Baking soda may be used as a facial scrub to exfoliate skin.
Baking soda is commonly used for baking and cooking purposes. This white crystalline powder is highly versatile and has been used for many other purposes. It can deodorize, freshen, clean and even treat certain health conditions. Because it is naturally occurring, it is generally considered nontoxic and environmentally friendly. This makes it a good choice for treating dark and rough knees and elbows and other skin conditions. Results may vary depending on the individual.
Uses
Baking soda is also known as sodium bicarbonate or bicarbonate of soda. Derived from soda ash, baking soda can be processed synthetically or obtained from a hard crystalline material called trona ore. It acts as a mild alkali. A cleaning agent and a leavening agent, Its chemical properties are used to break down odors, and because it releases carbon dioxide at high temperatures, it is also suitable for extinguishing flames. Other industrial uses of baking soda include controlling air pollution by absorbing acid gas emissions, leather tanning and water treatment, among others.
Cleaning Knees and Elbows
Knees and elbows tend to get dry and darker in skin tones due to exposure to daily activities. Baking soda may be used to buff away rough skin and lighten skin tone. When baking soda is combined with water to make a paste, its crystalline nature acts as gentle abrasive to slough away dead cells on knees and elbows. This results in a smoother and lighter look. If knees and elbows are dirty, the alkaline nature of baking soda helps to break up fatty acids found in dirt and grease.
Application
For cleaning knees and elbows, it is best to make a paste out of baking soda since applying baking soda in its powder form can be too abrasive. A basic baking soda paste consists of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Mix well and apply with circular motion. To make it even more effective, add a few drops of lemon juice, which helps to lighten skin due to its acidic nature. After buffing away dead skin, apply a few drops of olive oil or sweet almond oil to keep skin soft and moisturized.
Other Skincare Uses
Baking soda is an inexpensive way to treat a number of other skin problems as well. Use a light paste of baking soda and water as a facial scrub to get rid of blackheads, lighten blemishes and control acne. Apply a thin layer of baking soda paste to treat sunburned skin or prickly heat rash.
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