While we are busy surfing the internet we often tend to overlook the wonderful and natural remedies that could actually be of great help. Our kitchen is replete with amazing ingredients that could give us the skin of our dreams. Baking soda is one ingredient that you will always find in your kitchen cabinet but have you ever thought of including it in your beauty regime? It might sound absurd but the fact is that baking soda carries immense benefits for your skin. Since it is alkaline in nature, it balances the pH levels of your skin to make it glow with radiance. It also helps in exfoliating the dead skin cells to reveal new freshness.
Here are 8 ways to use this humble ingredient in dealing with your day-to-day beauty problems.
1. Removes acne scars
When your skin becomes clogged with dead skin, oil or bacteria, tiny pimples appear on the surface called acne. If acne is not properly dealt with, it can leave some marks and scars behind. To remove these scars from your face, use a paste of baking soda and water. Make it thick enough so that it can be easily applied to your skin. Baking soda will exfoliate the scarred skin and reveal a fresh layer. You can apply the paste two or three times a day for 3-4 minutes and then wash it off.
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Baking soda exfoliates the scarred skin and reveals a fresh layer | Photo Credit: iStock
2. Soothes skin rashes
Baking soda has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Since it can dry out your skin due to its alkaline properties, you can get relief from itching and swelling that comes with skin rashes. Add coconut oil to baking soda and apply this paste for 4-5 minutes. You can apply this twice a day for a soothing effect.
3. Treats yeast infection
Candida fungus or yeast infection breeds in areas like the mouth, intestinal tract, throat or the genitals. Baking soda can help treat this infection due to its properties like alkalinity, pH balancing capacity and anti-fungal properties. If you are a victim of yeast infection in the intestine or internal organs, consume about half a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with a glass of water every day for about 10-15 days. To treat yeast infection on the skin, make a paste with baking soda and water and use it on the skin for 2-4 minutes and then wash off.
4. Remedy for sunburn
If your sun-damaged skin has been very itchy, it is best to reach out for baking soda as it has a cooling effect. Make a paste of baking soda and cold water, apply it to the affected area and then wash off.
5. Skin tan
Baking soda helps in removing skin tan. Combine a teaspoon of baking soda, water and vinegar to make a paste. Leave it on the skin for 5-10 minutes. Repeat it once or twice a week depending on how severe the skin tan is.
6. Blackheads
Since baking soda contains anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, it helps in treating infections that cause blackheads. It loosens the skin around them to enable easy extraction.
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7. A natural cleanser
Baking soda is alkaline in nature which helps soften the sebum and debris on the face. It also clears and opens up pores and absorbs excess oil which aids in preventing the clogging of pores.
8. Skin whitening
A facial wash with baking soda can help in whitening your skin. Make a paste using water and baking soda and scrub it gently on your face. Rub it in a circular motion for two minutes. Thereafter, wash with water and apply a moisturizer.
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