Is baking soda used for age spots? This indispensable product in cosmetology is used to treat various diseases, eliminate inflammatory processes and create cosmetic masks at home designed to cleanse the face of rashes and dark areas of the skin. Soda is considered an effective and fast-acting way to get rid of age spots, but do not forget about the possible harm, the likelihood of which increases if you use soda incorrectly or do not follow the recipe for preparing cosmetics based on it.
Baking soda has long been used in home recipes to treat skin blemishes and the effects of aging.
Description, causes and treatment of the disease
Melanin, located in the deep layer of the epidermis, is responsible for the color of our skin, and when it accumulates in the cells, the upper stratum corneum darkens. The disease manifests itself in the form of freckles, lentigines, moles (nevi).
Attention! Symptoms indicating an abnormal course of the disease: melasma, melanoma, phototoxic reactions. If you notice the above signs, immediately contact a dermatologist and oncologist.
Possible causes of sudden external changes in the stratum corneum include:
- Exposure to bile pigments, ink, silver, hemosiderin and other substances. In such cases, pigmentation is a symptom of another ailment.
- Exposure to ultraviolet rays - spots appear on the skin in exposed areas exposed to the sun.
- Changes in hormonal levels as a result of taking oral contraceptives, hormone therapy, or pregnancy.
- Perfumes, cosmetics, medicines with photosensitizing substances.
- Elderly age.
- Disturbance of metabolic processes in the body.
In most cases, treatment of skin spots does not guarantee complete recovery: only partial lightening is possible.
Depending on the type of formation, the specialist prescribes drug therapy and a Wood's lamp examination. The set of procedures, as a rule, is supplemented with folk methods used independently at home.
One of the most common ways to lighten age spots on the face and body, mainly freckles, is sodium bicarbonate, or ordinary baking soda.
Efficacy of the substance
Pigment spots on the face or other parts of the body occur as a result of the accumulation of excessive amounts of melanin in the epidermis, the pigment responsible for skin color. There are many reasons for the occurrence of this pathology and you can encounter pigmentation at any age, but it is more often observed after 40 years. Pigment spots are considered a cosmetic defect that people try to get rid of in every possible way. Baking soda, or as it is also called sodium bicarbonate, has proven itself well in the fight against pigmentation. The popularity of using soda for cosmetic purposes is due to its ability to affect the skin in several directions at once.
Sodium bicarbonate contains carbon salt, which ensures gentle removal of impurities from the deep layers of the epidermis. Coal salt dries out pimples and cleanses the dermis of acne, and at this time another component of soda, the chemical element Na, activates regenerative processes in the epidermis and promotes rapid skin renewal. Sodium bicarbonate does not contain any vitamins or minerals, but this does not affect its properties. After using baking soda, the skin becomes softer in the shortest possible time, and acne goes away. Traditional healers offer various cosmetic masks and peelings made from sodium bicarbonate for the face.
How can baking soda help with age spots?
Sodium bicarbonate is a universal home remedy that has a number of useful properties, so it is widely used not only in cooking, but also in cosmetology.
The active substance can cure acne and lighten the skin - freckles and other types of spots will become less noticeable after just a few procedures.
This effect is achieved due to the presence of sodium and carbon salt in the composition of soda: these components accelerate the renewal of epidermal cells, improve its general condition, and eliminate inflammation.
Pigment spots and hydrogen Treatment with hydrogen water
Baking soda - age spots
Baking soda can cure age spots and lighten the skin - freckles and other spots will become less noticeable after just a few treatments. A quick effect is achieved due to the presence of soda (sodium and carbon salt) in the structure: these components accelerate our skin to renew cells , improving the overall condition of the skin, eliminating various inflammations.
Soda has no contraindications for use in combination with lemon or water. Mix soda with lemon juice in a ratio of 1:1, wipe your face once every 2 days. If you have sensitive or dry skin, then 1-2 times a week is enough. Mix baking soda with a few drops of water to form a paste and apply to problem areas, then rinse with water.
Aloe vera
This unique ancient plant has been known since ancient times, aloe has found its use not only in removing age spots, but is also found in various face masks as a moisturizer; it perfectly moisturizes the skin, regenerates, renews, and fights burns. Break off a piece of an adult aloe shoot, preferably one that is more than 3 years old, since it is during this period that it has its maximum strength. Squeeze the pulp from the inside of the leaf and apply it to the affected areas of the skin at intervals of 2 times a day.
Onion
Onions contain sulfur and vitamin C, which in turn acts in a similar way to lemon, renews the skin, gets rid of various age spots, smooths out wrinkles, and fights various skin problems. Apply the juice of half a red onion to your face, leave for 10 minutes, then rinse with plain cold water. The second method that you can also consider is to squeeze the juice from one onion, mix it with honey 1:1 and apply to the face at intervals of 10-15 minutes. Rinse off with plain water at room temperature.
Garlic
There are various historical facts that support the cultivation of garlic in ancient China. Initially, the aromatic plant was used to prepare a healing medicine (potion). Later, people appreciated the aroma and taste of garlic and began to use it in cooking.
Today it is known that eating garlic stimulates the production of hydrogen sulfide in the body, given that the substance is produced in small quantities, thereby it does not poison the human body, but promotes cleansing (of toxins).
Garlic juice contains a lot of valuable essential oils and phytoncides, which makes it a unique cosmetic product for combating age spots and removing them. In addition, garlic contains a large amount of vitamins that lighten the skin well. Cut a clove of peeled garlic in half and rub it on your face in a clockwise motion several times a day.
Berry juice
Man has known about juices and their healing properties since ancient times, and Mother Nature has endowed all growing and flowering plants with amazing power and the ability to transform inorganic substances into organic ones through the consumption of water, air, and soil. For example, they receive nitrogen and carbon from the air, hydrogen and oxygen from water, and nitrogen and various minerals from the soil.
For example, berry juice has a high content of vitamin C. Berries such as viburnum, cranberries, black or red currants are good for removing age spots on the skin. To do this, squeeze the juice out of the berries, soak it in a clean cloth and apply it to your face for 15 minutes, then rinse with water.
Aspirin
Dilute 10 crushed aspirin tablets in 100 ml of water. Wipe your face 3 times a week. Every 7 days, take a 3-day break.
Parsley root
A decoction of parsley root has a powerful effect. It contains substances that reduce the production of pigment and the intensity of the color of spots.
Peel, rinse and chop the parsley root. Measure out a large spoon and steep in a glass of water for 3-5 minutes. Cool and strain. Wash your face with this decoction daily. Or soak a clean cloth in it and apply to areas of skin with age spots for 20 minutes.
How to prevent the appearance of age spots?
- Prevent possible diseases, as they will contribute to the formation of new age spots and worsen health. To do this, you need to start drinking hydrogen water, which not only prevents the development of chronic diseases, but also treats existing ones.
- Moisturize your skin regularly and drink enough water. To do this, we recommend using a hydrogen spray, which can even be applied to makeup and drinking hydrogen-saturated water.
- Protect yourself from the sun's rays during hot periods from 11:00 to 16:00. Wear a hat and apply hydrogen water to your skin, which protects your skin from harmful UV rays.
- Use sunscreen not only while on the beach, but also when walking around the city.
- Eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, which are rich in vitamins C, A and E, as well as dairy products.
- Avoid fatty and fried foods, sugar and other unhealthy foods, as they negatively affect the condition of the skin and the body as a whole.
- Give up bad habits, strengthen your immune system, drink hydrogen water, walk more in the fresh air and fill yourself with positive emotions.
Precautions and side effects
Bicarbonate is a biologically active, aggressive substance, so extreme caution must be used when using it externally and internally.
Before home procedures, be sure to consult with specialists: they will tell you whether the method is suitable in your particular case.
Contraindications for sodium bicarbonate include:
- Significant damage to the upper layer of the epidermis (scratches, abrasions, burns, cracks, severe acne).
- Dry skin type - baking soda greatly dries out the skin, so its use can lead to peeling. Even if you have an oily or combination type, be sure to apply a moisturizing or nourishing cream after bicarbonate.
- Sensitivity of the epidermis and allergic reactions. Before applying products to your face, check whether you are allergic to the components. This can be done by holding the mixture on the inner crook of your elbow or wrist for 15 minutes and then waiting another 50–60 minutes. Otherwise there is a risk of severe burns.
In addition to the above cases, carefully monitor the body's reaction to the components: it is not recommended to keep solutions, compresses and masks on the skin for more than 15 minutes, with rare exceptions. In this case, bicarbonate is most often applied in a diluted form, for example diluted in water. This way the substance will have a milder effect on the cover. When applying bicarbonate-based products, avoid the area around mucous membranes (eyes, lips).
Can soda be harmful?
Despite the benefits of white crystals of an alkaline substance, it can cause harm to health. A soda solution with water has a weak alkaline reaction, but a slurry of sodium bicarbonate has a strong alkaline reaction. That is why it is contraindicated to keep soda masks on the skin for more than 30 minutes. Avoid contact of soda with eyes and mucous membranes. Otherwise, a chemical burn may occur. It is not recommended to use sodium bicarbonate to lighten age spots if there are various damages in their place in the form of abrasions, wounds, scratches and cracks.
Traditional recipes with baking soda for skin spots
A “home cosmetologist” will help almost completely cure pigmentation on the face and body if you regularly prepare masks, compresses and solutions based on it.
All of these products are budget-friendly and easy to prepare at home. To avoid unpleasant consequences, strictly follow the instructions and do not exceed the dosage.
Recipe for facial scrub with baking soda.
Compress for age spots
The combination of baking soda and castor oil is an ideal solution for whitening individual problem areas.
You will need 1 drop of oil and a little bicarbonate: the ingredients are mixed to the consistency of a thick paste and applied to the stains with a cotton swab. Then you should fix the mixture on your face with adhesive plasters and leave it overnight. The oil and patch will prevent it from drying out the skin. To achieve maximum effect, the procedure is repeated for a month.
Soft peeling
You will need baking soda and water in equal quantities: bicarbonate is dissolved in warm water, and the resulting mixture is applied to freckles and spots. The solution should be rubbed into the skin with gentle massaging movements and then rinsed off with running water.
Face masks
This method will require natural ingredients that are involved not only in skin whitening, but also have additional positive effects:
- A mask of soda and oatmeal nourishes the skin. 20 g of oatmeal are pre-ground in a coffee grinder, a teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate and a little hot water are added to it. The mixed composition is applied to cleansed skin after some time has passed after swelling and left for 10 minutes. Excess mask is removed with damp cotton pads.
- A mask of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide not only whitens, but also relieves inflammation, gently cleansing the skin. It’s not difficult to make: you need to mix 3 g of soda, 6 g of cream (as an option - yogurt without additives) and 1.5 cubes of a 3% peroxide solution. Apply for 5 minutes, then rinse with cool water.
- Sodium bicarbonate, lemon and orange will help lighten age spots and remove blackheads. According to the recipe, you need to mix 50 g of soda and juice from halves of a lemon and an orange. The mixture stays on the face for no more than 10 minutes and is washed off with gentle massage movements. Before use, make sure you are not allergic to citrus fruits! This recipe is used no more than once every 5 days.
- The clay-soda mask both brightens and rejuvenates the skin, making it noticeably tighter and cleaner. It is better to opt for blue clay: mix it with soda in equal proportions and add warm water to form a homogeneous but fairly thick mass. The product is applied for 15 minutes and washed off after drying with cool running water. It is not recommended to use force when removing the mask, and after the procedure the face should be moisturized with cream.
- Another recipe for whitening stains at home is bicarbonate on the tip of a knife and 50 g of low-fat kefir. 50 g of rice flour is added to them. The mixture is left to act for 3 minutes, washed off with water and wiped with a softening lotion. The mask perfectly helps restore the natural color of the skin.
Sodium bicarbonate is effective, but requires careful handling. When used correctly and in adherence to dosages, the active components will quickly and effectively whiten the skin and have an overall beneficial effect on the stratum corneum.
Shaving cream with soda to even out skin tone.
Effective baking soda recipes against age spots
Cosmetics made from soda do not require a lot of money or a lot of time; all recipes are simple and effective. Sodium bicarbonate masks improve the condition of the skin, exfoliate dead skin cells, lighten age spots and cleanse pores. But before you start using baking soda, you should evaluate the condition of your skin. It is not recommended to use this substance for persons with dry skin and hypersensitivity to soda. Sodium bicarbonate products are more suitable for those with oily or combination skin types. But if you had to use baking soda for hypersensitive and dry skin, then it is recommended to add components with a moisturizing and softening effect to the recipe.
Whitening masks
Point in order | Recipe No. 1 | Recipe No. 2 |
1 | Take 3 large spoons of sodium bicarbonate and mix with a mug of warm water | Take a pinch of baking soda and a large spoon of sour cream |
2 | Add 5 large spoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice | Mix the ingredients and add a small spoon of hydrogen peroxide |
3 | Mix the ingredients thoroughly until smooth and without lumps. | Mix the composition thoroughly again and apply to problem areas of the skin. |
4 | Apply the resulting mixture to pigmented areas | After 15 minutes, wash off the mask and repeat the procedure after a few days. |
5 | Carry out the procedure several times a day | It is allowed to whiten age spots with a soda mask no more than 3 times a week |
Compress against pigmentation
Another budget-friendly remedy for age spots is a combination of baking soda and castor oil. To prepare the whitening composition, you will need to mix castor oil (1 drop) and a little soda to end up with a consistency similar in thickness to sour cream. Using a stick, carefully apply the finished mixture to the pigmented area, apply cotton wool and fix it on top with an adhesive plaster. Leave the compress overnight and repeat the procedure for 30 days. This is exactly how long it takes for pigment spots to lighten.
Peeling with soda
Soda skin peeling not only eliminates pigmentation, but also gives a rejuvenating effect.
To give the skin a healthy, well-groomed appearance, cosmetologists recommend peeling, but it is not necessary to use expensive cosmetics for this; you can clean the epidermis of old cells with cheaper means, for example, soda. Soda peeling allows you to cleanse the skin even in its deepest layers. With regular use of sodium bicarbonate, the skin will become soft and its tone even.
Be sure to steam your face before the procedure using a couple of medicinal herbs. To prepare and apply the peeling product, you will need:
- Mix 4 tablespoons of shaving foam with 4 small spoons of sodium bicarbonate.
- Apply the resulting mass to the pigmented areas of the body and leave for 17 minutes.
- After time has passed, use your fingers to perform a cleansing massage and rinse off the composition with water.
There is no need to press hard on the skin when removing the upper stratum corneum of the skin, so as not to leave scratches on it from soda crystals.
Who is it suitable for?
Let's figure out who is suitable for soda for freckles, and who should not use this product. This product is an ideal choice for oily skin , as it not only eliminates freckles, but also fights oily shine. In addition, baking soda is a good cleanser, eliminating blackheads and preventing acne.
To whiten dry, thin and sensitive skin, it is better not to use soda. The consequences will not be the best.
To whiten normal skin, baking soda can be used, but only as part of masks that include emollient components.
Methods of application
Here are a few recipes that can be used to combat freckles. The simplest recipe includes only two components - soda and purified water.
Mix baking soda with water until the mixture has the consistency of toothpaste. Apply the mixture only to areas of pigmentation. Lightly massage the skin and rinse with water.
Do you like your freckles?
Oh yeah! Of course! No, nightmare!
With peroxide
This is a very effective whitening mask, but it is not suitable for sensitive skin . Be sure to do a sensitivity test by applying a drop of the mixture to your wrist or skin behind your ear.
Preparation of the composition:
- mix a teaspoon of baking soda with natural yogurt or thick cream (take twice as much dairy product as soda);
- add 1.5 ml of 3% hydrogen peroxide into the mixture (measure using a syringe without a needle);
- mix everything and apply to the skin in areas where pigmentation is located;
- wash off after five minutes.
With oatmeal
To prepare this composition you need oatmeal - oatmeal. If you don’t have this product on your household, you can take regular oatmeal and grind it in a coffee grinder until you get flour.
Mix two tablespoons of oatmeal with a teaspoon of soda. Dilute this dry mixture with hot, but not boiling water until you obtain a semi-liquid slurry. Let the mixture stand until it cools and swells. Apply a thick layer for ten minutes. If the skin is not prone to oiliness, then you can additionally add 10 ml of unrefined vegetable oil to the composition.
Citrus
This composition whitens well and saturates with vitamins . You will need a tablespoon of soda and the juice of half an orange. Mix the mixture and apply to the area where freckles are located. Keep for no more than five to seven minutes.
With clay
The mask brightens and cleanses the skin . You need to mix equal amounts of clay and soda. It is recommended to use blue or white clay. Then add clean cold water little by little to the dry mixture until you get a mass of sour cream consistency. Apply a thick layer to the skin for ten minutes.
Kefir
Another version of the bleaching composition is prepared on the basis of kefir and rice or oatmeal. You need to mix these two products to obtain a paste and add a quarter teaspoon of baking soda. Stir well and apply for a quarter of an hour.
Oily
This version of the mask perfectly whitens and practically does not dry the skin .
It is necessary to heat a tablespoon of castor oil and the same amount of olive oil. Add a teaspoon of baking soda to the oil mixture. Stir and apply to face for a quarter of an hour.
Watermelon
This procedure is carried out in two stages. You will need a small amount of watermelon pulp, which will need to be crushed and applied to the problem area. Or soak gauze pads in watermelon juice and apply them to your face. After a quarter of an hour, rinse off the watermelon pulp, wipe the skin with a cotton pad on which two or three drops of cosmetic oil, such as almond, are applied.
After this, the second stage of the procedure begins: dissolve a teaspoon of soda in a tablespoon of water, moisten a gauze cloth in the solution and put the compress on the problem area. Remove the compress and wash with cool water.
You can carry out the same procedure by replacing the watermelon pulp with strawberry or raspberry puree.
Honey
A mixture of honey and soda perfectly whitens the skin. It is necessary to slightly warm a spoonful of honey to make the product more plastic. Then add the same amount of fat sour cream and stir the mixture. At the very end, add a quarter teaspoon of soda, stir and apply for a quarter of an hour.
Smetannaya
The bleaching composition is prepared from a mixture of thick, fatty sour cream and soda. You need to take twice as much sour cream as the second component. Apply to face for a quarter of an hour, rinse with plenty of warm water.
With baby cream
It is necessary to mix baby cream with soda in the proportion of two parts cream, one part soda. Stir the mixture and add five drops of freshly prepared lemon juice. Apply to face for a quarter of an hour. Rinse off first with warm and then with cold water.
Protein
This composition not only whitens, but also tightens pores . You will need one chicken egg white and a dessert spoon of soda. Stir these two components until a homogeneous mixture is obtained. It will take a long time to stir, but do not give in to the temptation to beat the mixture with a mixer. You just need to rub the mixture with a spoon, without whipping it into foam.
Apply the prepared mixture using a tampon in several layers. Apply each subsequent layer when the previous one has dried. Rinse off with warm water.
Soapy
To prepare this whitening composition, it is recommended to use shaving cream; choose the option marked “for sensitive skin.” The foam is mixed with soda in a two to one ratio and applied to the problem area for ten minutes.
What effect does it have on the skin?
You can find a pack of baking soda in almost every kitchen. This product is used for baking, as well as for various household needs. But it turns out that baking soda is one of the products that can be used to prepare homemade cosmetics. Soda masks perfectly cleanse, eliminating blackheads, and also whiten.
Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, which contains sodium, carbon, oxygen and hydrogen. Let's figure out what effect each of the listed substances has.
- The hydroxyl group (a combination of hydrogen and oxygen) softens the effect of the other components.
- Carbon allows you to deeply cleanse pores and normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands. In addition, it helps heal damage and even out skin tone.
- Sodium performs “transport” functions, delivering nutrients and oxygen to the cells of the epidermis.
In addition, soda acts as an abrasive, that is, it helps exfoliate dead skin cells of the epidermis, which also promotes whitening
Do you have freckles?
Of course there is! No and there is no need!