For many, baking soda is a humble kitchen ingredient used in desserts and other yummy treats. However, did you know, it has several other uses? From banishing acne and eliminating body odour to lightening blemishes, baking soda is a must-have in your kitchen cabinet. We take you through various advantages of baking soda uses for skin.
Lightens Dark Spots
One tends to find dark patches around problem areas such as underarms, knees and elbows. Baking soda has bleaching properties that help in fading away marks and spots. Mix baking soda with another natural ingredient because on its own, it could be harsh for the skin. Here’s how you can use it.
- Add one teaspoon of baking soda in a bowl, and squeeze the juice of half a lemon in it.
- Mix to get a thick paste. Apply this on a damp face.
- Cover the problem areas first and then move on to the remaining areas.
- Leave it on for a couple of minutes, and wash first with warm water followed by cold.
- Pat skin dry; apply a moisturiser with SPF.
- Use this once or twice a week to see visible changes.
Tip:It is preferable you apply this paste at night as sun exposure after using lemon juice can darken to your skin.
For knees, elbows and underarms, try the pack below.
- Peel one small potato and then grate it finely.
- Squeeze out its juice in a bowl and then add a teaspoon of baking soda to it.
- Mix well and then using a cotton ball, apply this solution on your elbows and knees.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes so that the ingredients can work their magic, and then wash under running water.
- Apply a moisturising sunscreen after the application.
- Use this remedy once or twice a week and soon your skin will look a shade lighter.
- You can also use this solution on dark inner thighs and underarms.
Prevents Blackheads
Suffer from the issue of large pores, pimples and blackheads? Well, look no further than baking soda, as it can help minimise the problem by closing your skin’s pores and also shrinking them in appearance. The astringent-like properties of this ingredient prevent your pores from clogging with dirt that is the reason behind blackheads and acne. Try the following.
- – Add one tablespoon of baking soda into a spray bottle.
- – Now, fill the bottle with water and mix the two.
- – Cleanse your face, wipe with a towel, and spray the solution. Leave it on until your skin soaks it.
- – This will help close the pores. You can store this solution in the fridge and use it for longer.
Tip:Make this a part of your everyday cleansing ritual. Apply moisturiser after using this natural toner.
Removes Dead Skin Cells
It’s impossible for regular face washes to wipe off the grime, dirt, and pollution that settle on our skins over time. A face scrub will come in handy to help your cause. Baking soda is a great exfoliator and helps remove dead skin cells along with impurities. Follow this:
- Mix one tablespoon of baking soda and half tablespoon of water together.
- Wash your face and apply this scrub in circular motions; avoid the area around the eyes.
- Wash with regular water, and pat dry.
- Apply a moisturiser to avoid the skin from feeling irritated.
- Avoid using the scrub if you have sensitive skin. This will suit oily skin best.
- Use it once a week to keep your skin looking fresh.
Tip:Ensure the paste is not diluted with water. The idea is to make a thick, grainy paste so that it can exfoliate the skin.
Soft, Pink Lips
Most of us have pink lips, but sometimes habits like smoking, licking your lips, sun exposure, and even wearing long-stay lipsticks, can darken their colour. Heredity may also be a factor for discoloured lips. If you are keen on your lips regaining their natural colour, baking soda can help. Since the skin on the lips is soft, mixing it with honey will lessen its harsh impact. Make the following at home.
- Mix one teaspoon of baking soda and honey (each).
- Once you form a paste, apply on your lips and rub in small, circular motions. This helps exfoliate them and get rid of the dead skin cells.
- The honey helps remove impurities, gives the lips the much-needed moisture.
- Let this pack stay on the lips for a couple of minutes before washing with warm water.
- Apply lip balm with SPF after the process.
Tip:If your lips are too dry, add more honey than soda.
Ingrown Hair Removal
There is no denying that ingrowth is a menace. It is basically the hair growing inside the hair follicle instead of sprouting out, and you can’t get rid of them by simply shaving or waxing. While it isn’t possible to stop its occurrence, you can deal with it using baking soda.
Consider the steps below:
- Massage castor oil on the affected area.
- Wait until the skin has soaked the oil, and wipe off excess.
- Mix baking soda with half the quantity of water to make a thick paste.
- Rub this on the conceded area to exfoliate it. Pluck out the ingrown hair using a tweezer.
- Follow with a cotton pad soaked in cold water to close the pores.
Tip:The oil makes sure that your skin isn’t dry and irritated, while the soda helps loosen the hair from the follicle.
Eliminates Body Odour
Body odour can prove to be embarrassing, especially if you are in a public space. Fret not, baking soda to your rescue. Baking soda has antibacterial properties that kill odour-causing bacteria. It also absorbs excess moisture when you sweat and alkalises your body, thus bringing down perspiration. We guide you through its usage for the cause.
- Mix equal parts of baking soda and freshly-squeezed lemon juice (one tablespoon).
- Apply the paste where you sweat the most such as underarms, back, and neck.
- Let it stay for 15 minutes, and wash it off.
- Do this for a week and then reduce it to every alternate day when you see it working.
Tip:You can also store this solution in a spray bottle and spritz it once a day before going in for a bath.
Say Hello To Soft Feet
Our feet need as much care as the rest of our body. If regular pedicure sessions are burning a hole in your pocket, go in for baking soda to soften the callus and even cleaning your toenails. Its exfoliating property helps remove dead skin cells and softens your feet. Its antibacterial nature keeps infection at bay.
How to use it:
- Fill half a bucket with warm water and add three tablespoons of baking soda.
- Let it dissolve and then soak your feet in the solution for 10 minutes.
- Once you feel the skin soften, rub the pumice stone on the soles to remove dead skin.
- Wash your feet post scrubbing and pat dry.
- Apply a moisturising lotion and wear socks so that the lotion is absorbed properly.
Tip:Do this at least once in 15 days.
FAQs
Q. Are cooking soda and baking powder the same as baking soda?
A. Cooking soda and baking soda are the same. However, the chemical composition of baking powder is different from baking soda. The latter is stronger as it has a high pH, which is why the dough rises when used for baking. If you plan to substitute a teaspoon of baking powder with baking soda, use only 1/4th teaspoon of soda for the required result.
Q. What are the side-effects of baking soda?
A. The side-effects include gas, bloating and even stomach upset. When using for beauty purposes. Like mentioned above, dilute the soda with another ingredient so that its harshness is reduced. If you have a skin condition, it is best to consult your dermatologist before using it.
