Beautiful, well-groomed skin can become the best decoration, while the most spectacular look can be ruined by the presence of acne, blackheads and other defects on the face. Facial care requires an investment of effort and money, but not all procedures require the participation of a salon cosmetologist. You can clean your face at home using baking soda. Cleaning your face with baking soda at home is an effective cleanser that doesn’t require a lot of money and still allows you to achieve good results.
How can baking soda help get rid of acne?
The effectiveness of baking soda in treating facial acne is much lower than that of specialized skin care products or pharmacological drugs, but in the initial stages it can help solve the problem.
It is possible to achieve a positive result thanks to the following methods of influence:
- Neutralization of acid-base imbalance in the upper layers of the epidermis, which is one of the common causes of acne on the face;
- Antiseptic effect and suppression of inflammatory processes, which leads to the elimination of existing acne or a reduction in their number;
- Drying the skin and removing excess fat produced by the sebaceous glands, which prevents clogging of pores and the subsequent development of inflammation;
- Exfoliation of the upper layers of the skin and removal of dead cells, which becomes possible due to the special structure of the product obtained by mixing soda and water;
- Evens out facial tone and eliminates excessive pigmentation.
What effect?
- A gentle massage with a mixture of soda destroys dead skin cells, the pores are cleansed of remaining cosmetics, sebum, and dust particles. The result is that blackheads, acne, and small pimples disappear.
- Soda has a bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect. A weak solution is used to disinfect the skin to prevent irritation and inflammation.
- Baking soda is an amazing cleanser for oily skin. By destroying excess fat, it will prevent the appearance of acne. Thanks to soda cleansing, the process of sebum production is regulated.
- Baking soda opens and cleanses pores. After cleansing, the skin is soft and smooth.
- Baking soda powder helps restore normal skin acidity (pH). It has a bactericidal effect.
- Freckles and age spots will become less noticeable.
- The active components of soda accelerate the healing of microcracks.
- Baking soda softens and soothes the skin. Can be used if the skin is sensitive and prone to irritation.
- Baking soda with shaving foam will get rid of dead skin cells.
Precautionary measures
Baking soda is a relatively safe remedy for treating facial acne as long as you take precautions.
Which are as follows:
- If your skin is hypersensitive, you should use topical soda with extreme caution , as it can cause redness, burning and other discomfort;
- Regardless of skin sensitivity, it is recommended to pre-test soda to make sure there is no negative reaction from the body;
- In the absence of an undesirable reaction, you still cannot use soda on a regular basis , since this can give the opposite result: a violation of the acid-base balance, leading to the growth of pathogenic microflora, the development of inflammation and an increase in the number of acne on the face;
- The recommended frequency of topical application of baking soda on the face is 2 times a week.
Contraindications
It is prohibited to use baking soda to cleanse your face if:
- dermatological diseases;
- open skin lesions (wounds, open pimples);
- exacerbation of acne (large number of inflammations);
- individual intolerance.
Abuse of home treatments with sodium bicarbonate can lead to skin dehydration and increased dryness. Therefore, it is optimal to carry out one maximum two (for oily skin type) cleansing per week.
How to do an allergy test?
Even if you are not prone to an allergic reaction, it is recommended to first test the soda for an allergic reaction.
This is done quite easily according to the following scheme:
- A small amount of baking soda is mixed with water to make a thick paste;
- The resulting mixture is applied to a small area of skin on the back of the hand;
- After 30-40 minutes, it is necessary to check the reaction : the absence of itching, burning, swelling, redness and other signs of allergy in the treated area is evidence of its absence.
After successfully passing the allergy test, you can safely apply baking soda to your face to get rid of acne.
Bath with soda according to Neumyvakin
By adding powder to the bath during bathing, toxins are removed from the body, the dermis is cleansed and treated for atopic dermatitis, signs of allergic reactions, boils and local inflammation are eliminated.
The bath should not be hot, just warm the water to 40 degrees and add 2 packs of soda.
The procedure will be healthier and more enjoyable if you add cedar oil, which has immunomodulatory properties, and essential oils of orange, lemon, and grapefruit.
For greater softening, you can add 200 ml of milk to the water. The procedure time is 30 minutes.
When using products with soda for health and youth, you should remember: there will be benefits if you follow the measure.
Abuse of beauty recipes will lead to dehydration of the dermis, which can lead to the appearance of fine wrinkles.
You can prevent negative consequences by using a moisturizer or nourishing cream.
Washing with baking soda
Washing with baking soda is the most effective facial treatment method for those with oily skin.
This technique can be practiced at the beginning of winter or spring for preventive purposes to create additional reliable protection of the facial skin from the effects of negative factors.
The procedure is carried out in accordance with the following instructions:
- A teaspoon of baking soda is added to a glass filled with warm water , the liquid must be stirred until the product is completely dissolved;
- You need to wash your face with the resulting soda water ; you should not wipe it after this, since the skin of your face must absorb the volume of liquid it needs;
- 10-15 minutes after the procedure, you need to wash your face with plain water to wash off the remaining soda from your face.
An alternative way to wash your face is to wipe your face with a cotton swab dipped in water with the addition of soda.
Particular attention should be paid to the area under the eyes - in these areas the tampon can be kept for 3-7 minutes, which will additionally help get rid of puffiness.
The frequency of washing depends on the current condition of the skin:
- When undergoing a procedure for preventive purposes or for deep cleaning, washing with soda should occur no more than once a week so as not to disturb the acid-base balance;
- If you have a large number of pimples on your face, washing with baking soda can be done up to 4 times a week, every other day. It is recommended to coordinate such treatment with a specialist.
Indications for peeling with soda
Facial peeling with baking soda is a simple and useful procedure that can be done at home.
It can be performed at any age according to indications.
Such products can fully replace a session with a cosmetologist, while being cheaper and taking less time.
Soda remedies will help get rid of many problems:
- remove blackheads;
- narrow enlarged pores;
- control oily skin prone to pimples (acne);
- get rid of the top layer of dry, keratinized epidermis.
Soda peeling is great for oily skin. This substance absorbs excess fat and helps reduce the activity of the sebaceous glands.
It is recommended to carry out the procedure before applying creams or makeup.
Using baking soda in a targeted manner
One option for using baking soda against acne is using it as a spot treatment, which is a quick way to combat acne.
Detailed instructions for preparation and subsequent processing are given below:
- Baking soda and warm water are mixed in equal proportions , usually a few tablespoons of each is enough to obtain a paste with a suitable thick structure;
- Before undergoing the procedure, the face must be washed and cleansed in any usual way; you can use special products in the form of gel or milk;
- The resulting product is applied pointwise with your finger to individual pimples . If there are open lesions, a short-term tingling may occur, which is a normal reaction and does not require immediate removal of the paste;
- 15 minutes after application, the soda paste is washed off the face with plain water;
- You can apply the product to acne spots and leave it on your face all night and wash it off in the morning. The effectiveness of treatment in this case increases, but along with it the risk of excessive drying and peeling of the skin also increases;
- After spot use of soda, it is recommended to additionally moisturize your face ; for this you can use a cream with the appropriate effect.
Facial skin care after cleansing
To consolidate the results of cleaning, use a clay mask. Miramistin or chlorhexidine will help soak it. The mixture should be spread over the face and left for a quarter of an hour, during which the mixture will dry. Warm water is used to wash off the mask. After this, the face must be lubricated with moisturizer.
If an aggressive cleaning method using soda and salt was used, then the skin needs to be soothed after it. This requires the use of soothing masks. You can make a mask from honey, oatmeal and sunflower oil. A mixture of curdled milk and finely grated carrots and apples has a positive effect. Ready-made masks are also effective.
After cleansing, you should take care of your skin daily using alcohol-free lotion. To rinse your face in the morning, you will need mineral water. You can also add a small amount of cosmetic clay to mineral water. This solution looks like milk. Thanks to it, the skin is cleansed and disinfected. The product prevents the occurrence of pimples and blackheads.
Don’t forget to apply moisturizing and nourishing creams at night after cleansing.
Recipes for effective masks based on baking soda
A variety of face masks with the addition of baking soda allows them to be used to treat acne by those with any skin type.
General rules for applying soda masks to the face are given below:
- Application of masks is allowed only on skin that has undergone preliminary cleansing;
- The skin must be moisturized before applying the mask ; just sprinkle water on it;
- The mask is applied with light finger movements ; unlike a scrub, it should not be rubbed in;
- The duration of the procedure is 5-10 minutes ; in any case, it is not allowed to keep the mask on your face for more than 15-20 minutes, as this can cause side effects and aggravate the situation;
- Frequency of applying masks to treat acne: once a week.
Baking soda mask with lemon juice
A mask that, in addition to baking soda, contains lemon juice and moisturizer, is well suited for treating acne for those with dry skin.
Method of preparation and use:
- Soda is mixed with nourishing cream in equal quantities, usually 1 teaspoon of each component is enough;
- A few drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice are added to the product;
- After thorough mixing, the mask is applied to the face; the thickness of the layers can be increased in places with acne accumulation or severe inflammation;
- After 10 minutes, rinse with warm water.
Soda-based mask with sour cream added
For dry skin, you can also use a sour cream mask, which effectively eliminates all skin rashes and has a moisturizing effect.
Method of preparation and use:
- A teaspoon of sour cream of any fat content is mixed with half a teaspoon of soda.
- The facial skin is not only cleansed beforehand, but also steamed.
- Apply in thin layers, avoiding the area around the eyes;
- The mask should be kept on the face for about 20 minutes, after which it can be washed off.
Egg soda mask
A soda mask with the addition of egg white is good for treating acne that occurs on oily skin.
Method of preparation and use:
- The egg white is mixed with a teaspoon of baking soda, after which both components must be beaten with a mixer;
- The product is applied to the face in even thin layers; rubbing into the skin should be avoided;
- After 10 minutes, the mask can be washed off with warm water.
Universal mask based on soda
Below is a recipe for a mask that can be used not only for the face, but also for application to problem areas of various parts of the body.
This product is approved for use regardless of skin type, but it cannot be used more than once every 1.5-2 weeks.
Method of preparation and use:
- A tablespoon of soda is mixed with the same amount of table salt;
- The dry mixture is diluted with a tablespoon of a solution based on laundry soap;
- Application is carried out in thin layers, after 10-15 minutes the mask can be washed off.
After using any soda-based mask, it is recommended to wipe the skin with a piece of ice and chamomile infusion.
Methodology
Cleaning with soda should be carried out according to the rules common to all such procedures. First you prepare your face, then treat it with a homemade scrub or mask, and finally soothe the skin and apply a cream. However, there are some specifics, which will be discussed below.
Preparation
It is difficult to find a person who has never come into contact with soda at home. If you haven’t had any unpleasant sensations from it before, then most likely you won’t have any problems with soda masks and scrubs. But just in case, you can perform a standard allergy test.
Apply a small amount of the mixture to the crook of your elbow and leave for several hours. When there is no redness, irritation, or itching, you can use a mask or scrub to cleanse your face (soda mixed with other ingredients) at home.
If you apply the mixture to your skin and feel discomfort or itching, wash it off and do not use this method. In the end, the main thing is not to harm yourself. Perhaps soda is not right for you after all.
Execution steps
Start by washing your face. Get rid of decorative cosmetics and surface contaminants.
The next stage is steaming. To do this, you can use a decoction of medicinal herbs, for example, chamomile or calendula. Cover your head with a towel and stand over the steaming pan for about ten minutes. There are also special warming masks on sale - they expand pores more gently.
Prepare a mixture with soda. Apply it to your face, avoiding the eye area. You can do a light massage for one minute. Leave the mixture for 10-15 minutes. The exposure time may be shorter, rely on your feelings. Wash off the mask as soon as you feel uncomfortable.
Baking soda is an alkaline, and when it reacts with fatty acids, it disrupts the natural pH balance of the skin. As a result, your face becomes much more sensitive to various negative environmental influences and bacteria for a couple of hours after using it. Therefore, after washing off the mixture, the acidity must be restored. You shouldn’t wait for this to happen by itself, because during this time your defenseless skin will have time to suffer.
The easiest way to do this is to wipe your face with a solution of apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon per glass of water). You can also rinse with cold water to tighten the pores.
Finish the session by applying moisturizer.
Baking soda scrubs
Using baking soda, you can prepare scrubs that will become effective helpers in the fight against acne.
The following describes the process of preparing and using a product that can effectively cleanse oily skin:
- Mix a tablespoon of table salt with a teaspoon of soda;
- Dilute the dry mixture with a few tablespoons of warm water to obtain a paste that needs to be mixed thoroughly;
- Rub the mixture into the skin of the face with light movements, rinse with warm water 5 minutes after completion of treatment;
- The duration of the course is 10 days; with longer use of the scrub, the skin may become too dry.
Sometimes a small amount of coffee grounds is added to a scrub for oily skin - it provides the skin with a large number of useful microelements and nutrients. When using this component, you need to keep the scrub on your face for 10 minutes, otherwise the procedure is carried out according to the same scheme.
To treat acne when the skin tends to dry out, it is recommended to use the following scrub recipe:
- Mix a teaspoon of cream, half a teaspoon of baking soda and a tablespoon of natural bee honey;
- The components are thoroughly mixed to ensure uniformity of the structure, after which the mass is applied to the face;
- The product is rubbed into the skin, the epidermis receives a set of necessary vitamins and nutrients contained in honey, but it must be taken into account that it can also cause an allergic reaction;
- After 10 minutes, the scrub can be washed off the face with warm water.
Contraindications and possible harm
- The presence of open wounds, abrasions and other injuries on the face, accompanied by a violation of the integrity of the skin.
- Excessively dry face, constantly flaking.
- Abundant vascular network on the face.
- Viral, infectious, inflammatory skin diseases.
- Too thin and flabby epidermis.
Using soda if there are contraindications will only worsen the condition and provoke unwanted complications.
Bicarbonate can harm your face if used incorrectly. There is a protective layer on the epidermis. It may become disrupted and stop performing its functions due to the fact that too frequent use of the product will lead to an imbalance in pH.
Although bicarbonate is considered the best natural scrub, it should not be used too often. The same applies to excessively intense rubbing of the face. Microscopic particles can damage the skin, causing cracks and abrasions.
You need to understand that no matter how useful the product is, you should not use it every day, hoping that it will provide instant results. Frequent use can only cause harm.
Peeling based on baking soda
Soda peeling is considered one of the most effective cleansing procedures at home. With its help, you can get rid of existing skin problems and reduce the likelihood of recurrence of acne on the face.
During its passage, the effect is only on the upper layers of the dermis, so the procedure is painless and does not injure the skin.
Peeling with honey and soda
This peeling involves the joint use of baking soda and honey and helps get rid of blackheads.
Instructions for carrying it out are given below:
- Both components are mixed in equal proportions; any type of honey will do; a prerequisite is that it is natural;
- The soda-honey mixture is applied gently with massage movements;
- After 10 minutes, rinse off without soap or gel;
- It is recommended to do it weekly, repeat for a month, then take a break.
Soda here cleanses the dermis, honey restores and nourishes it. But it is worth remembering that honey is highly allergenic.
Peeling with cosmetics
Peeling can be done using facial wash or cosmetic gel; this option will help relieve inflammation, narrow pores and prevent drying out.
The instructions are given below:
- The selected cosmetic product is poured into a separate container or palm, it must be foamed;
- Add 10 grams of sea salt and 10 grams of baking soda, the mixture is thoroughly mixed;
- The mixture is rubbed into the facial skin for 1-2 minutes, paying special attention to problem areas with acne accumulation;
- After the procedure, you need to wash your face and treat your face with a cream with a moisturizing effect.
Peeling with hydrogen peroxide
This peeling can normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands, eliminate their secretions and slightly dry out problem areas.
Peeling is carried out in accordance with the following instructions:
- Soda in a volume of 10 grams is mixed with such an amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide to obtain a thick paste-like mixture;
- To increase effectiveness, a few drops of tea tree essential oil are added to the composition;
- The peeling mixture is rubbed into the face for a minute, after which it must be washed off;
- After the procedure, it is recommended to additionally moisturize your facial skin.
Brutal peeling
Brutal peeling is practiced for deep and high-quality cleansing of pores, which helps prevent the recurrence of acne for a long period.
The procedure is carried out according to the following scheme:
- Salt, soda and shaving cream are mixed in equal quantities, the components are mixed until a mass with a uniform structure is obtained;
- The resulting product must be rubbed into the skin of the face with circular massaging movements, paying special attention to problem areas;
- After 10 minutes, the mass is washed off the face with warm water; no need to use soap;
- After the procedure, it is recommended to wipe your face with fresh lemon.
Rules for cleansing the skin with soda and salt
Cleansing your face with baking soda and salt is very effective. However, the procedure has a rather aggressive effect on the skin. In order not to harm yourself and achieve better results, you must follow certain rules:
- Salt and soda should not be used to clean sensitive, inflamed, irritated or damaged skin.
- The procedure is also not indicated for cases where capillaries are close to the surface of the skin or for any diseases of the vascular system.
- A preliminary skin test is required. If there is severe burning, itching, or redness, it is better to refuse cleaning.
Soda and salt should not be used to clean inflamed skin.
- For a milder effect of the mixture, it is recommended to pre-wipe the skin with olive oil. However, it is necessary to take into account that the layer created by the oil prevents the deep penetration of the peeling mixture into the pores, which reduces the effectiveness of cleaning.
- The mixture is first applied to the fingertips, then with gentle massaging movements on the face. Avoid stretching or pressing too hard on the skin.
- Baking soda and salt can be used to clean not the entire face, but only problem areas (for example, areas of heavy pollution or the location of blackheads).
- The mixture is removed with warm water, after which the face is rinsed with cool water. The contrast procedure increases vascular tone and closes pores, which prevents infection.
- To avoid severe skin irritation, after the procedure it is imperative to apply a nourishing, antiseptic or protective cream to the treated skin.
Using Baking Soda for a Bath
Soda baths are not only a way to get rid of acne, but also a good procedure for general healing effects on the body.
Its use allows you to achieve the following positive results:
- Elimination of acne not only on the face, but also on the back, shoulders, neck and other parts of the body;
- Complex antiseptic effect, elimination or reduction of local inflammation;
- Cleansing the lymphatic system and stimulating natural metabolism;
- Stimulation of blood circulation processes and destruction of fungal microflora;
- Providing a calming effect during nervous overstrain.
Baths with the addition of soda are recommended for people with oily skin to normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands, as well as for those with rough skin, since the procedure will help soften it.
To obtain a positive result, you must take such baths in accordance with the following instructions:
- The maximum water temperature during the procedure is +38°C;
- To take a bath you will need 150 grams of baking soda, it is recommended to add 300 grams of sea salt to it;
- All components are pre-mixed in a separate container and diluted with warm water; the resulting solution is then poured into the bath;
- The duration of stay in water should not exceed 15 minutes;
- After completing the procedure, it is recommended to wrap yourself in a warm robe or blanket and go to bed.
How it works
The essence of the procedure is to apply pure soda or its mixture with other components to the skin, followed by a light massage in a circular motion. The formula for baking soda is NaHCO3. The active components included in it have a beneficial effect on the skin.
- Sodium stimulates metabolic processes occurring in cells, which accelerates skin regeneration. In addition, this element enhances the effect of other components, which significantly increases the cleaning efficiency.
- Charcoal is the most important cleaning element. Penetrating into the skin pores, it absorbs harmful compounds and excess sebum, intensively cleansing the skin. Regulates the functioning of the sebaceous glands, resulting in the elimination of excessive oiliness of the skin. Coal also has regenerating properties: its presence in soda promotes faster healing of small cracks and shallow damage.
- Oxygen and hydrogen soften the effect of carbon. Oxygen supports and stimulates the vital activity of cells, promotes their release from decay products.
Coal is part of soda
!Often, soda is used for the procedure not alone, but in combination with salt or other ingredients.
Baking Soda Recipes for Acne Spots
Homemade recipes with baking soda are effective not only in combating rashes, but also in combating their consequences. Let's look at the most effective recipes.
Anti-stain mask with baking soda and oatmeal
This method will require natural ingredients that are involved not only in skin whitening, but also have an additional positive effect on post-acne.
The process of its preparation and use is described below:
- 20 g of oatmeal are pre-ground in a coffee grinder , a teaspoon of soda and a little hot water are added to it;
- The mixed composition, after swelling, is applied to cleansed skin with acne marks;
- Leave for 10 minutes , and excess mask is removed with damp cotton pads.
This mask also perfectly relieves inflammation on problem skin.
Recipe with added baking soda and sugar
Sugar-soda product is intended for deep cleansing of facial skin. The presence of additional components in it allows you to saturate the deepest layers of the epidermis.
The process of its preparation and use is described below:
- Dissolve a teaspoon of granulated sugar and the same amount of baking soda in a glass of warm water, mix all ingredients thoroughly;
- The resulting mixture is applied to a cotton pad , which is then used to wipe the surface of the face containing acne marks;
- Apply with light massaging movements for 3-4 minutes;
- Wait until the product remaining on your face dries completely , then wash your face; it is recommended to use mild soap to enhance the main effect;
- Let your face dry naturally , then wipe it with butter;
- Wait 1 hour and wash again with warm water , this time you should stop using soap.
Scrubs with sodium bicarbonate
Mechanical removal of dead dermal cells is carried out using scrubs.
It’s easy to prepare the product: just mix 1 tbsp. NaHCO3 with water, green tea to a paste and massage the face, applying the mixture to problem areas.
Afterwards, it is recommended to carry out tonic procedures with an ice cube made from chamomile decoction, tea, water with parsley juice.
Scrub with baking soda and salt
A mixture of sodium bicarbonate and salt will cleanse, dry out small pimples, and relieve inflammation. To prepare it, you need to mix fine salt and NaHCO3, taken in equal quantities.
The product is applied with massage movements for 1-2 minutes, then washed off with water.
For a greater anti-inflammatory and cleansing effect, wash gel and hydrogen peroxide are added to the mixture.
Adding baking soda to cosmetics
Baking soda can be used to add to various cosmetic products to increase their effectiveness in treating facial acne.
Suitable for these purposes:
- Various lotions for facial skin care;
- Tonics for the treatment of acne;
- Ointments and other products for topical use with low density.
With such treatment, there is a combined effect, feeding the epidermis with care products and cleansing the skin with soda, and the soft structure reduces the risk of damage from soda particles.
You can prepare a product based on this component using the following instructions:
- The selected cosmetic product in a volume that is usually taken for a single application is placed in a separate container;
- A small pinch of baking soda is added to the cosmetic product , after which the mixture is thoroughly mixed;
- Apply the product with the addition of soda to the skin of the face with light finger movements , while you need to make smooth massaging movements for deeper cleansing of the pores;
- Additional moisturizing after treatment is not required ; such treatment can be carried out 1-3 times a week.
How does soda work?
Baking soda's main effect is cleansing, mainly due to its alkaline properties, but abrasives also play a small role. Sodium bicarbonate - this is the name of the chemical formula - is absolutely non-toxic to the body. However, care must be taken with the skin of the face, since the substance is caustic, and solid particles can cause harm before they dissolve.
This inconsistency of properties causes different reviews. Some people constantly use baking soda at home and can’t get enough of it, while others only have negative impressions. Therefore, be careful, do not overdo it, follow the proven recipe and make sure that you have no contraindications for the use of such products.
Sodium bicarbonate (another name for the formula) has a dual effect on the epidermis:
- on the one hand, it literally dissolves substances that pollute the skin - sebum, microorganisms, dead cells, cosmetic residues, etc.;
- on the other hand, it actively irritates cells, forcing them to divide, which accelerates regeneration, that is, renewal, rejuvenation.
Such properties are conveyed to cleansing recipes by the elements of which soda is composed. This is hydrogen with oxygen, forming water, carbon in the form of carbon and sodium:
- Carbon helps normalize sebum secretion and “extracts” dirt that clogs pores.
- Sodium plays the role of a “carrier,” delivering carbon into cells.
- Water somewhat softens the aggressiveness of the first two elements, but this is where its effect ends - the amount is not enough to moisturize the skin.
Cleansers are formulated with the addition of various components: shaving foam, water, protein, honey and others. Some of them enhance the cleansing effect, for example, salt. The other part, on the contrary, is introduced to soften it. An example of such an ingredient is olive oil.
Can you drink baking soda as an internal remedy for skin problems?
In folk medicine, baking soda is used internally to solve many health problems. Such procedures are aimed at normalizing the acid-base balance and a general healing effect on the body, due to which the number of skin rashes also decreases.
Taking soda orally is carried out according to the following scheme:
- Dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of warm boiled water and stir the solution;
- The product should be taken orally in small sips; it is recommended to do this in the morning before breakfast;
- Reception is carried out on a daily basis, 1 time per day.
What are the benefits of baking soda for your face?
Let's look at how this product acts on the skin and how it is beneficial for the face. In its pure, undissolved form, soda has a powdery state and consists of fine granules. Thanks to this consistency, it has abrasive properties. The abrasive effect of soda made it possible to use it as a skin scrub. As a chemical, it has a disinfectant effect.
Interacting with the moisture of skin cells, as a result of the reaction, soda releases carbon dioxide, which, penetrating into the deep subcutaneous layers, affects small blood vessels. There is a rush of blood to the skin cells, providing them with additional nutrition. This leads to cell regeneration.
Thanks to this effect on the skin, soda:
- cleanses its surface, eliminating pore impurities;
- removes dead skin cells;
- relieves acne and pimples;
- has a disinfectant effect and relieves inflammation;
- normalizes fat composition;
- rejuvenates skin cells.
Important Application Tips
When using baking soda topically to get rid of acne on the face, consider the following recommendations:
- Soda has contraindications even for external use , and their absence should be ensured before starting treatment;
- Despite the safety of the product, you should not use it too often : once a week for preventive purposes, 3-4 times a week when treating acne;
- When using baking soda more than 1-2 times a week, it is better to consult a doctor about such treatment;
- Regardless of the frequency of use of soda, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the skin ; at the first signs of peeling or drying, use a moisturizing cosmetic product;
- It is not recommended to use soda to treat acne on the face in the hot season , or to combine such procedures with visiting a solarium or beaches. Excessive thermal exposure increases the risk of drying out and microtrauma.
Cleaning your face with baking soda at home
When starting procedures that use soda, it is better to find out the benefits and harms for facial skin in advance - this will allow you to achieve good results without harm to the dermis. There are much more positive qualities here:
- you won’t have to spend money on expensive medications recommended for facial cleansing;
- the effect of using soda is no worse than after cleaning with expensive compounds;
- there are almost no contraindications; even ladies with sensitive skin are allowed to use masks or scrubs;
- the presence of carbon salt, which is part of the soda, allows you to remove dirt and fat from the deep layers of the dermis;
- the abundance of sodium in the composition allows you to activate metabolic processes in the skin;
- masks quickly remove acne, blackheads, and tighten pores;
- you can use baking soda to treat age spots - scrubs perfectly even out skin tone;
- With regular use, the appearance of the dermis changes for the better - it becomes softer and silkier.
Many women are interested in whether it is possible to wash their face with soda? As practice has proven, baking soda does an excellent job of removing stains. For washing, dilute 35 g in warm water (500 ml). soda, wash, rinse with cool water. It is better not to do more than three washes per week.
Cleaning your face with soda is not recommended in one case - if the skin reacts negatively to a rather aggressive substance. The appearance of irritation, rashes, and red spots of irregular shape is a signal to refuse the procedure. If there are injuries on the face, it is also better to temporarily resort to more gentle formulations.
What contraindications does it have?
Topical use of soda to treat acne has a number of contraindications, including the following:
- Open wounds and damage to the integrity of the skin in the treated area;
- Inflammatory processes in the acute phase on the treated area;
- Local varicose veins and the presence of burst vessels in the treatment areas;
- Allergic reaction that occurs to the use of soda;
- Dry skin type or tendency to dry out . In this case, soda is prohibited only in its pure form, but it can be added as an auxiliary component to a cream or gel with a moisturizing effect.
What can soda help with - indications and contraindications
Like any natural component, soda can become either an assistant in solving skin problems or a cause of deterioration in its health. Whether it is harmful or not to wash your face with soda - it all depends on the characteristics of your body. To avoid unpleasant incidents, you should use it if you have the following problems:
- pigmentation, freckles, moles, uneven tone;
- “orange peel” and enlarged pores, blackheads;
- rash, redness, acne, inflammatory processes;
- dullness, lifelessness of color, greasy shine.
Should not be used in the following situations:
- individual intolerance to the composition;
- increased sensitivity;
- presence of damage to the body (wounds, scratches, etc.);
- excessive dryness, dehydration;
- exacerbation of skin diseases.
Even the most effective home recipe can cause skin problems if you do not first take into account its characteristics. Of course, a good solution would be to consult with a cosmetologist or dermatologist, especially if you have serious problems with the epidermis, have specific diseases, or often have complications from cosmetics.
Side effects
External use of baking soda to treat acne rarely causes side effects.
However, if the basic rules for using the product are not followed, it can lead to the following undesirable reactions:
- Redness at the application sites , accompanied by itching and burning;
- Drying of the skin , leading to peeling;
- Increased activity of the sebaceous glands due to the removal of too much natural fat;
- Violation of the acid-base balance due to the systematic use of soda;
- The worsening of the situation and the appearance of even more rashes most often occurs when exposed pimples are treated with soda.
Beneficial features
Various masks, scrubs and soda baths done at home can heal the skin. Using sodium bicarbonate you can achieve the following effects:
- Cleansing the epidermis. The product removes acne and prevents its reappearance by cleansing the pores of dust and impurities. With the help of bicarbonate it is possible to normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands. This helps prevent acne and blackheads and reduce the amount of sebum produced.
- Pore expansion. Thanks to this effect, the skin breathes and receives a sufficient amount of oxygen and nutrients. This has the best effect on appearance and health.
- Elimination of pathogenic microflora. Bicarbonate has a disinfectant and antimicrobial effect. Regular use promotes an active regeneration process, heals wounds and even microscopic cracks. In practice, it has been proven that the use of the product helps to quickly get rid of acne scars.
- Providing a scrubbing effect. Bicarbonate consists of microscopic grains of sand that have a gentle mechanical effect on the skin. Thanks to this, blackheads are eliminated and dead epidermal cells are removed. Unlike many store-bought products, the substance acts delicately: it does not irritate or injure the skin.
- For whitening. The product gets rid of stains of various origins. You can whiten freckles and get rid of pigmentation of varying intensity.
The advantage of using soda is that it is suitable for any skin type, with the exception of excessively dry epidermis, its bicarbonate will dry out even more, and this can lead to peeling.
Basic rules for using baking soda for the face
Despite its beneficial effects on the skin surface, sodium bicarbonate is not a product for daily use. Particular care should be taken when using it in undissolved powder form.
If used incorrectly, this product can damage the appearance, so it must be used in compliance with the following rules:
- The product should be used after a test test on the elbow or wrist.
- It should not be used as a scrub on thin, easily irritated skin or if it has open wounds or inflammation.
- The soda scrub is first applied to the fingers and then massaged into the skin surface with soft circular movements. It is better to use it selectively only on problem areas, and not completely on the entire front surface.
- to wash off the abrasive composition first with slightly warm clean water. Then, to soothe the skin, cool your face with cold water.
- For any oily skin after abrasive procedures, a softening cream must be applied to the face, which should additionally moisturize the surface.