How to use Baking Soda to Lighten Dark Knees & Elbows

You can use baking soda for dark knees & elbows. However, it might not be the best choice for everyone, especially those with sensitive skin.

Let’s look at what baking soda does to the skin to try and figure out whether it is worth a try.

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How Baking Soda Works

While there is no scientific or clinical proof that baking soda bleaches the skin, many people swear that it helps to lighten and brighten their skin.

This is probably due to its exfoliating properties.

Baking soda is an excellent, but somewhat harsh exfoliating ingredient. It effectively removes dead skin cells and impurities.

This will eventually leave the skin looking more toned and less textured.

Side Effects Of Baking Soda

Regardless of its exfoliating properties, however, baking soda has side effects.

It is caustic and very alkaline so it can disrupt the skin’s pH. It can also affect the skin moisture barrier which causes dryness and irritation.

Some dermatologists also believe that it can make underlying inflammatory conditions like dermatitis and eczema worse or cause flare-ups.

I do not recommend using baking soda on your face or other sensitive areas. If your skin can tolerate it, then you can use it on tougher areas like your knees & elbows. However, use it with caution to avoid irritation.

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How To Use Baking Soda For Dark Knees & Elbows

Baking soda is best used as a paste or scrub. It can be mixed with water or other ingredients to make DIY remedies that can be washed off the skin.

Here are some steps to follow:

Patch-test your skin first to make sure that it can tolerate baking soda.
Start by applying your treatment 1-2 times per week and gradually increase the frequency if your skin does not become irritated.

Leave your treatment on for 10-15 minutes max and then wash it off thoroughly.
Make sure to moisturize your skin well after washing your treatment off.
Always use SPF during the day.

Do not use baking soda more than once daily.

How long does baking soda take to work?

This will depend on how bad your hyperpigmentation is and how your skin reacts. However, most people see visible results in 1-2 weeks of consistent use.

This will, of course, vary for different people.

Check out these articles to see what else you can use baking soda for:

DIY Baking Soda & Lemon for Underarms: Benefits & Risks

How to Use Baking Soda to Lighten Dark Inner Thighs

Best DIY Baking Soda Recipes For Dark Knees & Elbows

1- Baking Soda + Water

This is the most simple recipe. Just mix enough baking soda and water to form a paste. Apply the paste to your clean skin. Rub in circular motions for 1-2 minutes and then let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse it off properly and moisturize your skin.

2- Baking Soda + Lemon Juice

Baking soda’s exfoliating properties along with the brightening and lightening effects of the vitamin C and citric acid in lemon juice make a great combination for lightening dark elbows and knees.

Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda and enough lemon juice to make a paste. Adjust the portions as needed. Apply the mixture to your clean skin and massage in circular motions for 1-2 minutes. Let the mixture sit on your skin for 10-15 minutes and then rinse it off well. Moisturize your skin.

3- Baking Soda + Milk

Baking soda exfoliates the skin and milk has lactic acid with brightens and smoothens the skin.

Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda and enough milk to make a smooth paste. Apply it to your skin and gently massage it in circular motions for a minute or two. Let it sit for another 10-15 minutes and then wash it off. Moisturize the skin well afterwards.

You can also add honey to this recipe for some extra antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.

4- Baking Soda + Green Tea

Green tea contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which, according to researchers, seems to regulate the accumulation of melanin in the skin. This, combined with the exfoliating effects of baking soda is a great combination.

Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda and enough green tea to make a smooth paste. Apply it to your skin and gently massage it in circular motions for a minute or two. Let it sit for another 10-15 minutes and then wash it off. Moisturize the skin well afterwards.

This is another recipe where you can also add honey for some extra antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.

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