How to Use Baking Soda to Exfoliate

Exfoliate your skin with mild baking soda.

Dead skin cells can dull your complexion, but you don't need to spend big money on harsh chemicals. Use baking soda to exfoliate your face and body gently. It's inexpensive and you can easily mix just the right amount each time. Baking soda can also be used to soothe itchy skin and to help heal blemishes.

Things You'll Need

• Baking soda
• Warm water or vitamin E oil

Instructions

1. Remove your makeup and clean your face thoroughly. Do not use toner or astringent.

2. Mix 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda with 1/2 teaspoon water to make a thick paste for oily skin. If your skin is normal to dry, mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with the oil from 2 vitamin E capsules.

3. Rub the paste into your skin using small circular motions, applying gentle, even pressure. Do not scrub hard or your skin can be damaged.

4. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and apply a thick coat of moisturizer.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not follow your exfoliation with alcohol-based products such as toner. Your skin will be sensitive for about 10 minutes, so if you must use a toner, skip the moisturizer and wait 15 minutes to apply the toner. Finish with your moisturizer.

References

• Arm & Hammer: Facial and Body Exfoliator
• "Natural Skin Care"; Joni Loughran