Beauty Tip: Lemon/Bicarbonate Facial (For Skin Brightening)

How many of us wish they could go without applying make-up, only to discover that another pimple is forming? Isn't it annoying when we wait ages for those annoying acne scars to fade? While it is true that a well-balanced diet could reduce the amount of sebum our skin produces, acne could still be a recurring problem regardless of how we take care of our skin. One may be tempted to spend a fortune at the local beauty salon, but there is another alternative that is effective, and only costs a fraction of what you would spend on a professional facial.

We are all familiar with the saying "When life throws you lemons, make lemonade", but the fruit is also popular as a beauty staple, known for its skin-brightening properties (For the record, skin brightening is not the skin as skin bleaching which I do not recommend). It is also useful in cutting through grease which is ideal if you have oily skin, a condition common with Nigerians. You might have used bicarbonate of soda in your baking, but are you aware that it's also an exfoliant that scrubs away dead skin cells? Several people including myself have confirmed that this facial really works, and when used very 2-3 days the results are impressive.

Bicarbonate of soda and baking power are NOT the same thing. Be sure to look for bicarbonate of soda from your local baking supplies shop. If the label says BAKING SODA, you may use it as this is the American term for bicarbonate of soda. My readers in Nigeria may also wish to use lime instead of lemon as limes are more popular than their yellow cousins. DO NOT apply the mixture to your face if you have sensitive skin, and avoid the delicate eye area. If the stinging is uncomfortable following application, wash off immediately. 

For the lemon/bicarbonate facial you will need:

One tablespoon baking soda

One lemon (or lime)

In a bowl, mix the soda and juice - the mixture will fizz, but this is normal. After the fizz dies down, apply to clean washed face, avoiding the eye area. Very gently rub your skin in a circular motion to exfoliate, then leave on your face for about 15 minutes or until it dries (You may wish to lie down as you wait, and try not to move or talk much because the mixture flakes). After it has dried, wash off with warm water, taking care to remove EVERY trace. Pat dry with a towel - do not rub - then apply a light amount of oil-free moisturiser. 

Make a fresh batch when needed - do not store. 

Please comment if you have any questions!