9 surprising uses of baking soda for your hair and skin

Day after day of shampooing your hair can cause it to be weighed down and become dull. Constantly putting on makeup clogs the pores and creates acne. Using nail polish every day can discolor your fingernails.

How would you feel if you found out that one everyday household staple could solve all of these problems? Most of you probably have this in your cupboard for baking. Sodium bicarbonate, better known as baking soda, has all kinds of wonderful benefits for both your skin and hair.

1. Face mask. You can even out your skin tone and open clogged pores by applying a face mask made of baking soda and apple cider vinegar. Living Wellmindness says to first dilute 1 teaspoon of vinegar in 1/2 cup of water. Mix 1 teaspoon baking soda, half of a lemon and 2 teaspoons of honey together. Slowly add the vinegar and water mixture to create the mask. Leave the mask on for five to 10 minutes.

2. Exfoliator. Removing dead skin cells brightens the skin. To create a simple exfoliator that's great for hands, feet, face or any part of the body, Dr. Axe recommends combining 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 cup of water.

3. Acne treatment. To help get rid of existing acne and prevent new acne from appearing, Top 10 Home Remedies says to mix 1 teaspoon baking soda with water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the acne for one to two minutes. Repeat this one time daily for two to three days, then decrease to one time per week.

4. Nail whitener. Constantly using nail polish can cause the nails to yellow. If you like your nails painted, Dr. Oz recommends whitening your nails by scrubbing them with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.

5. Dandruff control. Dandruff is embarrassing. Control your dandruff by massaging 1 tablespoon baking soda into your wet hair and scalp according to Top 10 Home Remedies.

6. Volumizing shampoo. Rather than buy expensive shampoo, create your own by mixing baking soda with shampoo. Hairstyles & Beauty says to mix a small amount of baking soda with your shampoo to help remove extra oils and dead skin cells that weigh down your hair.

7. Dry shampoo. For those days when you can't wash your hair, dry shampoo is a lifesaver. Dr. Oz says to "sprinkle a little baking soda at the root and tousle your hair."

8. Chlorine removal. Swimmers often fight with the lasting smell and damage that chlorine from pools does to their hair. To get rid of the chlorine, Dr. Oz recommends using a mixture of dish soap and baking soda. When your hair is clean, use a good conditioner.

Having healthy skin and hair doesn't have to be super expensive. With a little know-how, you can get the same results as expensive products without the hefty price tag or the dangerous chemicals. Who knew such a common household item could be so useful?

Please SHARE this great information with your friends on Facebook!