Skincare

8 clever beauty uses for baking soda

The pantry essential is also a DIY dry shampoo, acne wash and more.

We all know that baking soda is great for cleaning up around the house, but what about using it for our face and body?

Here are eight top ways of using baking soda in your beauty routine:

1 Give your feet a good soak. Mix 3 tbsp baking soda in a wide bucket of warm water for a soothing foot soak. Add 10 drops of an essential oil, such as lavender, and soak for 20 minutes. If you have any rough skin, make a paste of baking soda and water, then scrub them at the end.

2 You can remove chlorine discoloration from your hair by mixing ½ cup baking soda with water to make a paste. Rub into damp hair and leave for 10 minutes (you may need more if you have long hair). Rinse.

3 Get rid of any chemical build-up from supermarket shampoos and conditioners in your hair by using the recipe for chlorine discoloration. I do this once a month.

4 If you use a lot of nail polish, your nails may look yellow. Bleach them by mixing 1 tbsp baking soda with 1 tsp oxygen bleach powder, then adding a little water to make a paste. Rub this on your nails and leave for 10 minutes, then wash off. Follow up with a soothing rub of olive oil.

5 Add 1 tbsp baking soda to your usual facial cleanser and form a paste. Massage into your skin to help exfoliate.

6 Make a tooth powder by mixing 2 tbsp baking soda mixed with a pinch of stevia (a natural herb sweetener you can find at supermarkets or health stores) and 5 drops lemon essential oil. Shake well and dip your wet toothbrush into it.

7 For acne and pimples, try mixing 1 tbsp baking soda with 1 tbsp manuka honey. Use this as an ointment for pimples, leave on overnight, then wash off in the morning.

8 For a dry shampoo, simply rub through baking soda and brush out.

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