Baking soda is an amazing ingredient that has several uses. Be it working as a leavening agent for making your cakes fluffy, instant whitening of the teeth, cleaning kitchen tops to clearing fungus on feet, baking soda is one such that offers versatile benefits.
But, do you know baking soda is also extensively recommended in treating several skin conditions? Affordable, easily available baking is beneficial in treating acne, sun tan, blemishes, pimples etc.
Beauty Benefits Of Baking Soda
Exfoliation
Baking soda is valued as a natural exfoliant that can clear off dead skin cells and reveal a smoother, brighter complexion. Its fine texture makes it gentle enough for sensitive skin yet effective in sloughing off dull skin.
Combat Acne
Baking soda is attributed to having antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities, making it a popular remedy for acne-prone skin. It helps lessen redness and inflammation associated with acne, while its exfoliating action unclogs pores and prevents future breakouts.
Natural Deodorant
Baking soda is an effective natural deodorant that can help neutralize odours and keep you feeling fresh all day long. Its alkaline nature helps balance your skin's pH, reducing the growth of odour-causing bacteria.
Hair Cleansing
Baking soda can also be a clarifying shampoo to eliminate residual from styling products and environmental pollutants, leaving your hair clean and refreshed. Further, it maintains the pH of your scalp, reducing itchiness and dandruff.
Baking Soda To Treat Acne:
Ingredients:
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp plain water
Method:
Mix baking soda and water into a smooth paste.
Wet your face and apply it on acne and other affected areas.
Leave it for three minutes and wash the face with warm water.
Wash again with cold water and let it dry.
How It Works:
Baking soda functions as an exfoliant, removes dead skin and clears pores. Baking soda has antibacterial properties that can prevent sudden flares and breakout on the skin.
Baking Soda To Treat Blemishes:
Ingredients:
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp lemon juice
Method:
Mix baking soda and lemon juice into a smooth paste.
Wet your face and apply it on the blemishes.
Massage it gently and leave it for 2 minutes.
Wash it plain water and let it dry.
How It Works:
Blemishes are bad. Baking soda and lemon juice are rich in bleaching properties. Using it regularly lightens the skin giving it an equal tone. It also helps in getting rid of dead skin cells.
Baking Soda For Dark Neck:
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp rose water.
Method:
Mix baking soda and rose water into a paste.
Apply it on the neck like a mask and leave it for 15 minutes.
Wash with water.
How It Works:
Keep doing it daily till the skin tone gets better. Baking soda and rose water work as skin lightening agents and frequent use gives a glow to the neck.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Good to Drink Baking Soda Every Day?
Drinking baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) daily is not recommended without medical supervision. While it has certain health benefits, such as temporarily relieving heartburn and acid indigestion, daily consumption can lead to potential health risks.
What Are 10 Uses for Baking Soda?
Baking soda is a versatile household component with numerous uses. Here are ten typical applications:
Effective for scrubbing sinks, countertops, and bathtubs.
Neutralizes odours in refrigerators, shoes, and garbage bins.
Used as a gentle abrasive in toothpaste to help whiten teeth.
Provides temporary relief for heartburn and acid indigestion.
It is a natural exfoliant that helps in clearing dead skin cells.
Added to laundry to boost the cleaning power of detergent.
Helpful in removing stains from fabric and upholstery.
Applied as a paste to soothe insect bites and stings.
It is typically used as a leavening ingredient in baking that helps to raise the dough and improve the texture.
Is Baking Soda Safe for Your Body?
Baking soda is generally safe for occasional use in small amounts, such as baking or for short-term medical purposes like heartburn relief. However, there are important considerations:
Excess use of baking soda can lead to adverse effects, such as electrolyte imbalances, high blood pressure, and alkalosis.
People with kidney disease, heart disease, or high blood pressure should avoid using baking soda unless directed by a healthcare provider.
Potential side effects of overconsumption include nausea, bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.
It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before trying baking soda regularly, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
(This article is reviewed by Soumita Basu Ayurveda Pharma Expert)
Author Profile
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
Efficacy of a Topical Formulation of Sodium Bicarbonate in Mild to Moderate Stable Plaque Psoriasis: a Randomized, Blinded, Intrapatient, Controlled Study
Vittorio Mazzarello, Gabriella Piu, Marco Ferrari,corresponding author and Giorgio Piga
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6704198/
Scaly skin and bath pH: Rediscovering baking soda
Leonard M. Milstone, MD
https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(09)00493-9/fulltext
