Baking soda has earned its reputation as an “all-purpose” product for many reasons. When you consider that baking soda cleanses the body, soothes irritated skin, zaps blemishes, and more you’ll wonder why you haven’t considered this multipurpose wonder a beauty ally sooner!
So free that old box of baking soda from the confines of your kitchen cupboard, and consider it for all seven of these healthy beauty hacks…
1. TLC to Razor Burn
Razor burn occurs in tiny, inflamed bumps, or pseudofolliculitis barbae, which result when shaved hair regrows and curls around growing back into the skin. The University of Alabama at Birmingham Health System, notes that having curly hair increases the risk of razor burn, but home remedies can help soothe irritated skin.
For instance, a paste made with baking soda mixed with water and applied to a razor rash can ease s irritation. Make your paste with add one tablespoon of baking soda mixed into one cup of lukewarm water. Apply it directly to the affected area and let it dry. Wash off and pat gently dry.
2. Bye, Bye B.O.
Body odor can be an embarrassing and even chronic issue. However, store bought products made with chemical fragrance can often make the problem even worse. So ditch that deodorant stick and turn to baking soda instead.
Bid your body odor adieu by swiping baking soda directly under your pits with a clean puff or makeup brush. Since baking soda absorbs oils and odors, you can get away with it alone. Or add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for a bit of light fragrance.
3. Your New Heartburn Hero
Baking soda is a prime ingredient in over the counter heartburn fixes (i.e., Tums) so do yourself a favor and nix the trip to the drug store. Reach for a box of baking soda instead, and mix a half teaspoon into a glass of water and drink up!
Baking soda is recommended by Healthline.com as a remedy for acid reflux. The sodium bicarbonate will work as an antacid, helping to neutralize stomach acid following meals, and preventing stomach acid from backing up in the esophagus (GERD).
4. Take a Satisfying Soak
A warm bath can make any amount of stress almost disappear. However, add a sprinkle of baking soda and suddenly you’ll rinse away any excess oils and dirt on the skin.
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, a bit of baking soda in your bathwater will also do its part to relieve insect bites, itchy skin, and even take the bite out of a nasty sunburn.
5. Teeth and Gums
Even if you don’t suffer from gingivitis (early stage gum disease), Dr. Weil recommends that a little bit on your brush will do the trick to preventing gum decay and banishing excess bacteria from the mouth.
For instance, dissolve a bit (teaspoon) of baking soda into a cup of lukewarm water and swish the solution around in your mouth prior to brushing. For pregnant moms-to-be prone to morning sickness, the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) suggests rinsing after vomiting with this solution to neutralize acid and prevent tooth enamel damage.
6. Dry Shampoo
I don’t like to wash my hair every day, particularly in drier months, because it causes breakage and split ends. Luckily, I’ve found baking soda is my answer. Rather than spending money on expensive dry shampoo, I simply use a bit of baking soda.
Sprinkle some near the hairline and work it with your fingers gently into the hair roots. Baking soda will soak up excess oils and give renewed bounce to your locks.
7. See Zits Split
Prone to unsightly breakouts? Call in the heavy guns—and by that I mean the baking soda! According to Women’s Health magazine baking soda, (aka: sodium bicarbonate) has amphoteric (is acidic and alkaline) properties and works wonders for balancing pH levels that lead to acne.
Mix a single teaspoon of baking soda in one teaspoon of water, then apply it directly to the inflamed area. Baking soda also works in this way as an anti-inflammatory, calming skin while gently exfoliating acne.
