When it comes to recipes and cleaning, baking soda is a household staple. There’s a good chance you have a box or two in the pantry right now! But what if it could enhance your natural beauty routine? At first, this may sound strange, but baking soda actually has several properties that can save your skin.
Baking soda is easy on the wallet. Most importantly, it doesn’t have all the chemical junk found in commercial formulas. All you need is basic, real ingredients. And since baking soda can solve multiple skin problems, you’ll be able to replace several toiletries. It’s the best way to say goodbye to clutter and hello to simplicity.
How Baking Soda Benefits The Skin
1. Removes Dead Skin Cells
Thanks to its powdery texture, baking soda doubles as a wonderful exfoliator. It’ll scrub away dead skin cells and let the new layer shine through. For a coarser scrub, mix with sugar or salt.
2. Lightens Discoloration
Are you struggling with hyperpigmentation? This common problem is often caused by aging, scars, sun damage, or medicine. It develops when melanin, the pigment that colors the skin, builds up and accumulates. Thankfully, as baking soda removes dead skin, it’ll take darkened cells with it.1
3. Controls Excess Sebum
When sebaceous glands get carried away, the outcome is oily skin. It’s exactly what the Propionibacterium, the pimple-causing bacteria, needs to grow. You’ll also be left with a shiny complexion! To avoid looking greasy, apply baking soda to soak up that excess oil.2
4. Regulates Skin pH
Did you know that the skin has an ideal pH? When it’s too acidic, acne-causing bacteria will thrive. But since baking soda is an alkaline remedy, it’ll normalize your skin’s pH, making it hard for bacteria to grow. Between the effects on pH and sebum, baking soda might be just what you need to manage breakouts.3
How To Use Baking Soda On The Skin
Baking soda is extremely versatile and easy to use. After trying these methods, don’t forget to moisturize as usual.
1. Baking Soda Cleanser
Remove makeup, oil, and debris with a simple baking soda cleanser. The addition of green tea will also do wonders for discoloration and inflammation.4
Directions
- Prepare 1 cup of strong green tea. Let it cool.
- Mix ½ teaspoon green tea with 1 teaspoon baking soda.
- Stir until it forms a paste.
- Apply the paste in circular motions, taking care around the eyes.
- Wash off and pat dry.
2. Baking Soda Spot Treatment
Target acne scars and age spots with this simple treatment. Be careful around the eyes!
Directions
- Measure 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
- Mix with ½ teaspoon water to form a paste.
- Apply to each spot and massage in a circular motion.
- Let it dry and then rinse off.
3. Baking Soda Honey Mask
Honey is a rare “one size fits all” ingredient. It’ll manage oil, kill acne-causing bacteria, and add moisture. Even irritated and inflamed skin will benefit from honey.5
Directions
- Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of honey.
- Spread onto the face. Watch out for the eyes.
- Wait for 5 minutes.
- Rinse off and pat dry.
4. Baking Soda Scrub
For a natural exfoliator, use baking soda and sugar together. The combination will leave your skin feeling silky smooth.
Directions
- Mix 1 tablespoon each of baking soda and sugar.
- Add water or olive oil until it feels like wet sand.
- Apply to your face, gently moving your fingers in circular motions.
- Rinse off and pat dry.
Safety Note: As always, do a patch test first. Apply a small amount to your skin and wait a bit. If irritation develops, stop using baking soda immediately.
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