Baking soda (aka Sodium Bicarbonate) is an all-natural wonder agent that can do literally hundreds of things around the house far more effectively than conventional (and more expensive) cleaning products.
I’ve already written on how to use baking soda as a kitchen medicine and on how to whiten your teeth in 3 minutes using baking soda. But did you know that it can also make an effective edition to your regular beauty regime? Read on to find out the best beauty uses for baking soda.
Baking Soda: Physical vs. Chemical Exfoliation
The skin is the largest organ of the human body and it renews itself on a regular basis. As old skin cells die and flake off while new ones replace them.
Exfoliation simply helps this process along; by removing the dead cells from the surface of the skin it helps the new, healthy ones appear at the surface. A good exfoliant has to be effective enough to remove the old cells but not so harsh that it damages the newer growth underneath.
Although there are many different exfoliants on the market they fall into two broad categories:
Chemical exfoliants such as Alpha Hydroxy Acid that work by burning away the top layers of skin.
Physical exfoliants (like brushes or scrubs) on the other hand remove the skin cells from the top layer by physically scraping them off.
Baking soda falls under the category of physical exfoliants. It works by physically removing the top layer through the abrasive action of the particles within the baking soda mix. What makes it especially effective is that it is a fine, yet hard powder, making it highly effective at removing the dead skin cells without causing excessive irritation.
How To Use Baking Soda for Your Skin
Baking soda is so versatile that you can use it as either a daily cleanser, as an exfoliator or even as a face mask.
Although many people swear by the use of baking soda on their faces and claim that using it makes their skin look younger, there are also other people who report that they have suffered side effects from this popular home remedy. Before using baking soda for your skin, please make sure to read the section at the end of this article: “Precautions you should be aware of “.
Baking Soda Face Wash
Baking soda can be used as a facial cleanser to remove dead skin cells, oil or dirt from the skin. This helps to unclog pores and prevent skin conditions such as acne.
To make a baking soda face wash simply take some baking soda and place it in the palm of your hand. Add some warm water and mix to form a paste. Generally a ratio of two parts baking soda to one part water works best but experiment to find a consistency that works for you.
Dampen your face with warm water and then gently, using your fingertips apply the baking soda paste all over your face before rinsing thoroughly with warm water and then patting dry.
For more DIY face wash ideas read the article: How to Get Great Skin With These Top Homemade Facial Cleansers.
Exfoliate with Baking Soda
You can simply take the face wash mixture and use it gently to buff your face in circular movements before buffing it off with warm water and patting dry.
Alternatively you can make a thinner paste (equal parts baking soda and water) and then add a small amount of ground oats (about 1/6th of the baking soda mixture). Apply the paste with your fingertips using a circular, massage, motion.
This recipe can also help with dark circles under eyes – apply it below your eyes to gently exfoliate this area, but avoid contact with the eyes. Your skin will look fresh and new. If you have puffy eyes you can also try these 7 natural ways to get rid of puffy eyes, or use this one natural ingredient to diminish under eye bags.
Baking Soda Face Mask
You can apply the simple face wash to your face as per normal and, instead of washing it away, allow it to dry before removing; this will help to remove toxins from your skin. Alternatively you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to your mixture to create a mask that will help to brighten and tighten your skin. You can also experiment with this turmeric face mask for glowing skin.
Adding Baking Soda to Other Products
If you want to reap the benefits of baking soda but like the way your other products work, you can simply add a little bit of baking soda (about ½ to 1 teaspoon) to your ordinary cleansing or treatment product.
Baking Soda Acne Treatment
Baking soda makes an excellent base for an acne treatment, particularly when combined with another all-natural wonder product – witch hazel! I’ve already written about the ten genius uses of witch hazel for a great health. Combining the two will help soothe and treat breakout spots as well as reduce blackheads and shrink pores.
Baking Soda Make-up Remover
Simply replacing the water in the original recipe (above) with olive oil (which is one of the best oils for your skin) produces an effective and non-irritating make up remover. Just dab a cotton wool pad in the mixture, swipe across your face and watch even the most stubborn make up disappear.
Precautions You Should Be Aware Of
Although many people swear by the use of baking soda on their faces and claim that using it makes their skin look younger, there are also other people who report that they have suffered side effects from this popular home remedy. For this reason it makes sense to apply caution when using baking soda and being aware of potential problems.
Baking soda is effective as an exfoliant and facial treatment because of the huge number of small but abrasive particles. The chemical within baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is, however, quite alkaline while the human skin is naturally acidic.1
Many successful commercial facial exfoliants and cleansing products are also alkaline – and for many people this does not cause a problem. Some people with sensitive skin do, however, find that they do not tolerate alkaline cleansers and products particularly well.
Baking Soda – Common side effects
If you notice any unusual side effects, you should stop using baking soda to cleanse your face. Commonly reported side effects for those with sensitive skin include tingling, itchiness, smarting or generally painful skin. Some people report that their skin feels dryer when using baking soda or more prone to irritation.
What to do
If you are sensitive to ordinary, off the shelf products, you should consider trying a small ‘patch’ test before using it all over your face.
If you notice any of the side effects listed above (or, indeed, any other unusual problems) you should stop using baking soda. Some people with sensitive skin find that they can tolerate a baking soda face wash and sometimes even an exfoliant but cannot use it as a face mask as it dries the skin too much. The key is to find what works for you.
Some people report that applying an acidic ‘toner’ such as apple cider vinegar to the face after cleansing or exfoliating with baking soda helps to keep the side effects at bay. Others report that this does no more than alleviate the impact of the damage of the baking soda but does not prevent it.
Others suggest using distilled water to mix with the baking powder. In areas where the tap water is untreated it is probably not an issue. If, however, you live somewhere where the water is treated with chemicals such as chlorine or fluoride, you might prefer to use an alternative water source to prevent chemical reactions occurring in the mixture that might cause problems for your skin.
If you have a sensitive skin of feel that baking soda over-dries your skin, you can also follow up the baking soda applications with a good moisturizer soon afterwards.
Other Natural Skin Treatments
There are many other natural alternatives to baking soda that you may want to consider:
Turmeric beauty masks
Turmeric beauty masks have been used across Asia for centuries. They are known in Chinese and Indian traditions, and are an element of the Ayurvedic medical system. It is very easy to make a turmeric face mask and you can get the recipe is my article on how to make a turmeric face mask for glowing skin, acne, rosacea, eczema and dark circles.
Apple cider Vinegar (ACV) for your face
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has amazing health benefits and you can use it to treat skin problems such as age spots, acne, pimples as well as other skin conditions. Get more information in my article on why you should wash your face with ACV.
Aloe vera for your skin
Aloe vera’s moisturizing potential leaves the skin well-hydrated. The plant’s antioxidants include vitamins E and C and beta carotene, which fight free radicals in the body, and ward off the aging process. Your skin will be grateful if you regularly apply aloe vera gel. Learn how to use aloe vera for your skin.
This Paste Can Suck Out Toxins Through The Pores Of Your Skin
Resources:
[1] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18489300
[2] http://thebeautybrains.com/
[3] https://www.futurederm.com/
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