Clear Skin With Baking Soda
Baking soda has many uses, but most people have probably never thought about using it for clear skin. I hadn’t even heard of it myself until after researching about the use of toothpaste as an acne spot treatment. However, it seems that baking soda is in fact one of the most well-recommended alternative acne treatments since tea tree oil.
Baking soda works by neutralizing the pH levels in your skin, reduces swelling, dries and dislodges the bacteria in your pores, and assists in the expulsion of underlying bacteria (some users notice bacteria leached from deep within your pores and pulled to the surface). It is typically used either as a scrub or a mask, and is prepared similarly in both scenarios.
All that is needed is baking soda and water. Users should slowly add water to a few tablespoons of baking soda, mixing the solution into a thick paste. After rinsing your face (preferably with warm water, which will cause your pores to open), the baking soda paste is applied. Those who use it as a scrub will want to gently rub the paste into your face, exfoliating dead cells, and then rinse it off immediately afterward. Conversely, those using the paste as a mask should gently smear the paste over your face, and then let the mask dry before rinsing it off. Depending on your skin’s pH, you may start to feel a burning sensation, in which case you should go ahead and rinse off. Follow with cool water and pat dry. Take care to keep the solution out of your eyes.
As an acne solution, the benefits of baking soda are more likely to be felt from the mask, as it provides a longer time period for the baking soda to penetrate your skin. As a powder baking soda is very fine, and so it may not be the best scrub for the simple purpose of exfoliation. However, in either case it is a very cost-effective solution, since you can purchase a large box of baking soda relatively cheap, and it should last you a long time. How much of an effect baking soda will have on preventing acne and preserving clear skin is uncertain, but the neutralization of pH levels may help at least mild acne sufferers in this respect.
Some users see results faster than others, but many appear to see improvement within the first week. Baking soda is not an overnight solution, but judging from the reviews it can help those who stick with it. Just keep in mind that it may pull existing acne bacteria to the surface, so new users sometimes see the equivalent of an initial breakout (similar to the pore-tightening effects of vitamin B5). Follow with a moisturizer if your skin feels overdried.
