Baking Soda Beauty - At Home DIYs

Baking Soda is one of those products with so many hidden uses and benefits. Typically known as a household do-it-all, it is sometimes overlooked in many a beauty routine. A girlfriend of mine  was surprised when we were discussing what I've used it for over the past couple years so I thought I would share with you dolls some of the ways I use it in my beauty routine.

Anti-Acne Mask : I already have a post on this here. Baking Soda works as an alternative to those more expensive masks in the drug store and it also has the benefit of brightening the skin and killing bacteria. 

Teeth Whitening: Add baking soda to your toothpaste for a brighter smile, or make a paste with distilled hydrogen peroxide to get rid of stains on your teeth.

Clarifying shampoo: Add a teaspoon of this to your shampoo to get rid of residue and buildup and to get your hair squeaky clean. Or, if you use a lot of gel or pomade sprinkle a teaspoon onto your scalp and massage it in lightly as a scrub for your scalp then rinse out. As with anything applied to your scalp, avoid this if you have used any chemicals or have cut your scalp within 72 hours or it will burn.

Body Scrub: To keep your skin looking polished, get rid of bacteria that can cause acne, encourage cell turnover which helps with fading scars and dark marks, and to get rid of or prevent ingrown hairs use a body scrub. Mix baking soda with a little of your body wash and gently rub in with your palm. Let it sit for two minutes then rinse off with warm water.

Brush Cleaner : If you have sensitive skin, then its a good idea to use something that's a bit more organic than the typical brush cleaner. Baking soda can be a safe alternative. Dissolve a tablespoon in warm water and spray onto the brush and wipe out the product on a clean towel or a hand towel.

Whitening finger nails : If you wear dark colours on your nails you may notice that sometimes when you remove your nail polish, your fingernails are stained or yellowed. A quick way to get rid of this is to soak your nails in a bowl of warm water where you have dissolved baking soda for about five minutes after removing your nail polish.

Are you a fan of baking soda? Will you be trying any of these out soon? Leave me a comment and let me know.

Till later

**Jane

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DIY Anti-Acne Mask

Here it is folks! Another DIY because you've asked for it. This one is for the ladies and the fellas, because acne can't seem to pick a favourite. It would seem to me though that we have cramps, bloating and do the child birth thing so acne could really have been reserved for the fellas right? No? Okay, well here is something that even the least domesticated among us can whip up in an instant.

Disclaimer: I am not a dermatologist nor do I claim to be. I am not saying that this mask is the answer to all your acne problems. I am simply letting you know what I have done and how I do it. If you have a problem with acne please go and see a dermatologist. Skin problems may just be surface problems or they may be deeper. This idea is just that, an idea, nothing else. Thanks!

Ingredients

Baking Soda (NOT baking powder - this will burn you like none other!)

Water

Rose water (if you like) *found at pharmacies/supermarkets*

Yoghurt/Milk (if you like)

Cucumber/ Apples (if you like).

Method

1. In a small, clean bowl mix one part baking soda to two parts water. You are making a paste so ensure that the mixture is creamy not runny. 
2. Refrigerate for ten minutes, apply to clean damp skin with fingers and let sit for five-ten minutes then rinse with lukewarm water
3. Use once every two weeks or as often as needed but never more than three times for the week.

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OR

                       

Anti-Acne and Soothing Mask

1. Follow step 1 above but switch 1 part of water with one part rose water or milk or yoghurt (plain yoghurt or milk only)
2. Mash or blend an apple or a cucumber and fold into the mixture
3. Follow steps 2-3 as above

If you have sensitive skin I would implore you to leave this DIY mask for those with regular skin as the baking soda may sting or irritate your skin. As always, be sure to moisturize after you rinse off the mask, and don't rub, pat dry. I have friends who also use this as a spot treatment for a lone or a few pimple/s every now and then to dry it out. The mask should also fade acne marks lightly but PLEASE do not use this in an effort to bleach your skin! Black is BEAUTIFUL!

Thanks for reading! Comments make me happy!

Till later,

Jane

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