Homemade face masks are rapidly gaining popularity on social media — but do they really work, and how easy are they to prepare at home?

Some recipes, such as baking soda masks, promise visible results and can be made in just a couple of minutes. At-home skincare is appealing because it allows you to use affordable ingredients that are often already on hand, while also addressing different skin concerns — from dull complexion to dryness and tightness.

Particular attention is drawn to baking soda — one of the most discussed ingredients in natural skincare. How can it be used correctly to keep the skin healthy, clean, and glowing? Read more in our new article.

• Anti-inflammatory effect: Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) has pronounced anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is especially suitable for skin with clogged pores, helping to reduce inflammation and cleanse problem areas.

• Helps fight acne: Baking soda is often used in cleansing and exfoliating products. When combined with water, it can effectively reduce the appearance of blackheads. Simply apply the mixture to the nose area after a shower — impurities are then easier to remove.

• Mattifies the skin: Thanks to its ability to draw out impurities, baking soda helps control sebum production and reduces oily shine.

Baking soda can have adverse effects on the skin if used incorrectly. This is due to its alkaline nature (pH around 9), which can disrupt the skin’s natural acid–base balance. As a result, dryness, irritation, a feeling of tightness, and in some cases even an increase in breakouts and acne may occur.
To avoid unwanted reactions while minimizing risks, it is important to use baking soda carefully and only according to expert recommendations. A proper and moderate approach will help reduce the likelihood of side effects and maintain healthy skin.

If you have acne-prone skin, a baking soda mask may be the simple at-home solution you’ve been looking for. It is not suitable for all skin types, but for those prone to clogged pores and blackheads, it can be especially effective: helping to reduce dullness, refine skin texture, and deeply cleanse the skin.
And the best part — it only requires two ingredients. Use this mask about twice a month, and over time blackheads will become less noticeable, while the skin will appear cleaner and smoother.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions for use:

1. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of warm water until a paste forms. Adjust the consistency if needed: if the mixture is too thick, add a little water; if it is too runny, add a bit more baking soda. Important: the total amount of baking soda should not exceed 2 teaspoons.

2. Apply the paste with your fingertips and gently spread it over the facial skin using soft circular motions

3. Leave the mask on for 10 minutes. A slight tingling sensation may occur — this is a normal reaction.

4. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry with a towel.

5. Apply a moisturizing cream to keep the skin soft, smooth, and well hydrated.

Moisturizing face cream at a great price 

Read also: How to Steam Your Face for Pore Cleansing at Home: Step-by-Step Instructions and Dermatologists’ Tips