Laundry soap, iodine, baking soda: what old remedies do to your skin
We compare skincare methods passed down through generations with the approach of modern dermatology.
AuthorDr. Sheyla JafarovaDermatovenereologist, aesthetic dermatologist, acne expert
Many skincare methods used in the past are still passed down from generation to generation: laundry soap, iodine, salicylic alcohol, aspirin and baking soda. But not every popular remedy is right for our skin. Let us look at these methods through the eyes of modern dermatology.
Laundry soap
It is strongly alkaline and disrupts the skin’s natural acidic pH, which is on average below 5. Your face feels “squeaky clean” for a while, but the protective barrier is damaged. The result is dryness, tightness and irritation, and the skin tolerates active treatment less well.
Iodine
Dabbing iodine on a spot burns and dries the skin. It does not treat the inflammation; on the contrary, the irritation can increase the chance of a dark mark. Iodine has no place in acne treatment.
Salicylic alcohol and aspirin masks
Salicylic acid is used in modern skincare too, but in the right concentration (usually 0.5-2%) and a suitable formula. An alcohol solution dries the skin out far too much, and aspirin is not salicylic acid but acetylsalicylic acid: a crushed tablet is an irritating mixture with an unknown dose that spreads unevenly.
Baking soda
Baking soda is alkaline too. Used as a scrub or a mask, it disrupts the skin barrier, its crystals can scratch the skin, and it increases sensitivity.
So what should you do?
- A gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that suits your skin type
- A moisturiser, even for oily skin
- SPF every day
- For acne and dark spots, treatment chosen after an examination
Scientific references
The information in this article is based on the following peer-reviewed papers and international clinical guidelines.
- Lambers, H., Piessens, S., Bloem, A., Pronk, H., & Finkel, P. (2006). Natural skin surface pH is on average below 5, which is beneficial for its resident flora. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 28(5), 359-370. [PMID: 18489300] | [DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-2494.2006.00344.x]
- Ananthapadmanabhan, K. P., Moore, D. J., Subramanyan, K., Misra, M., & Meyer, F. (2004). Cleansing without compromise: the impact of cleansers on the skin barrier and the technology of mild cleansing. Dermatologic Therapy, 17(Suppl 1), 16-25. [PMID: 14728695] | [DOI: 10.1111/j.1396-0296.2004.04s1002.x]
- Draelos, Z. D. (2018). The science behind skin care: Cleansers. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 17(1), 8-14. [PMID: 29231284] | [DOI: 10.1111/jocd.12469]
- Reynolds, R. V., Yeung, H., Cheng, C. E., et al. (2024). Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 90(5), 1006.e1-1006.e30. [PMID: 38300170] | [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2023.12.017]
