Many people have baking soda in their pantry to use in homemade baked goods, and perhaps a box in their refrigerators to absorb odors. Well, it seems that this cheap kitchen staple can also be used as an alternative to lots of expensive spa treatments and can do wonders for your skin, hair and body. In fact, this inexpensive item can help you look your best from head to toe. In this article we will discuss all uses of baking soda, mostly solutions for whiter teeth, brighter skin, smoother hair, and more.
What is baking soda?
It is sodium bicarbonate, which is a natural substance that is crystalline but usually appears as a fine powder. This substance has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial properties. Baking soda is also a powerful medical tool effective at fighting everything from skin issues to oral problems to colds. Keep in mind that baking soda is effective when used for short periods. Otherwise, it can damage your hair and skin, if used in excessive amounts. In addition, make sure to do a patch test in order to determine whether your skin is sensitive to baking soda.
Brightens yellow teeth
This kitchen staple is great for brightening your yellow teeth. Baking soda works as a mild abrasive to remove yellow strains. Additionally, baking soda also helps remove plaque by neutralizing acids, which are produced by the bacteria.
Fights acne and pimples
You don’t need harsh chemicals to get rid of acne or pimples, because baking soda can easily do the work. The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of baking soda help treat the cause and reduce the symptoms of acne as well as other breakouts.
Relieves sunburn and sunburn blisters
Keep a box of baking soda with you during the summer. Baking soda has a soothing effect on sunburned skin due to its alkaline nature, which helps relieve burning and itching sensations. In addition, due to its drying and antiseptic properties, baking soda helps dry out sunburn blister quickly.
Treats stained nails
Stained or yellow nails can be unsightly, but this substance can whiten the nails so you don’t have to hide them in your gloves or pockets. Exfoliating and bleaching properties of baking soda help remove strains.
Improves skin complexion
Many people have a problem of uneven skin tone. Baking soda is an inexpensive and easy solution, if you want a brighter and even skin tone. Use baking soda to balance pH level of your skin. This is very important to maintain clear and even skin.
Treats smelly and oily hair
Smelly hair is an embarrassing problem of many people. However, baking soda can easily fix this problem, since it neutralizes foul odors and also helps reduce oiliness. Additionally, alkaline nature of baking soda balances the pH level of the scalp to keep it healthy and clean.
Treats body odor
One of the best natural deodorizers which helps treat mild and severe body odor is baking soda. Baking soda helps absorb sweat and moisture from the skin, resulting in reduction of body odor. Additionally, it also helps kill bacteria which give rise to body odor, due to its antibacterial properties.