DIY Facial and Body Scrubs: Exfoliating facial and body scrubs often contain diatomaceous earth – the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms. While this substance has been touted as a natural facial scrub alternative, there’s a reason that it’s also an effective ant killer: these razor-sharp skeletons kill bugs by inflicting microscopic cuts on their exoskeletons, causing them to dry out. They do the same to your skin. Alternatives that use tiny plastic beads may be easier on your skin, but they slip through filtration systems and are making their way into our streams and oceans, where they create a risk for wildlife.
Save your skin AND the environment by creating your own DIY exfoliating scrubs with baking soda. Three parts baking soda to one part water, with your own creative additives – think anything from astringent and antibacterial honey to moisturizing coconut oil – will leave your face feeling clean and fresh. You can also add ground oatmeal for extra exfoliation or as a scrub that’s great for managing dry, itchy winter skin or as a treatment for sunburns during the summer months.
As a Natural Acne Buster: Put the toothpaste away and toss the chemical-rich acne spot treatments. A paste of baking soda and water with a drop of honey will help quickly clear up trouble pimples just as effectively as the most expensive store brands.
To Soothe Upset Stomachs: Whether you’re suffering from heartburn or an upset stomach, the slight alkalinity of baking soda will soothe your gastrointestinal woes by neutralizing the stomach acid that’s causing the upset in your system. This is a great solution when you’ve run out of Tums or if you’re staying with family for the holidays and they don’t have an antacid on hand. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink it down for quick relief.