Is baking soda good for your skin or not? I like using it when I soak my feet because it makes them softer.
Filomena Pradesh, Detroit, MI
As it turns out, baking soda is good for your skin. And it’s naturally antibacterial, so it works as a homemade deodorant, so soaking your feet in a mixture of warm water with baking soda is a relaxing and healthy way to end your day.
Next, if you make a paste of baking soda and water, it’s a gentle way to exfoliate dead cells. As you’ve noticed, it will leave your skin softer. Start with a tablespoon of baking soda or so and add a drop of two of water. Mix well. Continue to add water and combine until you get the consistency you want. Larger batches are just as easy to make.
There is evidence to believe that baking soda helps to get rid of toenail fungus and keep it from growing. Plus, it soothes irritated skin and relieves the pain of sunburn, rashes, and insect bites.
If you take a small amount internally, baking soda may lessen pain from an ulcer, help your kidneys work more efficiently, and diminish muscle soreness after exercise. But be careful because baking soda can be harmful when ingested in large amounts. You can read more about the many other ways to use baking soda in the garden or around the house.
In the meantime, try adding a few drops of essential oil of lavender or peppermint to your next foot soak. They will enhance your experience with plain old baking soda and take it to a new level of enjoyment.
A baking soda and water paste will get hair color off skin and get tie dye off your skin, too. If you accidentally get a little hair dye on your scalp or hands, apply the paste to your skin and rub gently. Rinse well and dry.