Natural Skin Care MethodsBaking Soda and Vinegar
Soothe bee stings, other insect bites, and burns by spreading a paste of baking soda and vinegar on it.
Baking Soda as Deodorant
Mix equal parts baking soda and cornstarch, then add water until it can be poured into a mold. After it dries you have a ball of deodorant that you moisten and apply. Be careful though, if you apply it to raw or tender skin (i.e. after shaving your armpits) it will burn.
Baking Soda as Deodorant II
Mix a cup of baking soda and 2 T. of cornstarch (to keep baking soda from clumping) and put it in a plastic container with a short-handled blush brush. Then after your shower you just brush on your deodorant. Since you're still a little moist, it doesn't have a problem sticking.
Baking Soda Foot Baths
Regular footbaths with water and baking soda will control foot odors.
Exfoliating Facial Scrub
Use 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water as an exfoliating facial scrub. Gently massage into face using a circular motion after washing with your regular cleanser. The recommended frequency of use is three times per week.
Facial Scrub
Visitor Tip: I add a little baking soda to my facial cleanser instead of using facial scrubs. The little "grains" are round and tiny, so are very gentle.
Foot Odors
No more expensive foot powders-- just sprinkle baking soda on dry to control athlete's foot and odors, also dust the inside of shoes with baking soda to reduce foot moisture.
Insect Bite/Sting Relief
Apply a baking soda and water paste or apple cider vinegar via a cotton pad to bee, jellyfish, or sea nettle stings or mosquito bites to relieve the itching and pain.
Natural Treatment for Dry/Irritated Skin
Treat dry skin during your bath with following mixture: combine 1 cup oatmeal, 1 cup warm water, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup baking soda in a blender or food processor until you have a smooth paste. Pour this paste under the running water while drawing your bath. It's very soothing to dry, irritated skin.
Neutralize Battery Acid
In the event of a spill, neutralize battery acid quickly by applying a baking soda paste to the affected area.
Poison Ivy Relief
To relieve the itch from poison ivy, make a paste with water, spread it on the affected area and let it dry. This also promotes healing.
Smooth Skin Diet
A veggie a day keeps the wrinkles away, according to the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, which reports that subjects who eat vegetables rich in antioxidants -- specifically, vitamins A, C and E -- have smoother skin. (The findings applied whether subjects lived in a sun-drenched or sun-deprived country, and when age and smoking were factored in.) Other nutritious (and beautifying) foods to feast on: beans, olive oil, nuts and multigrain breads.
Soft Hands
To soften hands while you do dishes, add a tablespoon of baking soda to your soapy water.
