Thursday, May 27, 2010

Natural Beauty on a Budget: Baking Soda

Do you want clean hair, a bright smile, sweet breath, exfoliated and acne-free skin, odor-free feet, and soft, clean cuticles on your hands? Then you better move your box of baking soda from the kitchen into your bathroom.

It is inexpensive, chemical-free, doesn't spoil and is easy to store too. What an ideal, frugal beauty product!

Baking soda is great for your hair. Here are three ways to use it:

Out of shampoo, or can't get to a shower? Brush baking soda through your hair. It removes dirt and excess oil in a jiffy!

Has chlorine from the swimming pool made your hair dry, and maybe even a little green in tint? Mix ½ teaspoon of baking soda with a pint (2 cups) of warm water and work it through your hair. Leave it on your hair for a few minutes and then wash it as normal.

Do you have build up on your hair from conditioner and hair spray? You can make your own frugal clarifying shampoo. Put some baking soda in your palm, about the size of a quarter in area, a mix it with your own shampoo. Your hair will be squeaky clean and shine!

Baking soda also removes beauty product build up from your combs and brushes. Simply add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to a basin of warm water and let your combs and brushes soak for a few minutes. Rinse them thoroughly and let them dry.

Sprinkle baking soda on your toothbrush for cleaner, whiter teeth. Add a little to a glass of warm water and gargle, or add a bit to your mouthwash for fresh breath.

Baking soda is a great exfoliant to get rid of dry, rough skin.

For scaly elbows and heels, mix 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water and scrub.

Mix it with your normal facial cleaner to brighten your complexion. Put a small amount, about the size of a dime, in the palm of your hand, add your cleanser, and apply to your moist face with a gentle, circular motion. Rinse and pat your skin dry. It is a wonderful way to get rid of acne and keep your skin smooth and clear.

Men, do you have sensitive skin and hate to shave because of it? Mix a teaspoon of baking soda to a cup of warm water. Use it to moisten your skin before you shave, and as a rinse after you are done. You will have far less irritation!

Use baking soda as a natural foot powder to absorb moisture and odor. Also sprinkle it in your sneakers and work boots to keep them smelling sweet.

For pretty hands and healthy nails, sprinkle baking soda on your cuticle brush before your manicure.

And last but not least, use baking soda to relax and unwind! Half a cup added to your bath water relieves stress and tension and keeps your skin smooth and healthy!


Irene Helen Zundel is a freelance writer, educator and mother, and an expert in child development, home schooling and creative parenting and home making. Visit her online at http://www.irenehelenzundel.com
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About Me

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I am a freelance writer, Reiki master, and educator, with diplomas in teacher's aide and child psychology, and numerous writing courses. I home schooled my son, who was born 10 weeks early and was expected to have developmental and learning lags. In 6th grade, he took an 8th grade standardized achievement test, and scored as a college sophomore in math and English. It inspired me to write a book, which I have given away for free! It is called Make your Kid a Genius, and can be downloaded at my website http://www.irenehelenzundel.com I am passionate about alternative healing methods; especially Reiki, aromatherapy, acupressure, therapeutic massage and music and sound therapy.