Before talking about the Beauty benefits of Baking Soda let me explain the difference between Baking Soda & Baking powder. To make it simpler, Baking soda is the base, naturally available Sodium carbonite. Whereas Baking powder is a mixture of Baking soda and a dry acid.

Baking soda is very alkaline with a high PH of about 8.3. Our skin PH level is around 5.5. When it is directly used on the skin, it may disrupt the natural PH level of the skin. Also, it will affect the moisture barrier of our skin by damaging the acid mantle which is protecting the moisture barrier.

Hence before applying Baking soda to the skin, it is very important to know whether your skin can tolerate it. Alkaline products when used on the skin alter the PH balance which leads to skin problems.

Baking soda is very powerful and has a lot of beauty benefits. Some dermatologists suggest not to use whereas few disagree with them. If you use it, don’t leave it for a long time on the skin and use it only when it is required.

Beauty Benefits of Baking Soda

1. Baking Soda Facewash

Our skin’s natural barrier is made up of acid mantle which means our skin is naturally acidic. Well, what is acidic? PH scale of 7 is neutral, anything above 7 is alkaline and below 7 is acidic. Since our skin PH level lies between 4 to 6.5 it is acidic in nature. Hence it is very important to balance the PH level of our skin to avoid any skin problems.

Method: 

  • Mix one tbsp of Baking soda with water (2tbsp or add accordingly to make a smooth paste)
  • Gently massage this paste on the face in a circular motion for 2-3 mins
  • Don’t rub vigorously which might damage the skin cells
  • Wash thoroughly with lukewarm water
  • Apply Moisturizer.

How does this work?

Baking Soda acts as a face scrubber, removing dead skin cells from the skin. Regular practice helps to exfoliate dead skin cells, absorbs excess oil leaving skin smooth and clear. This method is more effective than face wash because along with cleansing it also works as an exfoliator.

2. Baking Soda for dark underarms

Frequent use of shaving cream, deodorants, perfumes may cause darkening of the underarm. If you are worried about dark armpits and not wearing sleeveless then here is the good news! Baking Soda can rescue you! The only thing to care is about skin sensitivity. Underarms skin is very delicate. If you feel burning or rashes then stop using Baking soda.

Method:

  • Combine Baking soda with milk. The quantity of baking soda and milk can be adjusted accordingly.
  • Apply this on underarms. Please note rubbing or massaging may cause scars or burn.
  • Leave it for 5-7 minutes and wipe with a wet cloth.

How does this work?

While baking soda cleanses the skin and removes dead skin cells, milk moisturizes the skin. Since Baking soda is a very good natural skin exfoliator it works effectively to lighten dark skin and helps to achieve even skin tone.

3. Baking Soda for hair

Have you ever checked the ingredients of your regular shampoo? If yes you can guess what I’m going to say. Common ingredients of shampoo are Sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium Laureth sulfate. Recently sulfate-free shampoos are coming yet, they contain a lot of chemicals. Using sulfate-free shampoo is one of the hair care tips to maintain healthy hair.

Method:

  • Mix Baking soda with 3 portions of water. This might vary depending on hair length. This mixture will be sufficient for medium (shoulder length) hair. If you have long hair increase the quantity of baking soda and mix water accordingly.
  • Apply this mixture to every strand of dry or wet hair.
  • Massage thoroughly to apply baking soda into hair roots.
  • Leave it for a minute then wash with lukewarm water.
  • My advice is to wash 3-4 times to remove every single particle of baking soda. Little leftover also might cause dryness, frizzy hair condition.
  • Once after this process apply Apple cider vinegar(ACV) to your hair tips. Since baking soda makes hair dry, ACV is necessary to maintain moisturization in hair. If your hair type is dry, apply a little portion of ACV at the roots. People with oily scalp can skip applying ACV at roots.
  • After 2-3 minutes wash thoroughly.

How does this work?

We can avoid shampoo completely and use Baking soda to clean our hair. This way avoiding chemicals on hair can benefit in the long run. But there will not be any lather 🙁 It might be difficult until your hair adjusts to this new process. Don’t come to a conclusion after a single-use. You can reduce the quantity of baking soda if your hair gets drier.

4. Baking Soda for dark lips

Dehydration, smoking, drinking, sun exposure, pollution etc turn lips darker over a period of time. Using products with cheap chemicals can also cause a lot of damage to the lips.

As per the research, upper lips gets pigmented easily which is called ‘Melasma’. This can be lightened using lemon and Baking soda. Remember, this is not a quick solution. If you are looking for an instant solution then better stop searching because there isn’t one. All the home remedies will take their own time to show results.

Method:

  • Mix baking soda with lemon to make a lightly thin paste.
  • Using a toothbrush, smoothly brush this paste on lips in a circular motion for 2-3 minutes.
  • Wash thoroughly and apply coconut/almond oil.

How does this work?

Baking soda exfoliates the dead skin cells, lemon helps to lighten the dark skin. Repeat this process daily before going to bed.  Moisturization with coconut oil or any other natural oils makes lips soft and smooth.

5. Baking Soda for blackheads

Have you ever wondered why blackheads occur more on the nose? Because the nose is oilier than the rest of our face. When you apply moisturizer or makeup products, it clogs up the hair follicles of the nose resulting in blackheads.

Once these blackheads occur they will live forever, they are very stubborn! Whatever you do they never stop coming. You have to maintain a proper skincare routine to keep them away.

Method:

  • Mix 2 tbsp of baking soda with 2 tbsp of Apple Cider Vinegar.
  • Apply this paste on the affected area and leave it for 2-3 mins.
  • Wash with lukewarm water.
  • Use this method twice a week to get better results.

How does this work?

Baking soda is a natural cleansing agent that helps to unclog pores. When Baking soda is mixed with Honey or Apple cider Vinegar it can be considered the best product for skin care. This paste can also be used as a face scrub to exfoliate dead skin cells.

6. Baking Soda For Moles

Moles are caused when cells in the skin (melanocytes) grow in clusters or clumps. Some moles come along with the birth and few moles appear when you age. There is no problem with having moles on the skin but if the mole is growing or itching or pains then consult a dermatologist.

Method:

  • Mix 2 tbsp of Baking Soda with few drops of ACV (apple cider vinegar).
  • Add boiling water to this mixture.
  • Apply this mixture with a cotton swab on the moles. Leave for 15-20 mins and then wash thoroughly.
  • Repeat the process daily until the moles fade.

How does this work?

The acetic acid in the ACV burns the moles without affecting the skin around the area. Baking Soda cleanly bleaches moles from the skin.

7.  Baking Soda for teeth whitening

There are many reasons why teeth turn yellowish over a period of time. Yellow teeth may occur due to stains that are leftover on teeth. Colored foods like pomegranates, sauces, beetroot, strawberries, soft drinks may cause teeth staining.

Method:

  • Mix 1 tbsp of baking soda with few drops of water. You can use lemon instead of water for more effective results.
  • Make it a smooth paste, apply it to your teeth using a toothbrush.
  • Brush for 2-3 minutes.
  • Rinse and repeat the process every day.

How does this work?

Baking Soda eliminates the external stain using its cleaning properties. Internal stains (stain inside your teeth) have to be cleaned with the help of a professional dentist. If you are too lazy to do this simply add a pinch of Baking soda on toothpaste before brushing. Regular use of this will remove the stain from teeth making them white and shiny.

8. Baking Soda to lighten Elbows and Knees

Why our elbows and knees turn dark compared to other parts of the body? Elbows and knees are the joints that help us to stretch our hands and legs respectively. The skin around these parts always keeps on stretching and shrinking depending on movement. As the skin grows long to help the stretch, dirt and dead skin cells accumulate in between skin making it look dark. There is no need to worry because it is a common thing in people.

Method:

  • Mix Baking soda with milk to make a thick paste.
  • Gently scrub this paste on elbows and knees for 5 minutes.
  • Wipe clean with a wet cloth.

How does this work?

The bleaching properties of baking soda helps to lighten the skin and fade scars. Milk moisturizes the skin providing necessary nourishment. Repeat this process every day to get the desired results. This remedy also can be used to lighten dark skin around the neck.

9. Baking Soda for darkened gums

Dark gums are caused by tobacco/Nicotine use, improper oral care, health problems, ulcers etc. There is no problem in having dark gums unless you are having pain, swelling, fuss on the gum layer. Green tea, cloves, sesame oil etc are effective ways to treat discoloration of gums. Baking soda is more effective than any of these because of its cleaning and exfoliating properties.

Method:

  • Mix Baking soda with clove oil.
  • Rub this paste along the gum line.
  • Leave it for 2-3 minutes.
  • Wash with warm water.

How does this work?

Clove oil is a very good source that helps to improve teeth and gum health. If the gum discoloration is because of any health-related problems then clove oil helps them to recover. Baking Soda helps to lighten the skin hence the regular practice of this method can bring back the original color of your gums.

10. Baking Soda for acne

Baking Soda can be added to acne treatment as part of your regular skincare routine. It may worsen the situation by altering the natural PH level of the skin so make sure to test before going all-in to try this method.  Organic honey is added to reduce the alkaline nature of baking soda.

Method: 

  • Combine 1 tbsp of Baking soda with 3 tbsp of Organic Honey.
  • Add a pinch of Cinnamon.
  • Mix well and apply on the affected area.
  • Wash after 5-6 minutes.

How does this work?

Honey acts as a moisturizer while Baking soda treats breakouts, scars & pimples. Cinnamon dries out any fuss or a pimple. This method can shrink a pimple overnight. Use this regularly to fade out dark spots caused by acne.

Disclaimer: As already mentioned Baking soda is very alkaline in nature. It may cause sensitivity, burning, rashes, and other side effects. Before using any of the above methods take a sensitivity test. Apply a small portion of water mixed Baking soda on your skin (Behind your ears) and check for any reaction. Consult a dermatologist about your skin type before trying any of these tips.