Q Is applying lemon juice or baking soda on the skin effective as a folk remedy?
A Lemon juice and baking soda are not recommended as they can be dangerous to the skin. The strong acidity of lemon juice (pH 2–3) can damage the skin barrier and cause severe pigmentation through phototoxic reactions. The strong alkalinity of baking soda (pH 8–9) destroys the skin's protective film, actually worsening skin dryness and inflammation.
Detailed Answer
Lemon juice contains psoralen (furocoumarin), which causes phototoxic contact dermatitis when the applied area is exposed to sunlight. Severe pigmentation and blistering can occur and are absolutely not recommended. Baking soda at pH 8–9 destroys the mildly acidic protective film of the skin, increasing the risk of bacterial infection and collapsing barrier function. Folk remedies without scientific validation may appear effective short-term but damage the skin in the long run.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
Even in Korean medicine, externally applied herbal medicines are prescribed considering their nature (性) and channel affinity (歸經). Using unverified folk ingredients indiscriminately can worsen skin condition, so please receive external Korean medicine treatment only under professional guidance.
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