Is baking soda effective for skin whitening?

The answer is yes. Baking soda, also called sodium bicarbonate, is an all-around natural ingredient with many qualities that make it a good choice in taking care of skin.

First, using baking soda can give glow and shine to your skin because it contains alkaline, a helpful property to balance the pH levels of the skin. Besides, it helps exfoliate the dead skin cells to unveil new freshness. What is more, it includes antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties that remove all the infection on the skin and clear excess oil.

Although baking soda is generally not harmful, it might irritate the skin, especially those with sensitive skin. Another note to remember is not to use it alone because it might be harsh. So, make sure to mix it with another natural ingredient to create an appropriate skin application.

How do I use baking soda to lighten my skin?

In this part, we will list down the 6 finest and simplest ways that you can use baking soda for skin whitening.

Baking soda and water

Let’s start the simplest way by combining baking soda and water for gaining a fair skin tone.

• Mix baking soda with water in a 2:1 ratio.

• Stir well to make a paste.

• Apply it to the area of the skin you want to lighten.

• Let it sit here for a few minutes.

• Wash off with lukewarm water and then cold water.

• Take a clean towel and dry the skin.

• Repeat 3 or 4 times per week.

• Note: you can choose rosewater, almond milk, or buttermilk instead of using water only.

Or

• Wash your affected skin with clean water.

• Then mix 2 teaspoons of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of warm water.

• Apply to the skin and wait for a couple of minutes before washing off with warm water.

• Dry with a clean towel.

• For this option, you can do it regularly to get effective results.

Baking soda and honey

Honey itself has excellent properties that help prevent bacteria, moisturize the skin, reduce dead skin cells, and tighten the skin pores. It even lowers excess oil from the face and keeps the skin looking glowing and fair. And when being combined with baking soda, this mixture delivers multiple effects to increase skin tone [1].

• Mix baking soda and honey in 1:2 ratios.

• Apply this fine paste to the skin.

• Let it sit here for 15 to 20 minutes.

• Then wash off with warm water.

• Repeat once per week.

Or

• Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil.

• Apply it on your skin and massage in a circular and gentle motion.

• Wash it with lukewarm water after 15 minutes.

• Do it once per week.

Baking soda and lemon

Lemon has a great amount of vitamin C, which is very helpful in brightening and whitening skin complexion. It also helps remove acne scars, dark spots, suntan, and impurities from the skin to enhance new cell growth, thereby giving fair skin. And it works better when combined with baking soda. Below is the recipe for using lemon and baking soda facial packs for oily skin and dry skin.

• Squeeze half of the fresh lemon into a bowl.

• Add ½ teaspoon of baking soda and mix well.

• Apply on the skin and rub gently.

• Let it sit for minutes and wash it off with water.

• Note: You can add drops of any essential oil or olive oil.

Or

• Mix 2 teaspoons of warm water, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and lemon juice.

• Apply this mixture with a cotton ball.

• Reapply on the affected skin regularly.

It is okay to replace lemon juice with grapefruit juice or orange juice.

Baking soda and apple cider vinegar

As a natural astringent, apple cider vinegar helps absorb extra oil from the skin that might create dark and dull skin [2]. Moreover, it aids to exfoliate the skin and get rid of the pigmented skin cells, thereby lightening the skin tone. And when both ingredients are mixed, it will remove all impurities, dead skin cells, maintain pH balance on the skin, and brighten up the skin.

• Mix 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons of baking soda to make a fine paste.

• Apply it on the skin directly.

• Let it sit here for about 15 minutes.

• Rinse off with lukewarm water and then cold water.

• Take a clean towel and dry off.

• Apply any moisturizer.

• Do it twice per week.

Or

• Mix well 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of water, and some fresh lemon.

• Put this paste on the skin.

• Leave for 15 minutes and wash off with warm water.

• Dry the skin and then apply moisturizer.

• Do it twice per week.

• Note: this option is just for sensitive skin.

Baking soda and coconut oil

Coconut is an excellent moisturizer for softening the skin and improving skin tone thanks to a great number of antioxidants. It is also rich in vitamin E, which is popular for treating skin pigmentation and bringing back fair skin [3]. If your dry skin is the main reason behind the dark look and patchy on your face, this combination is a great solution.

• Mix a tablespoon of coconut oil and baking soda. Optionally, you can add some drops of lemon juice or tea tree oil.

• Apply this paste all over the skin and massage gently in 2 minutes.

• Let it sit for minutes before washing it off with warm water.

• Repeat 2 times per week.

Remember not to go out in the sun when applying coconut oil on the skin, or you need to wear sunscreen because this oil might make your skin prone to suntan.

Baking soda and tomato

The last yet easy-to-find ingredient that you can combine with baking soda for face whitening is tomatoes. Since this kind of fruit is rich in antioxidants and includes natural bleaching properties, it effectively makes your skin glowing and white if used regularly. What is more, it helps control extra sebum production and lighten pigmentation and dark spots on your skin.

• Mix a tablespoon of baking soda and a tablespoon of tomato pulp.

• Apply this paste to all the affected skin and let it sit here for 15 minutes.

• Wash it off with water.

• Pat dry with a clean towel and apply moisturizer.

• Do it twice per week.

Final thoughts

Baking soda, when mixed with natural ingredients such as lemon, honey, coconut oil, and others, actually works wonders on the skin and face. Try these 6 amazing remedies mentioned above and get the beautiful fair skin you always wanted. Also, taking whitening-skin supplements is recommended in case you need a quick, safe, and effective way to attain the desired skin you want. Click here for further information.

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