Baking soda helps eradicate acne by absorbing acne-causing oils from the skin and removing dead skin cells that clog skin pores. While its effectiveness is debated, there are a variety of ways to use baking soda that can be followed to cleanse the skin. Keep in mind that you will need to use baking soda for a few days before you see a change. In addition, baking soda can be irritating to some people, as well as disrupt the skin's pH.
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Method 1 of 3: Get Rid of Acne on Face
Step 1. Use baking soda as a spot treatment for pimples on the face
To make a spot treatment product from baking soda, mix baking soda and water in a 1:1 ratio in a small cup or bowl. After that, apply a paste of baking soda (just a thin layer) on the pimple you want to get rid of.
- You can leave the baking soda paste on the pimple for 15-30 minutes (or less if you have sensitive skin). If this step is helpful, you can extend the duration of use.
- After finishing with the spot treatment, rinse off the paste by washing your face or wiping it with a washcloth moistened with warm water.
- If you notice signs of irritation or your acne is getting worse, stop using baking soda as a spot treatment.
Step 2. Try using baking soda as an exfoliating facial cleanser 2-3 times a week
Gentle exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and cause breakouts. To make an exfoliating face wash with baking soda, add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to your regular face wash.
- If you don't have a face wash, mix baking soda with a teaspoon of pure honey.
- When cleansing your face, gently rub the mixture on your face in a circular motion. Be careful not to rub the face wash on the sensitive skin around the eyes.
Step 3. Use a baking soda mask on your face once a week
When used weekly, a baking soda mask can help get rid of pimples on the face. To make it, mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of water in a bowl. After that, apply the mask on your face and be careful not to get it in your eyes.
- Leave the mask on for 15-30 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. If you have sensitive skin, let it sit for 5-10 minutes in the initial treatment.
- If the mask is too thick to apply on the face or too runny to drip, adjust the amount of baking soda and water used.
Method 2 of 3: Treating Acne on the Body
Step 1. Soak in a mixture of water and baking soda to get rid of acne on the body
Soaking with a mixture of water and baking soda is an easy way to deal with acne on the body. To prepare the water bath, fill the soaking tub with warm water and add 150 grams of baking soda.
- Soak for 15-30 minutes.
- If you have sensitive skin, fill the tub with more water to dissolve the baking soda. Soak for 5-10 minutes only.
- While soaking, use a loofah or sponge to rub the baking soda on your skin.
Step 2. Try using baking soda as an exfoliating scrub
The sloughing off of dead skin cells from the body can prevent clogging of pores and acne. To make a baking soda scrub, mix baking soda with water in a 3:1 ratio in a small bowl. After that, gently rub the mixture on the skin and rinse under the shower.
You can also mix baking soda with regular liquid soap
Step 3. Make a clarifying shampoo using baking soda to prevent neck and back acne
Clarifying shampoos can remove dirt and product buildup in your hair that can potentially cause breakouts on your neck and back. To make a clarifying shampoo using baking soda, add teaspoon of baking soda to a bottle of shampoo. After that, wash your hair as usual.
- Don't forget to rinse your hair thoroughly so that the baking soda shampoo doesn't dry out your scalp.
- Use a clarifying shampoo from baking soda once a month.
Method 3 of 3: Trying Different Baking Soda Treatments
Step 1. Make a paste of baking soda, honey, and lemon juice to treat stubborn acne
To make a paste, mix teaspoon of baking soda, teaspoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of honey in a small bowl. After that, apply the paste on the irritated pimple you want to get rid of.
- Lemon juice can reduce dark spots or blemishes on the skin caused by acne.
- Baking soda and lemon juice can dry out the pimple, while honey works to reduce inflammation so the pimple doesn't look red and swollen.
Step 2. Mix baking soda, avocado oil, and lavender oil to make a moisturizing scrub
To make it, mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a small bowl. After that, add a few drops of lavender oil and stir the mixture until smooth.
- To use a moisturizing facial scrub, gently massage the scrub onto a cleansed face for 5 minutes before rinsing.
- Use a scrub once a week to prevent the formation of pimples on the face.
Step 3. Use essential oils and baking soda to make a scented scrub
Essential oils such as lavender oil, spearmint oil, and lime oil can provide a sweet and soothing aroma to the scrub. Mix baking soda and water in a 3:1 ratio, then add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
