packaged products that have been tested, approved, and regulated by the government.[13]
How can I get rid of pimples?
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1Spot treat a single pimple with benzoyl peroxide. Go to your local pharmacy and pick up an acne-fighting cream that contains benzoyl peroxide. After you clean your face, simply work a pea-sized dollop of the cream into the pimple and leave it alone. The benzoyl peroxide will reduce inflammation and kill any bacteria that’s clogging your pores, which is the most effective way to clear up any pimples.[14]
- There are also benzoyl peroxide patches and gels out there. If you want to use one of these, go for it!
- Benzoyl peroxide creams come in concentrations ranging from 2.5% to 10%. If you have sensitive skin, opt for the weaker concentrations. If you want to combat the pimple as aggressively as possible, pick up the stronger stuff.
- Don’t reapply the benzoyl peroxide multiple times a day. If you keep using it over and over again in the same spot, you may irritate your skin.
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2Wash your face daily and don’t mess with your skin too much. You don’t need any fancy treatments or life hacks to get clear and healthy skin. Use an over-the-counter face wash once or twice a day, don’t go to bed with makeup on, and don’t scrub your facial skin too hard or too often. If you have a pimple, leave it alone. Don’t pop it or mess with it. Your skin is at its healthiest when you leave it alone, so just keep it clean and let it be![15]
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3See a dermatologist to explore treatments for chronic acne. If you find yourself fighting pimples regularly, see a dermatologist. They’ll take a look at your skin and give you insight into what’s triggering your pimples. There could be an underlying issue you haven’t identified yet that may be causing your acne, like a hormonal issue or some irritant in your skincare products. Depending on their analysis, they’ll be able to recommend the ideal treatment for you.[18]
- There are certain medications your doctor may be able to prescribe to combat issues with hormonal acne.
- Light therapy may be something your doctor will be able to perform to treat your acne.
- A doctor may be able to perform a chemical peel to treat a large area and reduce inflammation.
Expert Q&A
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QuestionCan I use baking powder instead of baking soda?
Sarah Gehrke, RN, MSSarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.
Registered NurseNo; good question because this is a common misconception! Baking powder does have baking soda mixed in it, but it also has a powdered acid, such as cornstarch or cream of tartar.
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Warnings
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References
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/a-dermatologists-advice-on-how-to-get-rid-of-a-pimple/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15897164/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6704198/
- ↑ https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Sodium-bicarbonate
- ↑ https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/66140
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11845951/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19695482/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2801997/
- ↑ https://www.self.com/story/diy-beauty-hacks-dont-do-them
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16945325/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2801997/
- ↑ https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/bath-bombs-yay-or-nay-a-dermatologist-weighs-in
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3266803/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/a-dermatologists-advice-on-how-to-get-rid-of-a-pimple/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20368048
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/causes/diet
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/popping
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/derm-treat/severe-acne
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/a-dermatologists-advice-on-how-to-get-rid-of-a-pimple/
- ↑ https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/home-remedies-darn-that-diaper-rash/
- ↑ https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/67/6/820?sso=1&sso_redirect_count=1&nfstatus=401&nftoken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR%3a+No+local+token
About This Article
To treat pimples with baking soda, first mix 2 parts baking soda with 1 part water in a small bowl to form a paste. Then, gently apply a pea-sized amount of the paste to each pimple you want to treat. Leave the paste on for 15-20 minutes. Then, wash the paste off with water. Dry your skin thoroughly with a towel and apply a facial moisturizer to keep your skin from drying out. Baking soda has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that may help with acne breakouts, but be careful not to use it every day since it can irritate your skin. To learn other ways you can get rid of pimples with baking soda, like using a baking soda exfoliating scrub, read on!
