Ingredients
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon plain, unsweetened yogurt
½ teaspoon honey
1–2 teaspoons lukewarm water, as needed
Optional: ½ teaspoon pure aloe vera gel
Instructions
Prepare the mixture
Add the baking soda and plain yogurt to a small, clean bowl. Add the honey and mix slowly until the ingredients are well combined.
Adjust the consistency
Add lukewarm water a few drops at a time until you have a smooth, creamy consistency that is easy to spread without dripping.
Clean your face
Wash your face gently with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
Apply a small amount
Using clean fingertips, spread a very thin layer over the cheeks and other non-sensitive areas of the face. Avoid the eyes, lips, nostrils, broken skin, and irritated areas.
Do not scrub aggressively
If you massage it at all, use extremely light circular motions for only a few seconds. Baking soda can be abrasive and may irritate sensitive skin.
Leave it on briefly
For a first try, leave the mixture on for about 1–2 minutes only. Do not leave it on for 30 seconds expecting a guaranteed change in pigmentation.
Rinse thoroughly
Rinse with plenty of lukewarm water until all of the mixture has been removed.
Moisturize
Gently pat your face dry and immediately apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to help keep the skin comfortable.
Use sun protection
If you’re using this type of exfoliating routine, daytime broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen is especially important. Sun exposure can make dark spots more noticeable.
Important Notes
Patch-test first: Apply a small amount to a discreet area and wait to see how your skin reacts before using it on your face.
Stop immediately if you experience burning, significant redness, swelling, or persistent irritation.
Avoid using this recipe on broken, sunburned, recently shaved, or irritated skin.
Don’t combine it with strong exfoliating acids, retinoids, or other irritating skincare products in the same routine.
Baking soda has a relatively alkaline pH and isn’t a proven treatment for removing dark spots. It can actually irritate some people’s skin, so gentle, formulated skincare products are generally a safer choice for pigmentation concerns.
Make a fresh batch each time rather than storing the mixture.
For persistent or changing dark spots, a dermatologist can help determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
🥣 Gentle Baking Soda Facial Cleanser
