Baking soda is a multi-purpose kitchen ingredient which can be used for a hundred different things. Not only for cooking or baking, it is immensely useful to keep kitchen and refrigerator odour-free. On the other hand, it works miraculously for some heavy-duty cleaning also.Baking soda is incredibly versatile and can be used to treat a lot of different issues. But did you know that baking soda can also be used for things apart from cooking and cleaning?
If you did not, let us surprise you with these 5 beauty uses of Baking soda.
* Treat acneBaking soda is an excellent remedy for pimples and blackheads. It cleans your pores while helping dry out and heal existing acne. Baking soda also has antibacterial properties, which prevent acne breakouts.
Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of water. Wash your hands and your face and pat them dry with a clean towel. Massage the paste on your nose and areas affected by pimples and acne. Leave it on for about 2 – 3 minutes and rinse off with warm water. Rinse your face for a second time with cool water and pat dry with a clean towel. Moisturize immediately since baking soda can have drying effects on your face. You can repeat this process 2 – 3 days at a stretch and as the results show, reduce the frequency to twice a week.
* Get rid of blemishesBaking soda and lemon juice have bleaching properties that help lighten and fade scars. Exfoliation of dead skin cells also help you achieve an even skin tone.
Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Cleanse you face and pat dry with a soft towel to leave it slightly damp. Massage the paste on the affected areas and leave it on for 1 – 2 minutes. Rinse off the paste with warm water and pat dry. Finish by using a mild moisturizer. You can repeat this 2 – 3 times a week.
* Clear up dark neckThis formula can also be used to lighten the skin around your elbows and knees.
Mix 1 teaspoon baking soda with 1 teaspoon of water until you get a runny paste. Cleanse your neck and pat it dry with a clean towel. Apply the paste and let it sit for 15 minutes. Wash your neck with cool water and finish with moisturizer. Repeat this daily until you see your neck lighten. Once you start noticing the difference you can reduce the frequency and use it twice a week.
* Treatment for glowing skinMix 1 tablespoon baking soda with 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice. Rinse your face with water and pat dry leaving it slightly damp. With clean hands, apply the paste evenly on your face. Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse with cool water. The paste tends to dry on your face so it is advisable to pat some water and rub the face pack loose before rinsing. Pat dry with a soft towel and apply moisturizer.
For best results, use this pack once a week.
The exfoliating properties of baking soda help in scrubbing off dead skin and vitamin C from the orange juice helps give your skin a collagen boost.
* Improve hair thicknessThe right use of baking soda can help you curb the hair loss and promote the growth of new hair.
To prepare this treatment, mix 1 cup baking soda and 20 drops castor oil into 3 cups of water and store it in a clean empty shampoo bottle or any other bottle as per convenience. Rinse your hair with water and pour some of the solution onto your scalp. Massage your scalp gently for a couple of minutes. Rinse thoroughly and condition your hair as usual. Squeeze excess water with the help of a towel and let your hair dry naturally. You can use this solution as a substitute to your shampoo.
It helps to gently exfoliate the dead skin off your scalp without stripping off the natural oils. Castor oil also helps in promoting hair growth