This post is part of my ongoing series Penny Facials: Recipes For Your Face.
Next up in my Penny Facials series is the Baking Soda Facial. Of course, Pinterest is where I found this method and it proves once again that Pinterest has the answer to all of life's questions. It's also a black-hole vortex were all time is lost but I just can't quit it.
The Baking Soda Facial naturally exfoliates the skin as well as helps to restore the skin's natural pH balance. In this particular recipe, we're only using water and baking soda so it's relatively harmless, though I would recommend testing a patch of skin first if you tend to have sensitive skin. Different versions of this facial include acidic ingredients (like lemon or orange juice) but I'll cover that in another post.
Similar to the Honey Aspirin facial, the Baking Soda facial really makes my skin glow. I think of it almost like a skin polish. It's gritty and scrubb-y but it leaves skin super smooth and glowing. I generally do this once a week but I'd estimate that even 3-4 times a week would be ok, making sure to follow up the treatment with a moisturizer.
Let's get started!
Baking Soda Facial
1. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda to a small bowl.
2. Add 1/2 teaspoon of water to the baking soda. This should form a cohesive paste but if the mixture seems dry, add a pinch more water. You're looking for a consistency that will easily stay on the skin, like a mask.
3. Apply to the face, avoiding the eye area, working in small circular motions to scrub the face. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes. The mixture will become dry after a few minutes and can easily flake off so try to avoid any exaggerated facial movements (<< not even sure what that would entail).
4. Rinse thoroughly with warm warm and moisturize.
I obviously use this as a facial but you could easily adapt this as a full body scrub. The above recipe is really only enough to cover the face but the ratio is 3 parts baking soda, 1 part water so adjust the quantities as necessary. And being that a box of baking soda is 75 cents, it's super cost effective to do often.
It's one of my faves and I hope you give it a go!
I'm SO pleased to introduce the first of what I hope to be a series of posts called "Penny Facials: Recipes for your face."
Being a Pinterest feind, I've come across quite a few at-home facial treatments and I've found a ton of really great ideas. I basically give myself a facial every Sunday night (while watching Downton Abbey, obvi) and was excited to find a lot of "recipes" using ingredients I had around the house.
I call these Penny Facials because they're insanely cheap. Like, probably a penny. I usually have all the components on hand and they actually work! I see actual results from these facials and it just goes to show that it doesn't need to cost a fortune to look fabulous.
Let's get started! First up:
The Aspirin Facial:
So here's the idea behind the Aspirin Facial. Aspirin contains salicylic acid (which is a beta hydroxy acid) and it's used to fight acne and blemishes. Even at 28, I STILL get breakouts all too often so this is a great facial for me.
Uncoated aspirin easily and quickly dissolves in water and honey acts as glue to keep the facial on your skin and it acts as a natural moisturizer. This facial always makes my skin look like it's glowing! Whenever my skin seems a bit dull and blah, I do this facial as a pick-me-up.
Step 1: Place 2-3 uncoated aspirin in a small bowl or the palm of your hand
Step 2: Dabble your fingers in water and allow about 2-3 drops to roll onto your aspirin. A little goes a long way here. You don't want to water down the aspirin too much or you'll have trouble forming a paste. You really only need just a few drops to help the aspirin begin dissolving.
Step 3: After about 10 seconds, you should be able to mash the aspirin into a dust/paste. If it hasn't dissolved, add just another one or two drops of water to help it along.
Step 4: Drizzle a little honey (I'd estimate 1/4- 1/2 teaspoon) onto the paste and mix to incorporate.
Step 5: You should have a cohesive paste now. Using your fingers, spread the paste on your face, avoiding the eye area, and gently massage as you apply. Allow to sit for 10-15 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
I generally do this facial 1-2 times a week but you could easily do it every other day. It's never caused me any irritation but you may want to test a small patch of skin first to be sure it doesn't bother your skin.
So give it a shot and let me know your thoughts!
