The Magic Of Baking Soda For Skin And Face

Understanding Baking Soda

Baking soda, scientifically known as sodium bicarbonate, is a versatile compound with various applications. Its alkaline nature contributes to its potential in neutralizing acids, making it an interesting candidate for skincare.

The skin’s pH balance plays a crucial role in maintaining its health and appearance. Baking soda’s alkaline properties can influence the skin’s pH, which raises questions about its suitability for skincare use.

Benefits of Baking Soda for Skin

1. Exfoliation and Dead Skin Removal: Baking soda’s fine particles make it an effective exfoliant, aiding in the removal of dead skin cells and promoting a smoother complexion.

2. Acne Treatment and Prevention: Its mild antibacterial properties suggest that baking soda could be used to address acne by reducing the bacteria responsible for breakouts.

3. Natural Deodorant: Baking soda’s odor-neutralizing capabilities make it a popular choice for those seeking a natural alternative to conventional deodorants.

4. Treating Insect Bites and Skin Irritations: Baking soda’s anti-inflammatory properties may provide relief from itching and discomfort caused by insect bites and minor skin irritations.

Potential Risks and Precautions

1. Skin Sensitivity and Allergic Reactions: Baking soda’s abrasive nature might lead to irritation, particularly for those with sensitive skin.

2. Disruption of Skin’s Natural pH Balance: Using baking soda excessively may disrupt the skin’s pH balance, leading to various skin issues.

3. Over-Exfoliation and Irritation: Overuse baking soda as an exfoliant can strip the skin of its natural oils, causing dryness and irritation.

How to Incorporate Baking Soda into Your Skincare Routine

Glowing Skin

Glowing skin gives you a young, healthy look. Baking soda mixed with orange juice helps you to bring about that glow.

Ordinarily, to have glowing skin, you need to take good care of your body. This involves regular workouts, eating healthy foods, etc. While that is recommended, you can speed up the process by rubbing a baking soda and orange juice (100% organic orange juice) onto your skin.

The process is easy and inexpensive, allowing you to improve your skin in ways that would normally cost you hundreds in synthetic products.

You can also make a baking soda bath by adding a cup of baking soda to your tub. Stir and let it dissolve before soaking yourself for 30 to 40 minutes. This bath can help in removing the pathogens that cause irritation [1]. Moreover, it could help soothe sensitive skin.

Acne Scars

Your pores can get clogged by dirt and dead skin cells, causing acne to grow. The acne formation is then covered by a thin layer of skin to prevent it from getting any worse.

Baking soda, when combined with a bit of warm water, acts as an exfoliation baking soda paste. The paste removes the protective layer of skin, allowing the dirt and dead skin cells to come out naturally. It also improves collagen production which helps your pores back to health quickly.

Because of the above effects, acne scars can be completely removed by baking soda. No mark will be left. The exception to this is if your acne is active. Active acne may still leave a scar, so seek professional advice from your dermatologist if you want it removed.

Skin Rashes

Rashes are caused by infection or inflammation. Baking soda can’t cure an infection, but it can soothe one. The contents of baking soda are harmful to most germs, allowing your rash to clear up that much faster.

Simply mix the baking soda with some coconut oil and gently dab it onto the rash. Be careful not to apply pressure as you may make it worse. Leave it there until it gets absorbed into the skin. You should notice some improvement within a few minutes.

Sunburn

Sunburn can be relieved in a similar way to a rash. Instead of coconut oil, mix the baking soda with cold water and gently apply it to your sunburn. You should feel some relief almost immediately.

Dark Spots

Dark spots are a common problem, especially with age and for pregnant women. While it is advised to wait until after giving birth to do anything about dark spots, you can use a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice (again, it should be 100%) to help correct the coloring of the spot.

You should apply this baking soda solution by rubbing it into the spot on a weekly basis. Leave it on the spot for several minutes so that the skin has time to soak it in.

Acne and Blackheads

Cleansing your skin involves exfoliating the top layer in order to remove unwanted contents, such as acne breakouts and blackheads. It softens and unclogs the pores as well as causing debris to be easily removed.

To deal with all these things at once, you can apply a baking soda face mask made up of water and baking soda to your face. Don’t leave it on for more than two minutes as the baking soda is quite potent. Rinse your face well and watch the marks and spots disappear over time. Repeat this once a week.

Incorporating Baking Soda into Other Beauty Regimens

Hair Care

Some individuals explore baking soda as a clarifying shampoo to remove product buildup, but experts recommend cautious experimentation.

Nail Care

Baking soda’s exfoliating properties can be utilized for maintaining clean and healthy nails.

Teeth Whitening

Baking soda’s mild abrasive nature has led to its inclusion in some natural teeth whitening methods.