http://www.care2.com/greenliving/13-baking-soda-beauty-tips.html
13 Baking-Soda Beauty Tips
By Olivia Kuhn-Lloyd, Intent.com
My “beauty routine” has always been pretty minimal, but once in a while, I’m inspired to freshen up. I started to think about glow- and shine-inducing products that I already have on-hand–and my favorite of the bunch, baking soda.
How can my favorite multi-purpose (beauty) product enhance your grooming routines? Read on. (These applications for baking soda are a compilation of research, polls and personal use).
WHERE TO BUY? FOR HOW MUCH?
- Baking Soda is ubiquitous. It does not vary by brand nor fall into different price brackets. It’s reliable and will always come to the siren call of your beauty needs.
- It’s available. You can purchase it at supermarkets, bodegas, drug stores and gas station mini-marts.
- The price is right. Drugstore.com offers buy-one-get-one for $2.99.
HAIR
- Remove buildup. Mix a small palm-full of baking soda to your shampoo to remove buildup from conditioners, mousses and hairsprays.
- Dry shampoo. No time for a shampoo? Baking soda can be used as a dry shampoo when your hair is oily. Sprinkle some on your hair, comb through then quickly fluff your hair with a blow dryer.
- Chlorine-damaged tresses. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 pint warm water.
- Combs and brushes. Remove product and oil buildup by soaking your utensils in a bowl of warm water with about 3 tablespoons of baking soda. You can also add a splash of bleach.
SKIN
- Facial Exfoliant. In the palm of your hand, mix some baking soda with your facial cleanser to make a gentle exfoliant. Use circular motions to apply gently then rinse as usual for very soft skin.
- Rough skin. This also works for the rough skin on elbows and feet. Make a thick paste with baking soda and water (about 3 parts baking soda to one part water) and scrub away.
- Shaving. A solution of 1 tablespoon baking soda in a cup of water works as a pre-shave product of aftershave rinse for men with sensitive skin.
MOUTH
- Tooth polish and whitener. Baking soda toothpastes have been long-time shelf staples for a reason. The baking soda works to freshen breathe and whiten and polish teeth. Dip a damp toothbrush in baking soda and brush away. My personal twist, dip a toothbrush with toothpaste in baking soda for mouth cleaning times two.
- Toothbrush. Soak your tooth brush in a mixture of water and baking soda and let it soak overnight.
NAILS
- Soft cuticles. Scrubbing your nails or toenails with a nailbrush (or old toothbrush) dipped in baking soda will soften and gently exfoliate cuticles.
Have any other beauty tips that incorporate baking soda? Or perhaps another ingredient from your kitchen cabinets or refrigerator? I’d love to know. Who knows, before long I could be making lipstick from cherries, shampoo from apple cider vinegar and conditioner from mayonnaise!
Intent.com provides content and community for who you aspire to be–personally, socially and globally.
More from Megan, selected from Intent.com (31 articles available)
related stories
-
(21 comments)
-
(27 comments)
-
(27 comments)
Robyn
Melissa
Deepak
Eric
Dave
Dr. Brent
Isha
Susan
Delia
Michelle
Wendy
Megan
Hilary
Ann
Judi
Ronnie
Kelly
Lily
Terri
Betsy
Cait
Andrew
Jana
Annie B.
Veronica
38 comments
add your comment »i've always used the dry shampoo trick but i never knew the teeth-whitening one! wow! thanks for the great tips, i may use start using baking soda rather than toothpaste :)
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
great..thnks for the article
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
I knew it would whiten teeth but soften cuticles no idea.
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Thanks for the article.
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Thanks for the nice tips. I have tried baking soda before but I sprinkle some of it in my toothpaste when I brush my teeth
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
This is a great arcticle, my hair used to be greasy and damaged, but after a few days of just using baking soda, its light, free, and..... to its natural color, because there is no build up in it. Just a note to anyone who's going to try this.. it does make your hair feel weird the first few times.
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
These are some great ideas.
I have been wondering if I really needed to buy those expensive products. I dont know why people will pay extreme prices for things that dont really do what they claim.
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
aw wow, great information, thanks!
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
I sometimes use a half cup baking soda in a hot bath. It's cheap and leaves me feeling fresh and clean!
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
All of these suggestions/ideas are great! People need to share these and try to reduce (and even cease all together) using harsh chemicals. Baking soda (along other kitchen-found items such as white vinegar...) can do wonders!
And yes, for natural toiletry options, baking soda is amazing and a great deodorant/antipersperant!! I love it! (I use it just after applying the liquid crystal deodorant.)
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Facebook account: