Welcome to the world of unconventional beauty hacks! In this article, we’ll delve into the remarkable and unexpected uses of a household staple: baking soda. Beyond its traditional roles in baking and cleaning, baking soda holds a range of extraordinary benefits for your beauty routine. From teeth whitening to exfoliating scrubs, we’ll explore how this versatile ingredient can revitalise your skin, hair, and more. Prepare to be amazed by the unusual uses of baking soda and unlock the secrets to a natural and radiant appearance.
Natural Teeth Whitener
Achieve brighter, whiter teeth with just a little baking soda! Baking soda is an ingredient that can be found in many natural toothpaste alternatives. It works as a gentle abrasive that can help remove surface stains on teeth.
How to:
Create a homemade toothpaste by mixing half a teaspoon of baking soda with just a few drops of water until it becomes a thick paste. Scoop the paste up with your toothbrush and gently brush your teeth with this mixture for a minute or two, then rinse thoroughly.
However, it’s important to note that excessive use of baking soda may erode the enamel of your teeth, so use it sparingly and not more than a few times a week.
Clarifying Hair Cleanser
If you use a lot of styling products or live in an area with hard water, your hair may accumulate buildup over time, leaving it dull and lifeless. Too much buildup of product on your scalp can also lead to redness, itchiness, or even hair loss as the product may clog hair follicles, leading to folliculitis.
Folliculitis is characterised by the inflammation of hair follicles, which can occasionally lead to infection. In more severe instances, folliculitis can give rise to the formation of crusty sores that can result in permanent hair loss and scarring.
Fortunately, a handy box in your kitchen cabinet may just be the preventative measure you need. Baking soda can act as a clarifying cleanser to remove product residue and restore shine to your hair.
How to:
Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with your regular shampoo and massage it into your scalp. Rinse thoroughly, and follow up with a conditioner. Use this clarifying treatment once a month or as needed, as excessive use can dry out your hair.
Beware of over-exfoliating as it can lead to irritated, dry, and red skin. Baking soda also has a higher pH level than our natural skin so it is not recommended for prolonged use. To reap the benefits of this affordable exfoliating body scrub without any potential side effects, limit its use to once or twice a week at most.
Exfoliating Body Scrub
Fancy a relaxing spa day? Treat yourself without breaking the bank with this DIY exfoliating body scrub made with baking soda. We promise you your skin will feel smoother and softer at the end of it.
Baking soda’s finely milled texture and mild abrasive properties make it an excellent ingredient for exfoliating and removing dead skin while promoting cell regeneration, revealing softer, more supple skin.
How to:
Combine equal parts baking soda and water to create a paste, and gently exfoliate by massaging it onto damp skin in circular motions. This will help slough off dead skin cells, leaving your skin smoother and softer. Rinse thoroughly and moisturise afterwards for best results.
Foot Soak
After a long day, treat your feet to a relaxing and rejuvenating foot soak using baking soda. Feel free to spruce up this foot soak with some oatmeal for its soothing qualities or a combination of tea tree oil, and lemon essential oil along with a carrier oil like jojoba oil for its antifungal properties.
How to:
Fill a basin with warm water, add half a cup of baking soda, and stir until it dissolves.
Optional: add oatmeal or mix all the oils (4 drops of tea tree oil, 2 drops of lemon oil, and 1 tablespoon of carrier oil) in a smaller bowl before transferring them into the baking soda and water mixture.
Soak your feet in the mixture for 15-20 minutes, allowing the baking soda to help soften rough skin and neutralise foot odour. Finish by patting your feet dry and moisturising them with an oil-based moisturiser.
If you are using essential oils, make sure that you are diluting them with a carrier oil first as undiluted essential oils are potent and may cause burns. Talk to your doctor before using foot soaks if you have scrapes or cuts on your feet.
Natural Deodorant
Ingredients like parabens and triclosan in conventional deodorants might steer you away from using deodorants all together. However, if you still want to combat sweat and odour throughout the day, this natural deodorant containing baking soda might just be a game-changer for you.
Known for its ability to absorb odours, baking soda has natural deodorising properties. Baking soda has also been suggested to have antimicrobial benefits, meaning that it can kill odour-producing bacteria. It also absorbs excess moisture from your body, making this natural deodorant extremely handy on a hot, humid day.
How to:
Start by mixing equal parts baking soda and cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil for fragrance, if desired, and store the mixture in a clean container. Apply a small amount to your underarms with your fingers, and enjoy the natural odour-fighting benefits of baking soda.
Remember to carry out a patch test before using baking soda as a deodorant. Apply a pinch of baking soda to a limited area of your skin, like the inside of your elbow. Allow up to 48 hours for any potential irritation or reaction to manifest.
Nail Care
Too busy for the nail salon? Keep your nails in tip-top shape with a baking soda nail scrub. Given baking soda’s mild abrasive properties, you can expect clean cuticles and brighter nails by the end of this treatment.
How to:
Create a paste by combining three parts baking soda with one part water, and apply it to your nails using a soft brush or a toothbrush. Gently scrub your nails for a couple of minutes, then rinse them thoroughly. This can help remove stains and brighten the nails.
Dry Shampoo
When your hair is in need of a quick pick-me-up and you want to combat greasiness, dry shampoo can come to the rescue. Baking soda can be a fantastic ingredient to create your own DIY dry shampoo. By using baking soda as a dry shampoo alternative, you can freshen up your strands and absorb excess oil.
How to:
Start by taking a few pinches of baking soda and lightly sprinkle it onto the roots of your hair. Gently tousle your hair with your fingertips to distribute the baking soda evenly. Then, use a brush or a comb to gently brush through your hair from the roots to the ends to blend the baking soda and remove any visible traces.
It’s important to note that baking soda can have a drying effect, so it’s best to use this method sparingly and not as a substitute for regular shampooing.
While baking soda can be a beneficial addition to your beauty routine, it’s important to remember that everyone’s skin and hair are different. Some individuals may be more sensitive to baking soda, so it’s always advisable to do a patch test before applying it to your skin or other sensitive areas. Additionally, if you have any existing skin conditions or concerns, it’s best to consult with a doctor or dermatologist before using baking soda in your beauty routine. We hope this has helped you incorporate this natural and cost-effective product into your beauty routine!
