How to Use Baking Soda to Beautify

Beautify with baking soda.

If you're looking for a natural, in-expensive beauty treatment, try baking soda. Although it was not offered commercially until 1775, baking soda has a long history that dates back to ancient Egyptian times. Egyptians used it in the mummification process since it worked well in preserving the body. Today, baking soda is found in many beauty products such as shampoo, bath bombs and facial scrubs. It provides a gentle and non-toxic way to beautify yourself while still staying within your budget.

Instructions

1. Add baking soda to your shampoo or mix it with water and apply directly to the roots of your hair. The effervescence created from the soda-water mixture is what lifts the dirt and grime at the roots and removes any product build-up. This can leave your hair soft, voluminous and more manageable. It works to eliminate dandruff, as well.

2. Create your own face, body or foot scrub by making a thick paste of baking soda and water and gently rubbing the mixture on your skin in circular motions. This alkaline powder will not only restore your skin's pH levels, it will also exfoliate and deep clean your skin. It works especially well for people with oily skin.

3. Treat your feet to a relaxing foot spa using a baking soda-water solution. Soak your feet for 10-15 minutes and then apply a good moisturizer.

4. Brush your teeth with baking soda. People have been using baking soda as a teeth cleanser for nearly a century now. It is a gentle and effective way to clean, buff and brighten teeth. Baking soda to be helpful in preventing teeth from becoming stained. If you smoke or drink a lot of coffee, consider brushing with baking soda. It can also be used as a mouth rinse.

5. Add one-quarter to one-half cup of baking soda to your bath water for silky, smooth skin. be sure to moisturize your skin immediately after getting out of the bath.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have very dry skin, be sure to follow any skin treatments with a good moisturizer because the baking soda may cause further dryness.

References

• "World & I"; Bubbles, Balance, and Grit; Gail Dutton; 1995
• "Prevention"; Best Bets in Beauty; Linda Mooney; 1998
• "Natural Health"; 1-Ingredient Beauty Fixes; Theresa Anne Morin; 2003

Resources

• EWG's Skin Deep Cosmetic Database: Sodium bicarbonate