Why you Shouldn't Use Baking Soda

I am a firm believer in using manufactured cosmetic products for my hair and skin treatments, I think food is supposed to be eaten and Baking Soda aka Bicarbonate of Soda ("BiCarb") is an excellent cleaner for my Microwave, Floor, Oven, Laundry and the other millions of cleaning uses in my home.


Why on earth would you put a product that can de-grease your oven on your hair and skin? I know that the internet says that it can be used to clear your skin,cleanse your hair and as a deodorant but did you know that the skin including the scalp is protected by a protective Acid Mantle (Wikepedia) which has a  PH of between 4.5  and 6.2. For your skin and hair to be healthy this PH must to be maintained.

Source: Anatomy & Physiology, Connexions Website via Wikpedia

"BiCarb" and Hair
"BiCarb" has a PH of 9.5, the alkalinity of this product opens up the cuticles of the hair fibre, resulting in the loss of moisture and strips the scalp of the sebum produced by the body. Overtime the use of  this product will weaken the bonds in the internal hair structure. In essence what this means is that "BiCarb" can lead to thinner strands as the keratin in the hair is slowly dissolved.

"BiCarb" and Skin 
The Acid Mantle that protects your skin is destroyed by alkaline products, this makes the skin vulnerable to bacteria, pollution and can cause photo sensitivity. I have read articles that have suggested that mixing the "BiCarb" with lemon juice or Apple Cider Vinegar supposedly "balances" the solution, but how many of us actually have Litmus strips in our cupboards. My Somotolgist  always tells me the only way I will have great skin is to EXFOLIATE hence I have at least 4 different exfoliators. However, I feel that the grains that make up the "BiCarb"are coarse and sharp and I believe they can lacerate your skin, causing damage and scaring.

Believe me, I am all for bargain beauty and using cleaner products but in my opinion a product that can potentially remove built-up grease from my oven should be nowhere near my skin or hair.

What can you use either than "BiCarb"? A great natural alternative is Bentonite Clay it is a much better option for both your hair and your skin, it clarifies, unplugs pores without harming or damaging both your hair and your skin.


I know that there is people that swear by "BiCarb"so if it works for you by all means carry on with your good self.


XXX


Isabel