Baking soda can naturally lighten dark spots, a common yet annoying problem. This type of hyperpigmentation is caused by excess melanin, the pigment that colors the skin. Possible causes include sun damage, aging, acne scars, or medicine.1 Luckily, the remedy might be hiding in your pantry.
You might be tempted to get commercial or prescription creams. While these products may help, they’re packed with chemicals that irritate skin.2 It’s the last thing your face needs!
To lighten dark spots on the cheap, use baking soda instead.
Ways You Can Use Baking Soda To Lighten Dark Spots
Before beginning any of the following remedies, cleanse your face as usual. Pat with a towel so the skin is damp, but not dry.
1. Baking Soda And Water
This is the simplest method you can use to lighten dark spots. If you’ve never used baking soda on the skin before, do a patch test on your hand or arm.
How To Use:
- Take 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a bowl.
- Slowly add ½ teaspoon water until a thick paste forms.
- Apply the paste to the dark spots. Watch out for the eyes!
- Massage in a gentle, circular motion.
- Leave to dry. Rinse off, pat dry, and apply moisturizer.
2. Baking Soda And Lemon Juice
As a natural bleaching agent, lemon juice is perfect for hyperpigmentation. However, the acidity can be very harsh. Be extra careful around the eyes and never apply to open pimples or cuts.
How To Use:
- Add ½ teaspoon lemon juice to 1 teaspoon baking soda.
- Once the fizzing stops, stir into a paste.
- Apply this paste to dark spots.
- After 3–5 minutes, rinse off and pat dry.
Avoid the sun after using this remedy. If possible, do it at night before bed.
3. Baking Soda And Green Tea
Green tea is another lightening ingredient. According to a 2011 study, it contains plant chemicals that depigment the skin. Most importantly, green tea is calming, making it an ideal alternative to chemicals.3
How To Use:
- Brew 1 cup of strong green tea. Let it cool to room temperature.
- Add ½ teaspoon green tea to 1 teaspoon baking soda.
- Mix this into a paste.
- Apply this paste to the dark spots.
- Let it remain for 3–5 minutes. Rinse off and pat dry.
The green tea can be saved for future treatments.
4. Baking Soda And Sugar
For a natural exfoliator, use sugar. The granules will scrub away dead skin cells and extra melanin, making your face feel silky smooth.
How To Use:
- Combine equal parts of baking soda and sugar.
- Add water or green tea to this mixture, until it forms a thick paste.
- Apply the paste to the entire face, rubbing in circular motions. Focus on dark spots.
- After a few minutes, rinse off and pat dry.
5. Baking Soda And Coffee Grounds
After making coffee, save the grounds. The texture is excellent for DIY face scrubs. Plus, the delicious aroma will perk you right up!
How To Use:
- Mix equal parts baking soda and damp coffee grounds.
- Add a few drops of water until it creates a thick paste.
- Scrub this paste onto your entire face.
- After 5 minutes, wash off and dry.
6. Baking Soda And Papaya
If you prefer creamy masks, use papaya – a tropical fruit that reduces melanin and increases hydration. The nutrients also combat sebum and acne-causing bacteria, giving your skin a lovely facial.4
How To Use:
- Mix 1 teaspoon mashed papaya with 1 teaspoon baking soda.
- Combine these until the mixture is even.
- Apply it to the entire face, scrubbing in circular motions.
- After 5 minutes, rinse off and dry.
7. Baking Soda And Honey
Honey is useful for calming irritated, angry skin. A 2017 study found that it also controls oil and bacteria, two factors of acne breakouts.5 With baking soda, you’ll fight more than just dark spots.
How To Use:
- Add 1 teaspoon baking soda to 1 teaspoon honey.
- Stir the mixture well.
- Spread the mixture onto the face, rubbing gently into the skin.
- Rinse off after 5 minutes and pat dry.
Pick a remedy and do it two or three times a week. If you have sensitive skin, stick to once a week. Don’t forget to moisturize after each treatment.
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