Baking soda is a natural way to treat skin ailments, such as blackheads. While numerous beauty and skin products are available to help clear up your acne-prone or congested skin, many of them contain harsh substances, like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which can dry out your skin. Baking soda, on the other hand, allows you to naturally cleanse and exfoliate your skin in a gentle manner that only costs a few dollars.
Baking Soda
Also known as sodium bicarbonate, baking soda is a white powder that is found in mineral deposits throughout the world. It has numerous uses, including as a leavening agent in baking where it neutralizes acidic ingredients, as a cleanser and deodorizer for your home, teeth or laundry -- and as an exfoliate for your skin. Baking soda is inexpensive, a 16 oz. box costs less than $3, and it has an indefinite shelf life.
Blackheads
Blackheads are a type of acne that occurs from oil- or dirt-clogged pores and bacteria. They are believed to be the first sign of acne and an indication that a larger, more swollen bump is likely to occur. Causes of blackheads range from the onset of puberty to skin that has not been cleansed properly to monthly hormonal fluctuations. Taking care to cleanse your skin and unclog your pores can help eliminate and prevent blackheads.
Baking Soda Facial Scrub
Due to its powerful cleansing abilities, you can use baking soda in place of a gentle facial soap. Mix 3 tbsp. of baking soda with 1 tbsp. of warm water in a bowl; stir until paste has formed. Wash your hands so that you do not transfer any dirt that may be on your fingers to your face. Massage the baking soda scrub into your face with your fingers in a gentle circular motion. Rinse the baking soda off of your face with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel. Apply a moisturizer that does not contain oil.
Baking Soda Mask
Facial mask's are similar to cleansers except they stay on for longer periods of time to pull the oil and other dirt away from your skin, allowing your pores to be cleansed. To make a baking soda mask, mix ¼ cup bran powder and ¼ cup baking soda with 1/8 cup water. Stir the ingredients until a paste forms. Apply the mask to your face with your fingers and allow it to sit for 20 minutes. Wash the mask off with a clean washcloth and warm water. Apply a moisturizer that does not contain oil.
References
- "Beauty and the Budget"; Sandi Brenner; 2006
- Medical News Today: What Are Blackheads? How to Get Rid of Blackheads; May, 2007
- Baking Soda Book; What is Baking Soda



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