My new favorite way to wake up...

A few weeks ago I added something very simple to my beauty arsenal.
Baking Soda.
As a scrub.
For my FACE.
Really, it couldn't be simpler. For years, I've kept a box in the refrigerator to absorb smells, another under the sink as a natural cleaning aid. On the very rare occasion I get around to baking, soda is of course a necessary staple. I can't even claim this is a new discovery in my beauty routine as I have added this ingredient to a number of homemade scrubs, soaks, etc.... but it never really occurred to me to use this on it's own. It turns out, this is my new favorite way to wake up.
Step one. Roll out of bed and make your way to the bathroom.
Two. Splash cool water onto your face, waking up your cells and stirring your circulation.
Three. Sprinkle a couple teaspoons of baking soda into the palm of your wet hand, adding drops of water as necessary to form a smooth paste. (You can also add baking soda straight to your regular facial cleanser or a creamy lotion in place of the water though I adore the simplicity of this alone.)
Four. Smooth over your skin, gently massaging in small circles and avoiding your delicate eye area. Take your time and enjoy the process.
Five. Rinse completely with cool to lukewarm water.
Six. Pat dry and follow with your favorite "green" moisturizer.

This is the perfect scrub for a number of reasons. It is cheap, effective, natural... the perfect degree of exfoliation - not too rough, but gets the job done.

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A few other great ways to use baking soda in your eco beauty routine:

Hair Care:
Add a tablespoon to your shampoo and wash as usual. Rubbing this concoction into your scalp helps to remove traces of styling product residue, environmental pollution, dirt and oil.

Body or foot soak:
Add half a cup or more to a bath before you hop in to to relax. The baking soda neutralizes acids on the skin and gently washes away the grime of your day. A few tablespoons to a foot soak provides odor protection and relaxation and prepares your toes for a massage or pedicure.

Mouth cleansing and refreshing:
Sprinkle baking soda in your palm. Dip your wet toothbrush to cover and simply brush your teeth. Use this back to basics method to keep teeth clean, white and healthy. Swishing with a teaspoon of soda in half a glass of water neutralizes odors and leaves your mouth perfectly prepped for puckering up. :)


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Please do a patch test if you have sensitive skin. This is an exfoliant so be gentle with yourself. If you have inflamed acne, dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water and do a rinse rather than scrub. Your skin is delicate. Do what feels good.