If you’re referring to the claim “Make a baking soda cream and apply it before bedtime. It may help improve wrinkles and dark spots,” it’s a popular DIY skincare idea, but the evidence is limited.
What baking soda may do:
- Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is mildly abrasive and alkaline, so it can temporarily make skin feel smoother by removing some surface dead skin.
- It is not proven to reduce wrinkles, erase dark spots, or reverse skin aging.
Why to be cautious:
- Skin naturally has a slightly acidic barrier (“acid mantle”). Baking soda can disrupt that balance.
- It may cause dryness, irritation, redness, or worsen sensitivity—especially on the face.
- Scrubbing with baking soda can aggravate some skin conditions, including acne or eczema.
Safer options for wrinkles and dark spots
- Daily sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher): helps prevent and reduce sun-related darkening and premature aging.
- Retinoids/retinol: can improve fine lines and skin texture over time.
- Niacinamide: may help with uneven tone and skin barrier support.
- Moisturizers with ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid: help skin look smoother by improving hydration.
If you still want to try any DIY ingredient, test a small area first and stop if you notice burning, itching, or irritation. For persistent dark spots or wrinkles, dermatologist-recommended treatments are usually more predictable and safer.
