Baking Soda as the Ultimate Beauty Remedy

 

The last few years I have tried to find natural and inexpensive ways to accomplish everything from scrubbing my floors to shampooing my hair. Baking soda is just one of those things pantry staples that you'll find, if you do a little research, can perform just about any task and do it well. I compiled a list of all the different ways I use baking soda in my beauty routine.

Facial Scrub - Apply as a facial scrub in the morning or at night and follow with a good facial lotion if you have dry skin. Baking soda is a great exfoliator, and if you have any skin condition like acne breakouts or excema, you can even use a mix of baking soda and water as a nighttime mask. It depends upon the severity and type of skin condition, and it may be too harsh for daily use if you have sensitive skin, but I use it occasionally as a scrub in the mornings.

Teeth Whitener - A paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda will brighten teeth and will slightly whiten them. This paste is also a good germ killer for your mouth. I recommend using this method of whitening no more than once a week as baking soda is an abrasive cleaner and can lead to tooth sensitivity if used too often. Oh, and baking soda should never be used on braces.

Deodorant - I have personally used this on a couple of occasions when I ran out of deodorant and didn't have time to run to the store. Either that, or hubby's deodorant will do the trick for a day too. If you are looking for a natural deodorant and antiperspirant, simply mix four teaspoons of baking soda with eight fluid ounces of rubbing alcohol and you have a long lasting, completely chemical free deodorant that will help your underarms stay dry.

Bath Oil - Here's a recipe I use every once in a while for a nice bath soak.

8 oz honey
16 fl oz milk
16 tbsp salt
4 tbsp baking soda
4 oz baby oil

Mix everything together except the baby oil and pour into the tub. Then add the baby oil and mix well into the bath water.

Hair Cleanser - Mixing a small amount of baking soda with your shampoo will remove build up from styling products in your hair.

Dry, Itchy Skin - Use this recipe as a bath additive to soothe dry skin. I use this every once in a while in the winter time.

1 cup oatmeal
1 cup warm water
1 tbls vanilla extract
1/2 cup baking soda.

Blend in a food processor until you have a paste and pour it into running bath water.

Sunburn Relief - Not that you should be getting sun burns, but applying a paste of baking soda and water will cool the affected area.

Clean and Freshen Combs and Brushes - One liter of water with four tablespoons of baking soda will clean combs and even tooth brushes.