7 Benefits of Baking Soda for Hair, Skin, and Body

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a familiar household staple often used for baking and cleaning purposes. But this versatile ingredient also provides a simple, natural solution for personal care and hygiene. The mildly abrasive and alkaline nature of baking soda makes it effective and safe for use on hair, skin and teeth. Read on to learn about 7 proven ways that baking soda benefits your hair, skin and overall health.

Exfoliates Skin
Baking soda gently exfoliates away dead skin cells, dirt, oil and residue from skin. It lightly scrubs without over-drying like harsh soaps or cleansers. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with water to form a paste and massage onto face, hands, elbows heels and other areas needing exfoliation. Rinse clean. For sensitive skin, limit use to 1-2 times per week. Exfoliating with baking soda reveals smoother, softer and more radiant skin.

Soothes Sunburns
A baking soda soak or compress can relieve the pain and inflammation of mild sunburns. Add 1-2 cups of baking soda to a lukewarm bath and soak for 15 minutes to ease sunburnt skin. Make a compress by dampening a soft cloth with cold water and baking soda and apply to the affected area. The sodium bicarbonate reduces irritation and burning sensation while also re-mineralizing the skin.

Brightens Teeth
Thanks to its abrasive texture, baking soda is a great natural teeth whitener. It helps scrub away stains and plaque without damaging enamel like some whitening toothpastes. Make a simple homemade toothpaste by mixing 1 teaspoon baking soda with 1-2 teaspoons water. Brush teeth as usual for whiter smile. You can also sprinkle baking soda directly onto your toothbrush. Use this DIY paste 1-2 times weekly.

Calms Acne and Oily Skin
The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of baking soda help clear up acne blemishes and soothe oily skin. It exfoliates dead skin cells and absorbs excess sebum without over-drying. Mix equal parts baking soda and water into a paste and apply onto pimples and acne-prone areas. Leave on for 10 minutes then rinse. Use this acne mask 1-2 times per week to calm breakouts.

Reduces Foot Odor and Soothes Sore Feet
Make a relaxing deodorizing foot soak with baking soda that softens calluses and neutralizes foot odor. Add 1/4 cup of baking soda to a basin or foot bath tub filled with warm water. Soak feet for 15-20 minutes then scrub with a pumice stone if needed. The baking soda kills odor-causing bacteria and removes dead skin on feet. Use this foot soak treatment 1-2 times a week.

Cleans and Detoxifies Skin
A baking soda bath provides an invigorating deep cleanse for skin helping to wash away oils, sweat, dirt and residue. The exfoliating action removes dead skin cells that can clog pores. Baking soda also has an alkalizing effect on skin pH to inhibit bacterial overgrowth and inflammation. Add 1-2 cups of baking soda to bath water and soak for 15-20 minutes for fresh, smooth, clear skin.

Removes Buildup from Hair
Using a baking soda hair wash periodically removes product residue, hard water minerals, pollution particles and other impurities that weigh hair down. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of baking soda in 1 cup water and use as the shampoo. Gently scrub into scalp and rinse. Follow with vinegar rinse. Use this treatment every 2-4 weeks as needed to refresh and deeply cleanse hair and scalp.

Baking soda is an inexpensive, non-toxic product that can benefit your beauty routine and hygiene in numerous ways. It deep cleanses, deodorizes, exfoliates and soothes skin naturally without harsh chemicals. Used periodically on hair, teeth, feet and nails, baking soda restores a clean and healthy look and feel. With its versatility, mildness and ease of use, baking soda deserves a permanent place in your self-care repertoire.