In a consumer society that is reinventing itself on a daily basis, we are more and more likely to succumb to new trends, design flasks and ultra-sophisticated cosmetics. By yielding to these baits, we neglect a large part of Mother Nature's resources, available in their raw state and much less expensive than what we are promised in the best-crafted marketing discourses. Thus, we miss out on ingredients that we consider innocuous and whose availability could revolutionize our daily life, starting with baking soda.
A true Swiss army knife, baking soda is an ally often underestimated. For natural beauty treatments, the versatile ingredient has many properties with surprising utility, in addition to being completely environmentally friendly and avoiding overexposure to chemicals. If you still doubt its virtues, here are 7 tips to try to observe the results by yourself.
1. Fight against perspiration
Thanks to its antibacterial action, baking soda is your number one ally to put an end to the nauseating odors. To enjoy its benefits, simply mix it with a little water until you obtain a paste, then apply it on the areas most susceptible to perspiration (feet, armpits ... etc.). Leave on for a few minutes and rinse thoroughly before drying your skin.
2. Restore radiance to your smile
Slightly abrasive, baking soda allows you to regain a brighter smile while eliminating residues that get stuck between your teeth. In a study published by The Journal of Clinical Dentistry, it would have enhanced the action of a toothpaste to fight against tartar and the associated risks. Its use is very simple, just mix it with a little water and use the paste formed to brush your teeth for 1 to 2 minutes, before proceeding to your usual brushing.
3. Improves breath
In addition to restoring whiteness to your smile, baking soda gives you an additional defense against bacteria, often responsible for oral hygiene problems, including halitosis. To fight against foul breath, mix baking soda with a large volume of water and use the preparation as a mouthwash.
4. Fight against dandruff
Faced with dozens, even hundreds of shampoos that accumulate on the beauty rays in supermarkets, the choice is often very complex, especially when it comes to fight against dandruff. For a natural and effective hair care, mix a tablespoon of baking soda with half a liter of water and gently massage your scalp for 2 to 3 minutes. After rinsing, you can proceed to your usual shampoo.
Antiseptic and antifungal, baking soda will regulate the excess of sebum while fighting against certain fungi responsible for the appearance of dandruff. Note however that its use on the scalp should be punctual and should not be extended once the problem is resolved. In addition, this mixture is not recommended for colored or highlighted hair since baking soda could act as a bleach.
5. Exfoliates the skin gently
Baking soda is a great ally for clean skin without imperfections. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, this famous white powder has become one of the most popular products for home-care enthusiasts and other grandmother's tricks. Huda Beauty, world-renowned beauty guru is no exception to the trend. She confirms her effectiveness on her blog to exfoliate the body gently and get rid of dead skin.
Its use is simple, just mix a dab of your facial cleanser with a pinch of baking soda. For 40 seconds, gently massage your skin in circular motions, then rinse thoroughly before drying your face and applying a moisturizer.
6. Calme irritations
To protect the skin from limescale, irritation and dryness or itching, just add half a cup of baking soda in your bath. Because of its alkalizing properties, this ingredient will allow you to relax in softer water. Simply dilute 150 grams of bicarbonate in your bath water.
In case of irritation or localized itching, mix three teaspoons of bicarbonate to 20 milliliters of water and apply the preparation poultice on the areas concerned. Leave on for 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
7. Promotes the softness of the feet
After a long day of work, nothing like a footbath to offer a cocooning moment to your feet. By adding a quarter cup of baking soda to a quart of warm water, you will be able to fight calluses and uncomfortable itching. Do not hesitate to bring a pumice stone to eliminate dead skin, then apply a moisturizing lotion before putting on your most comfortable socks!
Warnings:
Because of its abrasive side, it is advisable to use baking soda sparingly, especially in case of skin scrub. It is also not recommended in case of sensitivity of the skin or certain dermatological pathologies.