These 3 DIY baking soda face mask recipes will get rid of acne scars, dark spots, and prevent breakouts all in one!
Baking soda is one of the holy grails of beauty: it can be used for SO many things, it'll have your head spinning! This is because baking soda is a natural (and gentle) cleanser as well as a natural lightener. You no doubt know of all the cleansing properties baking soda has for the home, and the fact that it lightens stains…well the same goes for your skin! Because of its bleaching properties, baking soda makes an excellent candidate for lightening dark spots, age spots, sun spots, and acne scars! Today we're going to explore 3 DIY baking soda face mask recipes for dark spots & acne scars and say bye-bye to discoloration for ever!
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is an all natural, yet gentle ingredient that's a true powerhouse! It can treat acne, dark spots and age spots, can act as a face wash, and is all around an amazing home remedy that everyone should use!
So how can baking soda for acne scars work? It's simple! Baking soda gently cleanses, exfoliates, and naturally lightens the skin, therefore chipping away at scars when used regularly! Check out our 3 favorite baking soda face mask recipes below and get rid of those acne scars once and for all!
Baking Soda Face Mask Recipes for Dark Spots & Acne Scars
#1. Baking Soda + Lemon Juice
If you've got super stubborn scars and spots, this baking soda and lemon juice concoction will take care of it all! Just be sure to be consistent in using it – the more often you apply to skin, the faster, and more effective it will be!
- 2 tbsp baking soda
- 1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Note that you can add more lemon juice if you'd like a more paste-like consistency (this is just how I do mine, as I like it a little bit thicker). Apply all over face and neck and scrub into skin. Leave on for 15 minutes and rinse off with warm water.
Not only is this a great way to lighten dark spots, but it also helps to get rid of dead skin cells, whiteheads, and blackheads, leaving skin silky smooth and glowing!
#2. Baking Soda + Orange Juice
The combination of baking soda and orange juice makes for one powerful face mask! Because of the citric acid in the orange juice, it will brighten up dull skin and also naturally lighten dark areas.
- 1 tbsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp orange juice
In a small bowl, mix the ingredients together and rub them onto your skin. Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse off. The citric acid from the orange juice will also shrink your pores and reduce the amount of blackheads. You'll be left with clean skin and a glowing complexion in a pinch!
#3. Baking Soda + Hydrogen Peroxide
For those with sensitive or dry skin, we do not recommend using this mask, because it can be irritating to the skin. It is quite powerful and hydrogen peroxide can dry out the skin, so be sure to test a small patch of skin before using. This baking soda peroxide face mask should only be used once a week! After all, hydrogen peroxide IS one of the main ingredients in hair bleach. Please be sure to test out a small spot before using to prevent unwanted side effects.
- 1 tbsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp hydrogen peroxide
Mix a tablespoon of baking soda together with a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide. Apply all over your face or just on the dark spots for best results. Leave on for 5 minutes and rinse off. Pat your face dry and follow up with a light moisturizer to seal in moisture.
#4. Honey and Lemon
This honey and lemon baking soda face mask is great for all skin types. The honey is antiseptic and also hydrates the skin. The lemon and baking soda cleanse and lighten acne scars and dark spots. Baking soda and honey are a match made in heaven because they work!
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (preferably organic)
Mix about a teaspoon of baking soda with a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon for lemon juice. If you feel that the paste is too thick, simply add more honey or lemon. If too thin, add a little bit of baking soda. Stir until a thick paste forms and apply to your skin or only on affected areas. Leave on for 15 minutes and rinse with cold water. Pat your face dry and follow up with a homemade moisturizer.
These 3 DIY baking soda face masks are ALL you need to effectively get rid of dark spots & acne scars once and for all!
Benefits of Baking Soda For Skin
Baking soda has some incredible benefits for the skin. Those with oily and acne prone skin can greatly benefit from using baking soda on a regular basis.
Anti-inflammatory: due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps to reduce inflammation caused by acne and breakouts by gently calming the skin and cleansing.
Antibacterial: due to its antibacterial properties, baking soda can keep breakouts at bay.
Lightening: because of its lightening properties, it helps to lighten the appearance of scars, dark spots, age spots, and sun spots.
Exfoliating: gently exfoliates the top layer of the skin. Gets rid of dead skin cells and reveal softer, brighter skin.
Evens skin tone: helps to balance skin's pH and thereby evening out uneven skin tone.
Cleansing: helps to deeply cleanse the skin by getting rid of dirt, oil, and bacteria.
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how often can i use the baking soda face mask? i have oily skin and some acne. thanks
Hi ladyB!
If you have oily and acne prone skin, you should use the baking soda face mask about twice a week. I would recommend you start off with once a week though, and see how your skin reacts.
Is baking soda good for your face or can it damage your skin?
HI Lydyas,
Baking soda is a natural skin lightener, exfoliator, and cleanser. You do have to be careful though, because it is a little abrasive. If you start to see any dryness or any other adverse side effects, discontinue use. For the most part, baking soda is safe and it shouldn’t damage your skin, but those with sensitive skin should keep an eye out on their skin while using it.
I use baking soda mask two times per week and leaves my skin so very soft. I like it!
can baking soda lighten skin?
Hi Andrea,
Baking soda has natural skin lightening properties, and therefore CAN lighten skin by getting rid of discoloration, dark spots, sun spots, age spots, and scars.
will this lighten age spots?
Hi Marlene,
That’s a great question! The answer to that is yes! If used on a regular basis, and consistently, any one of these recipes will work to lighten age spots.
which is better? the lemon juice or the orange juice?
Hi there,
It’s personal preference really! Try both and see which one your skin likes better 🙂
Does baking soda tighten your skin?
Hi JessieJ,
Baking soda works to cleanse and lighten the skin, but also tighten pores. While it does not tighten the skin, it does help to minimize enlarged pores.
how long will it take to see results of clear acne using it once a week
Hi Diamond, This all depends on a lot of different factors such as the severity of your acne, what other acne products you use, and general lifestyle. If you have severe acne, we recommend you use an acne face wash twice a day (once in the morning and once at night), such as Neutrogena Acne Wash, which contains 2% salicylic acid. On top of that, you should also ensure that you drink plenty of water and stay away from fatty and sugary foods, which could cause breakouts. If you take care of your skin and use the mask once or… Read more »
can I use baking soda on my face everyday?
Hi Leeanne,
It all depends on your skin type, but honestly, I wouldn’t recommend using baking soda on your face everyday because it can be a little abrasiveness. Think of baking soda as an exfoliant – you wouldn’t use that everyday because it can be a little harsh on the skin, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin.
thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome Shannon 🙂
Can this be use on your arms
Hi Shannon,
Yes, absolutely you can this this on your arms. Just be sure to test a small area first to make sure you’re not allergic to any of the ingredients 🙂