If you’re looking for an affordable and natural way to take care of your skin, Vaseline and baking soda might be the answer.
This ancient beauty hack is not only inexpensive but can also help improve skin health. I’m going to share the benefits of using Vaseline and baking soda for face, and how best to apply them within your skincare routine.
What is Vaseline?
Vaseline, also known as petroleum jelly, is a byproduct of the oil refining process. It was first discovered in the 1850s and has since become a widely used skincare product.
As it is very versatile, you will find it in various cosmetic products and home remedies.
The main function of Vaseline is to provide a protective barrier over your skin. This helps lock in moisture and shield it from environmental irritants.
It also has excellent emollient properties, meaning it can soften and smooth your skin, to transform your skin.
Vaseline is an occlusive, which means it forms a protective layer on your skin to help prevent water loss, and give you glowing skin. This makes it ideal for healing dry, cracked, or irritated skin, as it helps your skin retain water and repair itself.
What Are The Benefits Of Vaseline For The Skin?
Vaseline, also known as petroleum jelly, is a versatile skincare product that can offer various benefits to your skin. Here are some of the advantages of using Vaseline on your face:
- Moisturizes your skin: Vaseline is an excellent moisturizer, which helps prevent dry and flaky skin. By forming a protective barrier on your skin’s surface, it locks in moisture and prevents water loss, leaving your skin soft and supple.
- Protects against environmental aggressors: Harsh weather conditions, such as cold temperatures and wind, can damage your skin. Applying Vaseline can shield your skin from these external factors, keeping it healthy and nourished.
- Soothes minor cuts and burns: Vaseline has been trusted for years to help treat small cuts, scrapes, and burns. It creates a barrier that protects the wound, reducing the risk of infection and promoting the healing process.
- Relieves chapped lips: Dry, chapped lips are a common problem, especially during winter. Using a small amount of Vaseline can provide instant relief and help heal your lips, restoring their natural softness and shine.
What is Baking Soda?
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a common household item with numerous uses. It’s a white crystalline powder that you’ll find in many homes due to its versatility.
You might already be using it in your kitchen for baking purposes, as it acts as a leavening agent that helps dough rise.
Apart from its culinary uses, baking soda is also popular for its cleaning and deodorizing properties.
You can use it as a mild abrasive to scrub away stubborn stains or mix it with water to create a paste for cleaning various surfaces. It can help neutralize and eliminate odors in your home.
The cosmetic industry has recognized the potential benefits of baking soda for skincare as well. It possesses gentle exfoliating properties, which can remove dead skin cells and reveal a fresh, bright complexion.
However, it’s important to use baking soda with caution on your face, as its alkaline nature might be too harsh for sensitive skin.
Always dilute it with water or mix it with other ingredients, such as Vaseline, to minimize any adverse reactions.
What Are The Benefits Of Baking Soda For The Skin?
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a versatile ingredient that has multiple benefits for your skin.
Here are some of the advantages you can enjoy by incorporating it into your skincare routine:
Exfoliation: Baking soda acts as a natural exfoliant, gently removing dead skin cells and revealing a fresh, radiant complexion.
To create a simple exfoliating scrub, mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste and massage it onto your face in circular motions.
Balancing pH levels: Your skin’s pH balance is crucial for maintaining its health and appearance. Baking soda has a slightly alkaline pH, which can help neutralize acidity and restore balance to the skin.
This may help improve conditions like acne and redness. Remember to always follow up with a moisturizer after using baking soda to replenish the skin’s hydration.
Deep pore cleansing: Baking soda can help unclog pores by dissolving dirt, oil, and makeup. This can minimize the appearance of enlarged pores and prevent breakouts.
For a deep cleansing mask, combine baking soda with a few drops of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar and apply the mixture onto your skin.
Reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation: Baking soda’s mild exfoliating properties can also help lighten dark spots and even out skin tone. Consistent and gentle use of a baking soda scrub or mask can assist in reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation over time.
Benefits Of Using Vaseline And Baking Soda For Face
Using baking soda and Vaseline can transform your skin from dull and lackluster, to spotless glowing skin. Here are all of the benefits of using a Vaseline and baking soda solution for your skin:
Moisturizing Properties
Vaseline is a popular choice for moisturizing your skin, thanks to its occlusive properties. It locks in hydration, preventing your skin from drying out. Baking soda helps exfoliate, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and smooth.
Skin Barrier Formation
Combining Vaseline and baking soda enhances the protective layer of your skin. Vaseline acts as a skin barrier, while baking soda balances your skin’s pH levels, maintaining its health over time.
Easing Skin Irritation and Rashes
Utilizing Vaseline and baking soda on your face provides relief from irritation and rashes. Vaseline soothes sensitive skin, and baking soda can alleviate itching caused by various skin rashes.
Improving Common Skin Conditions
By frequently applying Vaseline and baking soda, you may witness improvements to common skin issues. Both ingredients have beneficial properties that alleviate symptoms of dry skin, eczema, and sunburns.
Reducing Acne-Prone Skin Symptoms
The antibacterial properties of both Vaseline and baking soda help minimize acne breakouts. Vaseline reduces inflammation, while baking soda absorbs excess oil and dissolves impurities that clog pores.
Cleansing Properties
The duo of Vaseline and baking soda functions as an effective skin cleanser. Vaseline lifts and dissolves dirt, while baking soda removes impurities and trapped debris, leaving your complexion clearer and brighter.
Balancing pH Levels
Baking soda is alkaline, which aids in neutralizing your skin’s acidity levels. By balancing your skin’s pH, the combination of Vaseline and baking soda assists in promoting a healthier complexion.
Exfoliating Dead Skin Cells
Baking soda’s fine granules work as a gentle exfoliator, removing dead skin cells from your face. Vaseline, on the other hand, soothes and moisturizes, revealing brighter, smoother skin after the process.
Softer and Brighter Skin Tone
Consistently using Vaseline and baking soda on your face results in a softer and brighter complexion. Vaseline provides hydration, while baking soda removes dull skin, unveiling a radiant, healthy glow.
How to Make a Vaseline and Baking Soda Mask
To create the Vaseline and baking soda mask, you will need just a few simple ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of pure Vaseline
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda
Start by mixing the Vaseline and baking soda in a small bowl. Combine the two ingredients using a spoon or a small brush until you get a smooth paste. If you prefer a thicker mask, add a bit more Vaseline; for a thinner mask, add more baking soda.
Before applying the mask, make sure to cleanse your face thoroughly. This will remove any dirt or makeup, allowing the mask to penetrate your skin better.
Once your face is clean, you can use your fingertips or a brush to apply the mask evenly across your face, avoiding the delicate eye area.
Allow the mask to sit on your skin for 10–15 minutes. You might feel a slight tingling sensation as the baking soda works to exfoliate and cleanse your skin. If the sensation becomes too uncomfortable, feel free to remove the mask earlier.
Finally, rinse your face with lukewarm water to remove the mask. Gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel and apply your favorite moisturizer to lock in hydration.
You can use this Vaseline and baking soda mask once or twice a week, depending on your skin’s sensitivity. It’s essential to be gentle with your skin and give it time to rest between applications.
How Often Should You Apply Baking Soda And Vaseline To Your Skin?
Before you start incorporating baking soda and Vaseline into your skincare routine, it’s essential to consider how often you should use these ingredients.
The frequency of application can vary depending on your skin type, sensitivity, and desired results.
For most people, applying a mixture of baking soda and Vaseline once or twice a week should be sufficient.
This frequency ensures that your skin gets the exfoliating and moisturizing benefits without irritation or over-exfoliation.
However, if you have sensitive skin, you might want to limit the use of this mixture to once a week, or even less frequently.
To create the mixture, combine a small amount of baking soda with an equal amount of Vaseline. Mix the ingredients until they form a smooth paste.
Test the mixture on a small patch of skin first to ensure you do not have any adverse reactions.
If your skin tolerates the mixture well, gently apply it to the desired area in a circular motion, avoiding the delicate skin around the eyes. Leave it on for 5–10 minutes, then rinse off with warm water and pat your skin dry.
Always listen to your skin! If you notice any redness, irritation, or discomfort after using this mixture, reduce the frequency or discontinue use altogether.
Keep in mind that less is more, and it’s better to be cautious with the use of potentially abrasive ingredients.
How Long Does It Take for Vaseline and Baking Soda to Lighten Dark Spots?
The time it takes to lighten dark spots using Vaseline and baking soda can vary depending on your skin type and the severity of the pigmentation.
Consistently applying the mixture once or twice a week can show improvement within 2–3 months. However, it is essential to consult a dermatologist before using this method.
What Are the Side Effects of Using Vaseline and Baking Soda on Face?
Some side effects that you might experience when using Vaseline and baking soda on your face include irritation, redness, or dryness.
Since baking soda is alkaline, it can disrupt your skin’s natural pH balance. To minimize potential side effects, always perform a patch test on a small area of your skin before applying it to your face.
Summary
Vaseline and baking soda are two versatile ingredients that can be used to improve your complexion. The combination of Vaseline’s occlusive properties and baking soda’s exfoliating benefits can provide numerous advantages for your skin.
These include moisturizing, cleansing, repairing minor wounds, protecting against environmental aggressors, soothing irritation, and reducing dark spots or hyperpigmentation.
Always remember to perform a patch test before using this mixture on your face and adjust the frequency of application depending on your skin type and sensitivity.
All products featured on Gemma Etc. are PR samples or gifted items, unless otherwise indicated. This post may contain affiliate links. If you wish to find out more, please see my Disclaimer within my navigation bar.