Posted by Janet Harriett on Sep.17, 2009

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#6 Baking Soda Deodorant

As a deodorant, baking soda neutralizes body odor instead of just covering it up. Dust a bit of baking soda under your arms, on your feet, or wherever else you need odor protection. If you need a natural antiperspirant in addition to a deodorant, avoid the aluminum-containing commercial products and make an inexpensive, natural antiperspirant/deodorant by mixing equal parts baking soda and cornstarch. Apply with a powder puff.

#5 Baking Soda Toothpaste

Baking soda has a long history in oral care. As a mildly abrasive grit, baking soda scrubs tartar right off, and is particularly useful for those who, on advice of a physician or dentist, are reducing fluoride exposure. Dip a damp toothbrush in baking soda, then brush as you normally would. You can use baking soda with or without toothpaste. To use with paste, simply dip your brush in the baking soda then apply the toothpaste on top.

Baking soda also freshens your breath by eliminating the odors rather than covering them up with artificial mint flavors. For extra breath freshening after using a baking soda toothpaste, rinse with a mouthwash of 1 teaspoon baking soda in half a glass of water.

#4 Baking Soda Skin Exfoliant

The mildly abrasive property of baking soda works on skin as well as teeth. A paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water, massaged gently in small circular motions, buffs off dead skin cells and temporarily boosts blood circulation near the surface of the skin for a healthy glow. Substitute your favorite liquid face wash or body wash for the water to create an exfoliating cleanser.

#3 Baking Soda Acne Treatment

Some people find relief from acne by exfoliating their faces with baking soda added in their usual face cleanser. You can also spot treat blemishes with baking soda paste.

#2 Baking Soda Bath Soak

Baking soda baths soothe the discomfort of rashes, poison ivy/oak/sumac, chicken pox or other skin irritations, but it also works on healthy skin to dissolve excess oils and neutralize odors. Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda into a tub of warm bathwater for a luxurious, skin-softening soak.

#1 Baking Soda Hair Rinse

Styling products, shampoo and conditioner all leave residues that weigh hair down and dull hair’s shine. Strip the buildup with a small amount of baking soda mixed with your regular shampoo. Mix a spoonful in the shampoo bottle, or keep a container of baking soda just outside your shower and sprinkle some in your hand before you pour your shampoo. A restaurant-style cheese shaker works great for this.

One word of warning: if you use a vinegar rinse on your hair, be sure to rinse the baking soda out with water before using the vinegar. The chemical reaction from mixing baking soda and vinegar is harmless, producing carbon dioxide, water and a small amount of sodium acetate, but it fizzes profusely, as anyone who has made or seen a baking soda volcano can attest.

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Posted under Beauty, Beauty Products.