The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Baking Soda
Posted by Norah (Greenwich, Ct) on 04/02/2014
★★★★★
I've used baking soda as an exfoliant for years. Once a week, after cleansing my skin thoroughly (or just after a shower), I rub a tiny bit of baking soda in my palm, add water and lightly rub on my face with small circles. I follow up with a coconut oil facial massage afterwards.
Baking Soda
Posted by Jessica (Bf , Ky) on 01/18/2013
★★★★★
Baking soda for the skin - you guys aren't applying it DRY, are you? That is indeed to abbrasive, for the face anyway. I make a very thin paste by adding water and lightly massaging small circles into my face. Today I used diluted acv, rather than just water. The paste seemed softer than when I make it with water, and my face has felt great all day.
Baking Soda
Posted by Wendy (Columbus, Oh/usa) on 11/02/2012
Please people use a little common sense, anyone can be sensitive to anything so test anything new on a small area of skin that is sensitive but can be covered up - inside elbow for instance. Also baking powder, cider vinegar, lemon, coconut oil etc etc are all good in small amounts so dilute them! Perhaps coconut is not good for the face anyway it might block the pores. Wishing you well, Wendy
Baking Soda
Posted by Mozhgan (Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Malaysia) on 08/12/2012
★★★★★
This remedy is amazing. I used to have perfect skin and did not have any pimples until 27-28 years old. I have an oily skin especially in the T-zone now. I used to have Isotretinoin pills for acne since 3 years ago, Yeah sooooo long time … The pill is not only expensive but also has serious side effects but at that time dermatologist said it is the only way to get rid of dirty painful big acnes on my face that suddenly had been appeared and really made me suffer so much. I had somehow lost my self-esteem therefore I started taking the pill regardless of all side effects :-( I just tried to drink water a lot and some times over drinking to avoid of side effects... I did not know anything about herbal treatments and honestly trust them.
I have known this wonderful site for only one month and this is the second time that Earthclinic remedies have saved my life. After the first recovery from Earthclinic, Thnx God, I became a member of this site and it's become my fav site. I stopped taking Isotretinoin pills and started this treatment since 2 weeks ago (although I was under treatment of this pill for almost 3 years but once I stopped taking it my skin became oily and acnes started again after 10 days however it was not supposed to have acne anymore…). Now when I wake up in the morning my skin, specially T-zone, is not that much oily like before, the acnes on my forehead almost all have gone and no more new ones. It is really working and I am so happy with that :-)
I combined a few instructions of earthclinic's remedies and made one for myself according to my skin type and problem, with special thanks to all who shared their experiences through this site for us. I would like to share it with you guys, hope you enjoy that;
1- 2 teaspoons ground oatmeal 1 teaspoon baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to wash and scrub my face twice a day.
2- Apply ACV right after washing with the oatmeal & baking soda, and let it dry.
3- Apply Coconut Oil after 10-15 min (based on OCM) when ACV was dried and smoothly massage my skin.
I am also;
4- Taking 1 tablespoon flaxseed oil once a day.
5- Taking 1 glass of flaxseed tea once a day.
Good Luck everybody!!! Be healthy Stay GREEN!!!
I just started another treatment for another issue from Earthclinic, once I get result, I will reveal that as well, ~~~ STAY TUNED ~~~
Thanks a bunch EarthClinic.Com
Baking Soda
Posted by Eve's (Parma, Parma Italy) on 08/10/2012
baking soda without scrubbing, , , , I agree by leaving the baking soda in your face for ten minutes without scrubbing maybe its the same action and it will not damage your skin, maybe using this procedure for the sensitive delicate skin type.
Baking Soda
Posted by Carlos (Barcelona, Spain) on 12/03/2011
I used to be an advocate of baking soda but I have to warn people with sensitive skin, freckles or rosacea. I think it's too strong dryng for people with sensitive skin. I've been using the oil cleansing method with coconut oil and it has helped clean my pores etc. Renewing my skin of dead cells etc without irritation. Baking soda may be ok for other skin types. Anyway I think rubbing is too damaging. If you want to use it the best way and safest may be open your pores with hot water. Apply baking soda without scrubbing it, just leave it on for a count to 10 and rinse. Enough to clean your skin and not damage your skin.
Baking Soda
Posted by Ida (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) on 09/12/2011
sometime my face oily too.. What I do is I applied aloe vera to my face. From what I've experienced.. My face dry for 2 to 3 days.. But not too dry.. My face will get too dry if I put it everyday... Plus I've heard that aloe vera have a natural healing of damaged skin.. :) correct me if I'm wrong..
Baking Soda
Posted by Lourdes (Bronx, Ny) on 06/23/2011
I am gonna try the baking soda sounds good just 2 questions. 1. I have oily skin, sometimes I use products oil free and it over drys my face. how will the baking soda leave my face being I have oily skin? 2. Since I have oily skin can I use coconut oil or olive oil?
Baking Soda
Posted by Mzelliec (Evansville, Wi/usa) on 01/24/2011
★★★★★
Baking Soda face scrub1-3 times a week only.. And use coconut oil afterwards.. I use this Coconut oil everyday I do not put anything on my body that I would not eat.. Those chemicals are all bad for us.. I use 1/2 and 1/2 water and ACV to wash my face and body..... I also drink Ted's remedies... Thanks to Ted and those who work soooooo hard for all of us... excellant info ...
Baking Soda
Posted by Janice (Coloma, Mi) on 08/18/2010
You mentioned Willard Water. How long have you been using it and what for? Does anyone else use it?
Baking Soda
Posted by Coregon (Medford, Or, Usa) on 08/17/2010
In response to baking soda scrub and Apple Cider Vinegar being drying to face. I ran into this also, and figured out why. You SHOULD NOT mix plain TAP water with baking soda (smell the mixture when tap water is mixed with baking soda-- you'll smell the chemical reaction.. A hair bleach smell from the chlorine in water). Instead, I use Willard Water (you can order this online, or you can use distilled or pure spring water instead), I squirt some of this water in my hand, then put the baking soda in same hand and gently wash face with it. Rinse with pure spring or distilled water after. Gently towel dry face. Then, follow with ACV/water (leave on). When you are using the ACV.. Be sure to dilute that in a bottle, 1/2 and 1/2 with spring water. The straight ACV could be too drying to your skin. This should give you soft glowing skin, with no dryness. If dryness persists, follow up with grape seed oil, jojoba or coconut oil. I'm 55 years old, and told I look at least 10 years or more younger. (and smoked for many years! ) No lines or wrinkles except I have some small lines at corner of mouth and frown marks. (anyone have a cure for those?) Love this site! P. S. Also I read (I think in Adele Davis book years ago) that a mayonaise face mask works great.. It has protein (egg) oil, and vinegar... All perfect for the face! If you want all natural, mix egg, oil and ACV in blender (just one egg and maybe 2 T oil and 2 T vinegar.. Adjust as u like). I use this once a month. It is safe under eyes too, but don't recommend putting on eyelids, will burn eyes from acid in vinegar. (I wear a shower cap and keep a washcloth nearby for when it starts to "melt") This is also a great hair conditioner too.. Just be sure to shampoo well after or will leave hair oily! )
Baking Soda
Posted by Pahlee (Phila., Pa.) on 07/05/2010
Is the baking soda and honey mixed together? If not, how much of soda and how much of honey?
Baking Soda
Posted by Pahlee (Phila., Pa.) on 07/05/2010
After the baking soda cleanse is the honey applied alone and how long do you leave it on before washing it off?
Baking Soda
Posted by Aarju Sharma (Ranchi, India) on 05/17/2010
What are side effects of using baking powder instead of baking soda?
Baking Soda
Posted by Red (Chicago, Il) on 01/26/2014
★★★★★
I read about Baking Soda being used as an exfoliant and decided to try it. The skin on my face is very dry and flaky, more now in the winter than otherwise. Take about a tablespoon of baking soda and make a paste with a drizzle of water. After you've washed your face, massage the baking soda paste onto your damp face with your fingertips, avoiding the eye area. After about a minute, rinse it away well with lukewarm water and follow with a moisturizer. After one use, my skin was smoother and less bumpy. You might not want to make this part of your daily routine, as more delicate skin can get irritated. But try it a few times a week, more if your skin doesn't get sore or red. It also makes a great scrub for dry, cracking feet and hands! I use a little on my knees and elbows, and this dollar box of baking soda works better and lasts longer than any ten dollar tube of body scrub I ever bought!
Baking Soda
Posted by Suesgi (Gilbert, Az) on 06/04/2009
I am new to this site, i want to understand how much quantity of ACV & oliveoil one should use to make your skin look white n for how long, will you pls publish the reply for me. Thanks suesgi
Baking Soda
Posted by T (Maryland, USA) on 05/02/2009
I haven't gone in the sun right after using it, but I've sweated doing housework after it and felt nothing. Just be sure to thoroughly rinse your face after a brief gentle scrub with it. Unlike with the Retin-A, you're leaving nothing on the skin, just doing a scrub and rinse.
Baking Soda
Posted by Liz (Annapolis, Maryland, USA) on 05/02/2009
I just found your site and want to try the baking soda scrub on my face. Before I do, I have a question. Can you spend time in the sun afterwards? Can you sweat? I ask this because I read it burns a little. The reason this concerns me is because the only other experience I have with something burning on my face is Retin-A. In high school I used my mom's supply to clear up my face and went to my soccer game - when i started sweating my face burned so bad I had to come out on the game and put an icepack on it. NEVER AGAIN! I know some products make your skin more sensitve to sunlight. THANKS!
Baking Soda
Posted by Dianna (Austin, Tx) on 03/07/2009
both baking soda and ACV are actually pretty strong .the reason for using ACV after baking soda is because your skin's normal pH is more acid than basic and using only baking soda leaves it very basic and can cause it to be red and itchy and dry. when you use the ACV afterwards it neutralized the baking soda and brings it back to a more 'normal' pH.
for me i can't use baking soda on my skin at all. it just dries it out even with the ACV afterwards and it feels dry and itchy and tight and stays red. if i use just ACV it is better - but even ACV alone is a mild peeling agent and can make your skin red - and also it creates blood circulation and this may also cause your skin to be red. i would try using less baking soda and more ACV and then rinsing the ACV off with water. then apply some virgin coconut oil on your damp skin - just a few drops massaged into both palms and spread across your face.
for me chandan (sandalwood powder) works much better than the baking soda. it could be that you have sensitive skin and that the baking soda is just too harsh a cleanser. i can't even use baking soda for brushing my teeth - after just a few days i get sores in my mouth and my teeth hurt!
all remedies don't work for everyone. use caution and trial and error. if something is not working for you - stop using it! your body is trying to tell you that it is not the right thing for it.
Baking Soda
Posted by Meghna (Bangalore, India) on 03/07/2009
★☆☆☆☆
I use 1 tb of Baking Soda with a little bit of water and scrub it all over my face. After this, I Apply 3 -4 drops of ACV as a toner (without any dilution). Have been following this religiously for the last two months. Havent seen any significant improvement. Infact, my skin turns red sometimes and becomes really dry if i scrub a little vigorously.What could be the problem? Im really distraugt that this remedy has been working for so many of you'll but i havent seen any difference. Please help. I have combination skin.
Baking Soda
Posted by Tim (Berkeley, CA) on 01/18/2009
With regards to Kristina's monthly acne problem, she might want to look into taking 1-2 tablespoons of molasses per day. I have heard many first hand stories of how molasses regulated women's menstrual cycle and relieved their cramps and minimized their flow. It might have a positive effect on your acne.
Baking Soda
Posted by Alexandra (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) on 12/28/2008
i was wondering how often you are suppose to do these mask? and also is it at all beneficial to do it at night or when you wake up?
Baking Soda
Posted by Catherine (Wellington, New Zealand) on 10/11/2008
To Jane from Redlands,
07/11/2008: Jane from Redlands, California replies: "Can I use baking powder instead of baking soda? Is there any difference?"
Baking powder is a mix of Baking Soda (bi-carbonate of soda) and Cream of tartar. It is a commercial blend and there may be other ingredients in small quantities. Baking Soda is what you need to use. I had a major breakout last week and came onto this site , found the Baking Soda remedy and have been using it for three days..massive improvement.
Baking Soda
Posted by Anastacia (Pittsburgh , PA) on 08/18/2008
★★★★★
I Love this site!!!!! This site has quickly become one of my favorites as I love to find natural cures. I started using baking soda about 2 months ago thanks to this site and the wonderful people sharing their input. I had been using some rather expensive facial cleansers bought at department stores (I've even used proactive in the past) but after using the baking soda my skin feels truly clean and soft. I'm hooked and will not go back to using anything else ever again. Many people, people I see often and strangers on the street come up to me and say how beauiful my skin looks which is wonderful to hear considering that I was battling acne and wrinkles at the same time-no more!!! My face has cleared, my pores are smaller and it just feels and looks soft and healthy...the only thing I think I'll continue to buy is the moisturizer that I use because it has a 30 spf...that is unless I discover a wonderful replacement on this site.
Baking Soda
Posted by TUBA (FLORIDA, USA) on 07/22/2008
HELLO I WAS SEARCHING THE WEB LAST NIGHT HOPPING TO FIND A HOME REMEDY FOR MY DULL SKIN ON MY FACE I CAME ACROSS THIS SITE AND I WAS VERY HAPPY TO HEAR THAT BAKING SODA IS A GREAT FACE SCRUB AND ACV IS A GREAT TONER SO I IMEDIATLY WENT TO THE KITCHEN AND GAVE IT A TRY HOPPING IT WILL WORK I HAVEN'T SEEN A BIG RESULT YET BUT I'M VERY HOPEFULL THIS IS GOING TO HELP ME GET RID OF MY LARGE PORES AND SOME WRINKELS.. DOES THAT MEAN I CAN STOP USING MY NORMAL FACE SCRUB AND JUST USE THE BAKING SODA.AND THE ACV AS A TONER? CAN ANYONE PLZ TELL ME IF I CAN STILL USE MY NORMAL MOISTURIZER AFTER CLEANSING WITH THE BS AND ACV? THANKYOU SO MUCH FOR THIS SITE I HOPE IT WILL ALWAYS BE HERE FOR PEOPLE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOME REMEDIES. TUBA FROM FL
Baking Soda
Posted by Erian (Laguna, Philippines) on 07/11/2008
★★★★★
I've tried baking soda scrub and olive oil moisturizer and after a couple of weeks people notice the firmness and glow on my face. they were asking what am I using but I refuse to tell since they are not familiar of using such home remedies. for now im trying to add ACV in my olive oil since it can whitens skin... ill give you an update when i see the difference. God is good for providing those natural things to us...
Baking Soda
Posted by Jane (Redlands, California) on 07/11/2008
Can I use baking powder instead of baking soda? Is there any difference?
Baking Soda
Posted by Naomi (Attard, Malta) on 07/10/2008
★★★★★
Firstly I would like to congratulate you about this site - Brilliant!
I've tried the Baking Soda Mask - put around 3tbls baking soda and a little water - put it on my face for 30sec, it burned about HOWEVER the results are fantastic..i followed with a honey mask - I basically used 1 teaspoon .. skin is glowing and soft. Those who have not tried it PLS give it a try, its worth it!
Baking Soda
Posted by Rose (Pasadena, CA) on 06/25/2008
★★★★★
I tried the baking soda scrub and flax seed oil remedy for skin. I was using acv as a toner, but didn't like the strong smell on my face all day and stopped it after 2 days. The bss and flax are great! I wash my face with bs every morning and then massage some kind of lotion into my face for 5-10 minutes after that. Some days I use shea butter, other days I use on my face creams (bought at beauty store for big bucks). I have come to the conclusion that when it comes to moisturizers it is best to switch from one to another every few days. My skin tends to look fabulous the first few days, then the effect wears off. But if I switch to another moisturizer after 3-4 days, my skin consistently glows. What's that about? I take 2 flax seed oil capsules after lunch and another 2 after dinner. I still have forehead lines, but they aren't nearly so noticeable. My wrinkles become much more pronounced when I don't drink enough water, but the flax makes my skin baby soft (according to my husband). I figure I could get my forehead wrinkles to disappear if I spent at least half an hour massaging my face every night, but who has time for that?!
Baking Soda
Posted by Ann (Bloomfield, Iowa) on 06/24/2008
★★★★★
Hi I am a 49 yr. old woman and i found your site.So i thought i would give the Baking Soda Scrub a try and i could not believe the results the first time i scrubbed my face with it.I had large pores on my left cheek due to pimples in younger years and within a few minutes after rinsing the scrub off i could barely see them and i have used it again an now they aren't even noticable.Thanks so much for this great info on your site. Going to try the ACV next. Thanks again.
Baking Soda
Posted by Barbara (Palisades, New York) on 06/10/2008
★★★★★
The best exfoliator for the skin is baking soda. Make a paste to the consistency of your liking with water and message gently. Small pores, glowing skin-especially if you have oily skin. Keeps wrinkles at bay or diminishes one you already have...cheap too! It transformed my horrible oily skin, cleans pores deep-so less breakouts for sure!
Baking Soda
Posted by Joanna (Los Angeles, CA) on 06/10/2008
Response to Theath about my skin formula - flax seed oil, baking soda scrub, acv...
Theah, I don't think applying baking soda topically will raise your blood pressure. You rinse it off immediately, so it doesn't really have a chance to absorb into the skin. As far as the flax oil goes, I bought a big bottle at the grocery store (near the milk).. I think you just want an organic brand if possible, with high lignan content. I made the mistake of buying capsules and have to swallow 6 enormous pills to equal 1 tablespoon of the liquid. So I suggest you stick to the liquid and add it to cottage cheese. I take it straight up first thing in the morning, but that might make some people queasy.
I have one last comment to add to my remedy, which is to apply a very good moisturizer at some point after the acv application. This makes the effect last quite long. Coconut oil has made my skin break out in the past, so I just stick to my wayyyyyy expensive, holistic Dr. Spiller Q-10 cream. It's pricey (over $70 for a jar), but I love it.
Baking Soda
Posted by Kyra (Lafayette, Ca) on 06/09/2008
RE: Flax Seed Oil
I''ve been using Flax Seed Oil as a beauty treatment. I take a swig of it in the morning and evening. You will see a noticible result in lass then 10 days. Your skin especially in the winter .. when the cold dries it out.. will be visably hydrated, soft and have a heallthy glow. You can purchase Flaz Seed oil in the refrigerated section of the Health Food Store. This is important to purchase a brand in the refridgerated section. Note: Cooking with SO is not reomended as it will elimitae its properties. Use it raw. I don't have problem with the taste.. but you can wash it down with water or juicee
I also us coconut oil after my showers. It will harden at 65 degrees.. but I let it melt at the bottom of the shower ans put it on rinse off and pat dry. It will not be grasy and will absorb into the skin leqaving it soft and visably hydraded. I call it one of my goddess treatments... From one Goddess to another Goddess... Enjoy!
Baking Soda
Posted by Theath (Los Angeles, CA) on 06/06/2008
Hi Joanna, Thank you for your wonderful feedback about baking soda and apple cider vinegar. I was wondering whether the baking soda will cause blood pressure to elevate if i were to use daily as it contains salt in it. I wanted to start the flax seed oil regimen and wanted to know from where to buy it and which brand. I would really appreciate if you can please let me know the same.
Baking Soda
Posted by Joanna (Los Angeles, CA) on 06/06/2008
Wanted to follow up on my previous posting about the skin remedies as I have additional notes. First note -- the apple cider vinegar toner on the face is the bomb! It brings an instant glow, rosy as can be, to the face, especially after the baking soda scrub. The glow lasts as long as the vinegar stays on the skin. When you wash it off, the alpha hydroxy effect lessens... So you might actually want to try this at night and wake up with glowing skin. Another note: be careful not to get the ACV on your hairline when you are applying it because everytime you sweat or even wash your face, the salad dressing smell gets activated if you know when I mean. Next, since acv is an alpha hydrox, you should be very careful out in the sun as it will cause your skin to burn faster. Finally, I read on the site somewhere that acv can cause the skin the thin, so you might also want to watch for that if you do this regime daily. Perhaps daily application is not a good idea.
Baking Soda
Posted by Jonna (Los Angeles, CA) on 05/28/2008
★★★★★
After reading through the hundreds of remedies on the beautiful skin/fountain of youth page of Earth Clinic, I decided to do the following:
1. Baking Soda Scrub. I put a small amount of baking soda in my palm and add water to it. Then I do a gentle scrub on my face and neck. I rinse off the baking soda with tepid water.
2. I then apply apple cider vinegar -- straight up, no dilutions -- with a cotton ball to my face and neck. I don't wash it off, but let it dry and later in the day I apply moisturizer.
3. I am taking flax seed oil (1 tablespoon, 3x a day).
The results; WOW! My skin looks like I have had a micro-dermabrasion sessions at a spa! My pores are noticeably smaller and my skin is baby soft (thanks to the flax seed oil). There is a rosy glow to my cheeks (thanks to the acv). I have tried the baking soda scrub alone and also flax seed oil alone as well. The thing that really made the difference to this skin care regime was the apple cider vinegar as a toner. It is the BEST alpha-hydroxy ever! Please try this and let me know what you think.
Baking Soda
Posted by JEnny (Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Canada) on 03/29/2008
★★★★★
I just tried using baking soda and olive oil as a face wash/scrub. It works great! It evens out my skin tone and leaves my face feeling clean and soft. The baking soda does sting a little but they say "beauty is pain"!!!
Baking Soda
Posted by Kristina (Waukesha, Wisconsin) on 03/10/2007
★★★★★
I just tried baking soda as a facial scrub. It worked incredibly well! My face has never felt so clean! Because I have acne and I was looking for cures for it and/or scarring I also read about using honey on the face. So after I use the scrub, I apply honey to my face and leave it on for 10 or so minutes, then rinse. It feels really good and takes care of any dryness without oiliness. The combination makes my skin SO soft and the texture is uniform. That is a first. Thanks Earth Clinic! I've tried so many products. I will report if I see any difference with scarring and acne, but I think my acne is a hormonal problem, since it only flairs up once a month.
