Baking Soda and Coconut Oil are pretty popular cooking ingredients due to the amount of fat and nutrients both contain. Coconut oil gives a fairly distinct fragrance and taste when mixed in food. On the other hand, Baking Soda can make sweet snacks fluffier than normal.
What many consider as just a tool for making dishes taste better is also great for improving health, body, hair, and even teeth! Yes, as surprising as it sounds to others, coconut oil and baking soda are also good for applying to our skin, hair, and teeth. You may not know this, but the fatty acids, nutrients, and antimicrobial components contribute to why they are effective in our daily routines.
So, where else are they useful aside from cooking? Below is a list of other possible baking soda and coconut oil uses. Although there are clear benefits to using them, the risk is so much bigger than you might think it’s better to leave kitchen ingredients in the kitchen. Then again, it’s not wrong to talk to your dermatologist first and get skin tests if ever you’d like to give it a shot.
Clearer Skin
Baking Soda
Baking soda’s scientific term is Sodium Bicarbonate and is a common ingredient for toning skin and cleansing it in the most natural way you could ever imagine. Of course, there are some speculations that baking soda can help treat acne, but there’s been no research on this, nor has there been anyone to give definite proof. We also have to consider that everyone’s skins have different reactions to whatever we apply to them.
You cannot, however, apply baking soda directly onto your skin. Using it as an ingredient is a different story as long as you mix in a decent amount of it. Note that our skin’s pH is 4.5 to 5.5 while baking soda’s acid pH is between 8 and 9. So, there’s a high possibility that this can cause skin irritation when applied carelessly. Make sure to talk with your dermatologist first.
Coconut Oil
Many consumers claim that coconut oil is good for the skin, especially acne and eczema. Such a claim is reasonable due to the properties the coconut oil contains: anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial alike. The two properties give beauty enthusiasts a sense of comfort and security, but that doesn’t mean that whatever acid the coconut oil has matches everyone’s skin.
Dermatologists encourage users to use coconut oil as a primary cleanser for the face. Coconut oil helps remove makeup and all other residues from the chemicals in the makeup. Due to the oil component, the coconut oil brings out the grease in your face—hence, the strong recommendation from dermatologists to use coconut oil as a primary cleanser. After lathering it on your face, rinse it with water and apply your usual soap to wash your face.
We’d like you to note that there is a possibility that coconut oil will clog your pores and may even worsen acne and eczema. It would be good if you inquired about this with your dermatologist.
Hair Treatment
Baking Soda
There have been talks about how baking soda is good for your hair. You have to mix baking soda in water and use it as an alternative to shampoo. Consumers say this can wash out the dirt from your scalp and ultimately leave your hair shiny and smooth again–which is entirely wrong.
Research shows that baking soda has more potential of harming your hair than fixing it. Baking soda’s pH level is so much higher than that of your scalp or hair, which could result in cuticle damage—this means worse frizzy hair. It can also cause scalp irritation and breakage. While there are many rumors about how baking soda is good for your hair, it is best to note some things about it and look up more articles regarding the said ingredient. What might work for others may not work for you.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil, on the other hand, is on a different level of popularity when it comes to hair treatment. The antimicrobial properties in this ingredient allow it to cleanse your head from your scalp to your hair tips. Not only does it cleanse your scalp, but it can also help moisturize your hair to make it silkier and smoother—a little bit healthier.
As long as you proceed with caution without applying too much coconut oil to your hair, it’ll be alright. It is best to keep in mind that too much of anything can be bad—especially with coconut oil and baking soda. If you apply too much, it is possible to cause a dandruff breakage instead of helping in lessening it. It can also irritate your scalp.
Whiter Teeth
Baking Soda
Baking soda is an extremely popular ingredient for teeth whitening as it has antibacterial properties. Baking soda can reduce plaque and gingivitis and reduce stain and whiten teeth. Numerous toothpaste brands use baking soda as an ingredient for teeth whitening. Although to some, it is effective, there is a possibility it won’t work on you, especially if you’re not consistent in brushing your teeth.
Coconut oil
There isn’t much solid proof that coconut oil can whiten teeth, but coconut oil can certainly help reduce stains and whiten your teeth, just like baking soda. It also delays tooth decay, allowing your teeth and gums to recover, avoiding gum disease. Keep in mind that the maximum number of minutes when applying coconut oil to your teeth is 15 to 20 minutes. Please do not go any further than that.
Also, please remember not to swap your actual toothpaste with purely coconut oil. We recommend that you use coconut oil first and then brush with your usual toothpaste after rinsing the oil—or vice versa. Either way, as long as you don’t put too much and depend on coconut oil alone to whiten your teeth, there won’t be any problems.
Conclusion
There are many benefits to using coconut oil and baking soda. Both have nutrients and anti-bacterial properties to help with improving your skin, teeth, and even your hair. That said, it is important always to remember that too much of anything can be bad—hence, we strongly recommend that you apply only the designated amount. Skin tests are also recommended but not mandatory as it’s optional for consumers. Please discuss this with your dermatologist first for a better personal, professional opinion.