Baking soda is a chemical leavener. When mixed with something acidic, it produces bubbles that help cakes, cookies, and breads to rise. It is also a popular antacid that treats heartburn and indigestion caused by excess buildup of stomach acids. Many people even use baking soda as an alternative to store-bought mouthwash as it increases the pH levels of saliva, inhibiting bacterial growth, whilst simultaneously whitening our teeth.
Let’s take a look at some benefits of baking soda for our skin and hair.
Clears acne- Baking soda exhibits anti-bacterial and anti-bacterial properties. Therefore, it can help reduce the inflammation and redness caused by acne and even remove the buildup of dirt and bacteria which causes you to break out often. You can use baking soda to treat acne by mixing warm water with 1 to 2 teaspoons of baking soda and applying the paste to affected areas. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes and wash it off with warm water.
Reduces sun damage- It is handy to keep a bottle of baking soda in your fridge during the summer as it relieves the symptoms of sunburn. The alkaline nature of baking soda reduces itchiness and its antiseptic properties relieve the burning sensation. You can treat sun damage with baking soda by soaking a clean washcloth in a baking soda solution and applying it to the affected area.
Exfoliates the scalp- Baking soda helps promote thick and healthy hair by exfoliating our scalp and removing all dead skin. It unclogs our hair follicles and soothes any irritation caused by excessive buildup. To cleanse your scalp, apply baking soda to your scalp on wet and damp hair. Leave it on for 10 minutes, rinse, and directly apply the conditioner.
Lightens dark spots- Baking soda is a natural skin toner as it reduces blemishes and lightens dark spots. To lighten dark spots, mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with the juice of half a lime, apply the mixture on clean damp skin, and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash your face with warm water and then apply a good layer of moisturizer. For visible changes, apply this solution twice a week.
Fights body odour- When the bacteria present on our skin interact with the sweat produced by our glands, it emits a foul odour. Baking soda can be used as an alternative to storebought deodorant as it eliminates the sweat smell. You can apply baking soda under your armpits by mixing it with cornstarch, coconut oil, and shea butter.
Removes dead skin on our feet- baking soda does a great job of removing dead skin from our feet whilst simultaneously reducing the odour our feet generate. Get rid of cracked heels and smelly feet by applying a paste of baking soda and essential oil to your feet. Dip your feet in a bucket of water and then use a foot file to scrub off the dead cells.
Reduces oiliness- A paste made from baking soda and water should be applied to your hair if your hair is oily and sweaty. Oil and sweat clog our hair follicles and even increase our chances of dandruff and itchy scalp. People who sweat excessively and have oily hair can also have sweaty hair. Baking soda reduces oiliness, reduces the foul odour, balances the natural pH level of the scalp, and even keeps it clean and healthy.
