One time, my Nana felt glowing and confident. Not bragging or having a smug look. But having an optimistic vibe.
She looks refreshed, calm, and appealing.
When I was a teen, I remember her pulling something powdery from the orange box to check if it was free and safe to use.
As a teen who has an oily face and pimples, I want to overcome them naturally without buying anything expensive.
That’s when I remember what my Nana did. Buy that orange box, check its safety, and do the habit.
It works. My Nana was right to do it, but to make it a habit with precautionary measures.
Her beauty secret that I have been dying to tell you is no other than the Baking Soda. This product is no secret when it comes to cleaning any surface.
But is it an effective beauty secret? It’s Science that can explain or deny the product’s efficacy.
Something we are about to find out today.
Beauty Warning
Before doing anything else, this beauty secret is not so beautiful after all.
One wrong move and it can affect your facial skin health.
Baking soda is an alkaline substance. It has a pH level of around 8.3, enough to create some reaction even with the acids.
While my Nana’s beauty secret helps her a lot, too much application and frequency lead to skin damage or irritation.
My Nana said that this beauty secret has to be done with a few strokes and a faster facial application once in a while. Allow both the baking soda and your natural oils to come alternatively.
Be reminded that baking soda is too effective, while your skin is too delicate.
For those who have sensitive skin, avoid doing this to avoid further complications.
Here are three ways where the Baking soda is indeed a beauty secret if done correctly:
Beauty Secret #1: Exfoliation Booster
Baking soda helps your skin lift and remove the dead skin cells that are sitting on the surface. This will be effective if you perform some gentle exfoliation.
The fine granules of the product are responsible for exfoliating the skin, removing the dead skin, and ensuring a smoother, brighter look.
To do this, one must mix a pinch of baking soda with water to form a soft paste. Massage the mixture on the face gently and let it sit for 10 seconds without scrubbing it.
A perfect exfoliation technique for those who have dull-textured, oily skin, and for those who are looking for an effective exfoliation tactic.
However, the experts warn that this should be done once a week, as more than one may cause skin irritation.
Beauty Secret #2: Pimple Dabbing Technique
When I tried Nana’s beauty secret, my ultimate intention was to manage my face’s excess oil and numerous pimples around my face.
Believing that it would help me, I tried applying a soft baking soda mixture with water and apply it to the pimples. Let the mixture rest for at least 5-10 minutes before rinsing.
However, I did not use it every day on the face as it can irritate the skin. Knowing that I have sensitive skin, I make sure to follow the time to prevent irritation.
Science explained that baking soda acts as a drying agent, making pimples shrink temporarily.
I also recommend this one to those who have combined skin types, occasional breakouts, and those who use this routine temporarily.
Beauty Secret #3: Oil Skin Management
My Nana always says that dissolving baking soda powder in a bowl of water discourages the buildup of combined oil and sweat.
Instead of buying those oil-control products, wash your face with the diluted baking soda and rinse it with lukewarm, plain water thereafter.
However, the dermatologist requires you to do this technique at least once a week or every two weeks. This beauty secret method is not a perfect replacement for a face cleanser.
Perfect solution for those who live in a temperately hot temperature and have oily skin.
Who Shouldn’t Try?
Despite my Nana’s beauty secret being well explained by science, her beauty tip is not for everyone.
If you’re one of the following, please avoid applying baking soda to your face.
Here are some of them:
- Has Inflamed Acne
- Eczema or Rosacea
- Broken skin
- Damaged skin barrier
- Sensitive Skin
- Dry Skin
Why is Nana’s Beauty Secret Effective?
My Nana has always been someone completely knowledgeable about the effects and limits of baking soda on your skin.
It is effective because she did not promote scrubbing, avoid mixing with harsh chemicals, overnight powder rest, and daily use of the substance.
Effective in the sense that she doesn’t take the extreme steps just to become glowing.
A Gentle Care for Your Skin
Baking soda is not a miraculous substance or much more powerful than modern skincare products.
It focused on what’s necessary to keep your skin naturally beautiful and clean.
Among these are the oil control, pimple shrinker, and exfoliation. Nana imparts the need to provide gentle care for our skin.
At the end of the day, it’s not about the baking soda, but what the baking soda does to achieve that glow-up look.