The delicate skin of the hands is very vulnerable, as it is constantly exposed to negative external influences. To maintain health and youth, it is not necessary to undergo expensive cosmetic procedures in salons. An effective product can be found on any kitchen shelf. And this is ordinary baking soda (sodium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate).
Photo: Depositphotos.com. Author: EdZbarzhyvetsky.
Useful properties of the procedure
Soda solution has a healing effect on the skin of the hands and nails:
- disinfects;
- rejuvenates;
- softens rough areas;
- relieves inflammation;
- exhibits an antifungal effect;
- eliminates peeling;
- removes dead skin particles;
- relieves irritation and itching;
- strengthens and whitens nail plates.
Sodium bicarbonate is highly soluble in water, neutralizes the acidity of the skin environment, normalizing its acid-base balance (ph). Hence the bactericidal and antimycotic properties of the substance.
Soda is a sodium salt of carbonic acid (NaHCO3), which softens the skin and acts as a light peeling.
The maximum positive effect of baths can be achieved by combining it with other natural ingredients.
Foot bath with soda.
What can soda do in homemade cosmetics?
- Brightens
Soda destroys the upper lipid layer and mantle of the epidermis (within reasonable limits, of course). Keratinocytes are replaced faster, and the upper layer is renewed. The skin becomes lighter. It's easiest to think of it as peeling away the "dirt" on the surface, since no actual damage to the skin occurs. Over time, not all epithelial cells can still effectively exfoliate; a layer of cells accumulates that do not perform their function, but simply lie as dead weight. Baking soda helps remove them.
- Evens out the microrelief
Due to the fact that “mountains” of accumulated epithelial cells are peeled off, the skin is smoothed and takes on a well-groomed appearance. If you add nutritional components after masks with baking soda or into the masks themselves, fine wrinkles may very well be smoothed out. Sodium bicarbonate removes dead cells, and, for example, serum with hyaluronic acid saturates the epithelium with moisture and nutrients. As a result, we get velvety, well-groomed skin without small wrinkles that arise due to dryness.
- Eliminates dryness, flaking
If peeling on the skin was not caused by microorganisms or trauma to the epidermis, sodium bicarbonate will help cope with it. The impact scheme is the same. Sodium bicarbonate will simply help those cells that are long overdue to “leave” as quickly as possible.
Antifungal effect
Hand fungus is a serious disease that causes discomfort and is contagious. To quickly defeat the disease, it is important to recognize it at the initial stage.
Changes in color, thickness, shape of the nail plate, brittleness and splitting of nails, itching and pain - these are the alarm signals sent by the body infected with the fungus.
If you notice these symptoms and there are no special antimycotic remedies at home, use baking soda baths as first aid.
Sodium bicarbonate helps fight fungus by providing a complex effect:
- cleans the surface of the nail;
- removes bacteria and fungal spores, prevents their reproduction;
- exfoliates damaged plate cells due to the peeling effect.
After getting rid of symptoms, soda baths are used to prevent relapses.
Attention! When solving dermatological problems, soda can only be used as an additional remedy, after first obtaining permission from a doctor.
Methods for treating nail fungus with soda.
For psoriasis and eczema
Psoriasis and eczema are common dermatological diseases that are characterized by irritation, burning, and extensive damage to the skin.
The use of soda is aimed at quickly restoring epidermal cells. NaHCO3 acts as a disinfectant and anti-inflammatory agent: it does not allow infection to penetrate deeper through open wounds, and helps prolong the period of remission.
For the bath, adhere to the ratio: 1 tsp. soda to 1 glass of warm water. If necessary, increase the volume of liquid while maintaining the original proportion. Immerse your hands in the solution for 20 minutes.
From flaxseed
Pour 4 teaspoons of flax seeds into a glass of boiling water. Leave for a quarter of an hour. When the liquid has cooled slightly, pour it into a glass jar with a screw cap. Shake vigorously. This step is necessary to help the seeds produce more mucilage. Strain the liquid through cheesecloth and pour into a bowl. Keep your hands in the broth for 20 minutes. Take a bath every other day. Thanks to the healing effect of flax seeds, after just a few procedures your hands will look well-groomed and attractive, as if after visiting an elite salon.
Successful combinations
The healing effect of sodium bicarbonate is enhanced in combination with other components:
- with sea salt - eliminates flaking, removes dead skin cells;
- with laundry soap - cleans, disinfects;
- with lemon - strengthens the nail plate, gives it a healthy shine, whitens the skin, helps get rid of hangnails;
- with essential oils - eliminates dryness and tightness, rejuvenates, nourishes.
- with apple or grape vinegar (only 1 drop per bath) - increases the permeability of cell membranes, stimulates nerve fibers in the skin, thereby accelerating cellular metabolism and regeneration; exhibits an antifungal effect and strengthens the nail plates.
- with aloe juice - moisturizes, fights dryness and irritation, helps heal microcracks.
- with ammonia - stimulates the hydration of epidermal cells, softens the skin, smoothes wrinkles, cleanses pores, and exhibits antiseptic properties.
- with glycerin - prevents premature aging, eliminates age-related pigmentation.
Bath recipes
Choose a recipe depending on what problem is bothering you.
Cleansing
Add 1 tsp to 1 liter of warm water. baking soda, ammonia, liquid soap. Immerse your hands in the liquid for 15 minutes. Blot with a napkin.
Whitening
Add 1 glass of milk + 1 glass of herbal infusion (chamomile, calendula, linden blossom or other medicinal herbs) to the soda solution (1 tsp per 1 liter of water). Action time: 15–20 minutes. Repeat the procedure twice a week.
Softening
Mixture 1 tsp. soda with a glass of oatmeal, pour 3 glasses of warm water. Immerse your hands in the bath for 20 minutes. Wash them and wipe them with a napkin.
Rejuvenating
Dissolve 1 tsp in a glass of water. soda, ½ tsp. ammonia, 25 ml each of liquid soap and glycerin. Soak your hands in the solution for 20 minutes, rinse. Dry with a towel.
With iodine for strong nails
Dissolve 1 tsp. sodium bicarbonate in a glass of water, add 5 drops of iodine there. Duration of the procedure: 20 minutes.
Antifungal
To eliminate fungus, add 1 tbsp to a glass of warm water. l. NaHCO3, ground soap flakes. Stir. Place your hands in the water for 15 minutes. Wipe dry.
Course of treatment: 10 procedures.
Restorative
Prepare a decoction: 2 tbsp. l. St. John's wort, chamomile and burdock root, pour 0.5 liters of water and boil for 10 minutes. Let cool. Add the broth to the soda bath. Immerse your hands in water for 20 minutes. Rinse and wipe dry.
To whiten your nails, you can try a mask: mix a little hydrogen peroxide or tooth powder and a pinch of soda. Apply to nails, rinse with water after 10 minutes.
Mustard
A bath with the addition of mustard is designed to improve blood circulation, get rid of excess sweating, and relieve tension. It is also recommended for the prevention of colds.
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Pour dry mustard powder (no more than 2 tsp) into a liter of hot water and stir. Gently immerse your hands in the liquid and hold for 10 minutes. The bath has a warming and locally irritating effect, so after some time the skin will turn a little red. Rinse your hands with cool water. Lubricate with cream. Course – 15 procedures.
It is important to remember that mustard can cause an allergic reaction. Therefore, it is not suitable for everyone as a cosmetic product. To avoid irritation, a sensitivity test should be performed before the procedure.
Rules for conducting procedures
- Before the procedure, wash your hands with soap and remove any remaining cream. If you want to work on your nails, remove the manicure polish.
- The water temperature should not exceed 40 °C, but not too cold. Focus on your feelings.
- The duration of the bath should not exceed 20 minutes.
- Optimal frequency: 2 times a week.
- After using the soda solution, carefully dry your hands with a paper napkin or soft towel, and apply a suitable cream.
Reviews
Elena. I have very delicate skin on my hands. When I come into contact with household chemicals, I quickly feel dryness, irritation, and peeling. My sister suggested a recipe for a soda bath with iodine. I usually don’t use the product for longer than 10 minutes, but even during this time the effect is noticeable. The skin became soft and smooth, and thanks to iodine, the nails became stronger and grow faster.
Daria. I often work in the garden, but I’m used to doing everything without gloves. Of course, after gardening, the condition of the hands leaves much to be desired. I save myself with a simple soda bath without adding other ingredients. It makes the skin soft and perfectly removes impurities.
Anastasia. I was used to using a professional hand care line and didn’t really trust my friend when she talked about the positive effect of using soda. But it turned out that the baths rejuvenate and remove dryness no worse than expensive creams.
Stages of care
Complete hand skin care includes the following steps.
- Cleansing. For these purposes, use liquid soap or a bath with baking soda and soap.
- Peeling. Removing dead skin particles will provide access to subsequent cosmetic products. Use a regular store-bought scrub or make your own.
- Massage. Light stroking and rubbing using oil or hand cream will increase blood circulation and relax muscles.
- Homemade masks will help soften the skin, nourish it, and restore damaged tissue.
- Moisturizing is necessary to increase elasticity and create a protective barrier.
- Finger exercises will strengthen muscles and slow down aging.
Before looking for suitable hand products among the lines of expensive cosmetics, try budget soda baths.
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Homemade hand scrubs: how to make and how to use
Today we will focus on scrubbing, but at the same time as this procedure we will also perform massage.
It’s easy to make a hand scrub at home using improvised products that every housewife has in the kitchen, with her own hands.
The scrub contains abrasive substances that are combined with a soap or oil base. Additionally, the scrub can be scented to make it pleasant to perform this procedure, enjoy the aroma and feel like a queen in an expensive salon. You can add vitamins for additional nutrition of the skin of your hands.
It doesn’t matter what it’s made of, all hand scrubs are anti-aging!
Suitable abrasives:
- salt (table, sea, iodized)
- sugar
- honey
- soda
- Rye bread
- bran
- cereals
- semolina
- coffee
- eggshell.
The basis:
- liquid soap
- shower gel
- shaving foam
- sour cream
- olive or other vegetable oil. It is preferable to use olive or castor oil, but in their absence, sunflower oil will also work.
Flavors:
- essential oils
- lemon, orange zest
- lemon juice.
Vitamins:
- vitamin A
- vitamin E.
You can experiment yourself and prepare a scrub for the skin of your hands from any abrasive substance, simply mix salt and vegetable oil, and you will achieve the result we need - cleansing dead cells.
But, as I now understand, scrub and scrub are different.
I used to make this composition myself: I mixed salt, soda and soap foam. And after carefully studying the issue, looking at the tips and reading reviews, I think that a good hand scrub is with oil, and then I’ll tell you why.
How to do
To prepare a scrub, you need to take any abrasive substance or a mixture of two such components, their quantity is not important, just try it first and determine for the future how much you need on your hands.
Pour them into a cup and pour in liquid soap or olive oil (or any other base) - enough so that when stirred, you get a thick, creamy mass.
Add vitamins and essential oils if desired.
How to use
We apply the scrub to our hands using the same movements as when applying the cream, smear it on the back side, on the palms and don’t forget about the elbows! Rub and massage the skin of your hands in a circular motion for 5-10 minutes. You can leave it like this for another 10-15 minutes and then rinse with warm water.
Be sure to dry your hands and apply moisturizer.
This is what many people usually do. But we will go further with you and at the same time perform a massage so that we have comprehensive care immediately, otherwise it will have to be performed at another specially designated time.
It is for this reason that it is better to make the base for a scrub from oil. This will make it more pleasant to massage your hands, and they will receive additional nutrition and become soft.
Hand massage after peeling
In essence, we performed a massage by applying a scrub. Such massage movements improve blood circulation.
Our blood is rushing, our skin is burning.
Now we will calm her down a little: we stroke the hands from the back and outer side from the fingers upward, so that there is an outflow of blood and the veins do not protrude too much on the hands.
Then you need to shake your hands for 30 seconds - this movement promotes the outflow of blood and so that your hands are not too sinewy.
Next stage: massage, rubbing each finger in a circular motion.
Massage your palm with your thumb to get rid of wrinkles.
At this point we complete the procedure, wash off the scrub, and moisturize our hands with cream.
