The delicate skin of the hands is very vulnerable, as it is constantly exposed to negative external influences. To maintain health and youth, it is not necessary to undergo expensive cosmetic procedures in salons. An effective product can be found on any kitchen shelf. And this is ordinary baking soda (sodium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate).
Photo: Depositphotos.com. Author: EdZbarzhyvetsky.
Useful properties of the procedure
Soda solution has a healing effect on the skin of the hands and nails:
- disinfects;
- rejuvenates;
- softens rough areas;
- relieves inflammation;
- exhibits an antifungal effect;
- eliminates peeling;
- removes dead skin particles;
- relieves irritation and itching;
- strengthens and whitens nail plates.
Sodium bicarbonate is highly soluble in water, neutralizes the acidity of the skin environment, normalizing its acid-base balance (ph). Hence the bactericidal and antimycotic properties of the substance.
Soda is a sodium salt of carbonic acid (NaHCO3), which softens the skin and acts as a light peeling.
The maximum positive effect of baths can be achieved by combining it with other natural ingredients.
Foot bath with soda.
Preventing the spread of fungus with large soda baths
The fungus has the unpleasant property of spreading to other nails, as well as to the skin of the body (especially in the folds). Moreover, onychomycosis is rarely the primary focus of a fungal infection - as a rule, the fungus enters the nail from an already formed “skin” lesion.
You can’t lubricate your entire body with antiseptic (and you won’t do it all the time). For this reason, there are baths with a general tonic and antiseptic effect.
In addition to the mild antiseptic effect, a soda bath provides the following effects:
- Relieves irritation, reduces inflammatory reactions (allergic, including);
- Reduces stress, calms the nervous system (which has a positive effect on the process of treating fungal infections);
- Normalizes general metabolism, improves superficial blood circulation. A side effect associated with the metabolic effects of a soda bath is moderate weight loss in premenopausal women and an anti-cellulite effect.
Large soda baths
To achieve results, a soda bath must be used in courses - 10 procedures, with intensity - every other day.
How to take a soda bath: the water should be 38-39 0C, the procedure time should be up to half an hour. After the bath, you need to wrap yourself in a blanket and relax.
Antifungal effect
Hand fungus is a serious disease that causes discomfort and is contagious. To quickly defeat the disease, it is important to recognize it at the initial stage.
Changes in color, thickness, shape of the nail plate, brittleness and splitting of nails, itching and pain - these are the alarm signals sent by the body infected with the fungus.
If you notice these symptoms and there are no special antimycotic remedies at home, use baking soda baths as first aid.
Sodium bicarbonate helps fight fungus by providing a complex effect:
- cleans the surface of the nail;
- removes bacteria and fungal spores, prevents their reproduction;
- exfoliates damaged plate cells due to the peeling effect.
After getting rid of symptoms, soda baths are used to prevent relapses.
Attention! When solving dermatological problems, soda can only be used as an additional remedy, after first obtaining permission from a doctor.
Methods for treating nail fungus with soda.
What can soda do in homemade cosmetics?
- Brightens
Soda destroys the upper lipid layer and mantle of the epidermis (within reasonable limits, of course). Keratinocytes are replaced faster, and the upper layer is renewed. The skin becomes lighter. It's easiest to think of it as peeling away the "dirt" on the surface, since no actual damage to the skin occurs. Over time, not all epithelial cells can still effectively exfoliate; a layer of cells accumulates that do not perform their function, but simply lie as dead weight. Baking soda helps remove them.
- Evens out the microrelief
Due to the fact that “mountains” of accumulated epithelial cells are peeled off, the skin is smoothed and takes on a well-groomed appearance. If you add nutritional components after masks with baking soda or into the masks themselves, fine wrinkles may very well be smoothed out. Sodium bicarbonate removes dead cells, and, for example, serum with hyaluronic acid saturates the epithelium with moisture and nutrients. As a result, we get velvety, well-groomed skin without small wrinkles that arise due to dryness.
- Eliminates dryness, flaking
If peeling on the skin was not caused by microorganisms or trauma to the epidermis, sodium bicarbonate will help cope with it. The impact scheme is the same. Sodium bicarbonate will simply help those cells that are long overdue to “leave” as quickly as possible.
For psoriasis and eczema
Psoriasis and eczema are common dermatological diseases that are characterized by irritation, burning, and extensive damage to the skin.
The use of soda is aimed at quickly restoring epidermal cells. NaHCO3 acts as a disinfectant and anti-inflammatory agent: it does not allow infection to penetrate deeper through open wounds, and helps prolong the period of remission.
For the bath, adhere to the ratio: 1 tsp. soda to 1 glass of warm water. If necessary, increase the volume of liquid while maintaining the original proportion. Immerse your hands in the solution for 20 minutes.
Features of hand skin
The skin on the back of the hand, unlike the palm, contains almost no sebaceous glands and natural moisture. That is why the impact of external factors immediately affects the condition of the skin.
Hands are the most vulnerable “object”, since they are the ones who most often come into contact with cleaning products (sometimes ignoring gloves) and water. In addition, the sun, wind and low temperatures adversely affect the condition of the skin of the hands, accelerating the aging process.
Successful combinations
The healing effect of sodium bicarbonate is enhanced in combination with other components:
- with sea salt - eliminates flaking, removes dead skin cells;
- with laundry soap - cleans, disinfects;
- with lemon - strengthens the nail plate, gives it a healthy shine, whitens the skin, helps get rid of hangnails;
- with essential oils - eliminates dryness and tightness, rejuvenates, nourishes.
- with apple or grape vinegar (only 1 drop per bath) - increases the permeability of cell membranes, stimulates nerve fibers in the skin, thereby accelerating cellular metabolism and regeneration; exhibits an antifungal effect and strengthens the nail plates.
- with aloe juice - moisturizes, fights dryness and irritation, helps heal microcracks.
- with ammonia - stimulates the hydration of epidermal cells, softens the skin, smoothes wrinkles, cleanses pores, and exhibits antiseptic properties.
- with glycerin - prevents premature aging, eliminates age-related pigmentation.
Bath recipes
Choose a recipe depending on what problem is bothering you.
Cleansing
Add 1 tsp to 1 liter of warm water. baking soda, ammonia, liquid soap. Immerse your hands in the liquid for 15 minutes. Blot with a napkin.
Whitening
Add 1 glass of milk + 1 glass of herbal infusion (chamomile, calendula, linden blossom or other medicinal herbs) to the soda solution (1 tsp per 1 liter of water). Action time: 15–20 minutes. Repeat the procedure twice a week.
Softening
Mixture 1 tsp. soda with a glass of oatmeal, pour 3 glasses of warm water. Immerse your hands in the bath for 20 minutes. Wash them and wipe them with a napkin.
Rejuvenating
Dissolve 1 tsp in a glass of water. soda, ½ tsp. ammonia, 25 ml each of liquid soap and glycerin. Soak your hands in the solution for 20 minutes, rinse. Dry with a towel.
With iodine for strong nails
Dissolve 1 tsp. sodium bicarbonate in a glass of water, add 5 drops of iodine there. Duration of the procedure: 20 minutes.
Antifungal
To eliminate fungus, add 1 tbsp to a glass of warm water. l. NaHCO3, ground soap flakes. Stir. Place your hands in the water for 15 minutes. Wipe dry.
Course of treatment: 10 procedures.
Restorative
Prepare a decoction: 2 tbsp. l. St. John's wort, chamomile and burdock root, pour 0.5 liters of water and boil for 10 minutes. Let cool. Add the broth to the soda bath. Immerse your hands in water for 20 minutes. Rinse and wipe dry.
To whiten your nails, you can try a mask: mix a little hydrogen peroxide or tooth powder and a pinch of soda. Apply to nails, rinse with water after 10 minutes.
Mechanism of action and features of topical use of baking soda for nail fungus
Baking soda acts as an antiseptic and softens tissues
Soda has two main effects - it makes tissues more susceptible to drugs, and also acts as a local antiseptic, destroying accessible (surface) fungal colonies.
The tissues of the hands and feet softened with soda (nails and skin) respond much better to antifungal drugs, allowing stable remissions to be achieved even when using only local antifungal agents (Lamisil cream, Exoderil, etc.).
The destruction of the fungus (as well as other pathogenic microorganisms) occurs due to the difference in osmotic pressure in the pathogen cell and in the environment (i.e. in a soda bath or ointment).
Rules for conducting procedures
- Before the procedure, wash your hands with soap and remove any remaining cream. If you want to work on your nails, remove the manicure polish.
- The water temperature should not exceed 40 °C, but not too cold. Focus on your feelings.
- The duration of the bath should not exceed 20 minutes.
- Optimal frequency: 2 times a week.
- After using the soda solution, carefully dry your hands with a paper napkin or soft towel, and apply a suitable cream.
Nail preparation
Before starting whitening and strengthening procedures, it is necessary to prepare the nail plates. For this:
- If there is nail polish on your nails, remove it using a liquid without acetone: for example, using a regular deodorant spray, perfume or rubbing alcohol.
- If there is a gel polish coating on the nails and any decorations with rhinestones, all this must also be removed.
- Before the procedures, it is better to tidy up not only your nails, but the area around them. Hangnails need to be removed; if there are small wounds, cuts and abrasions, it is better to refrain from using soda products.
Reviews
Elena. I have very delicate skin on my hands. When I come into contact with household chemicals, I quickly feel dryness, irritation, and peeling. My sister suggested a recipe for a soda bath with iodine. I usually don’t use the product for longer than 10 minutes, but even during this time the effect is noticeable. The skin became soft and smooth, and thanks to iodine, the nails became stronger and grow faster.
Daria. I often work in the garden, but I’m used to doing everything without gloves. Of course, after gardening, the condition of the hands leaves much to be desired. I save myself with a simple soda bath without adding other ingredients. It makes the skin soft and perfectly removes impurities.
Anastasia. I was used to using a professional hand care line and didn’t really trust my friend when she talked about the positive effect of using soda. But it turned out that the baths rejuvenate and remove dryness no worse than expensive creams.
Stages of care
Complete hand skin care includes the following steps.
- Cleansing. For these purposes, use liquid soap or a bath with baking soda and soap.
- Peeling. Removing dead skin particles will provide access to subsequent cosmetic products. Use a regular store-bought scrub or make your own.
- Massage. Light stroking and rubbing using oil or hand cream will increase blood circulation and relax muscles.
- Homemade masks will help soften the skin, nourish it, and restore damaged tissue.
- Moisturizing is necessary to increase elasticity and create a protective barrier.
- Finger exercises will strengthen muscles and slow down aging.
Before looking for suitable hand products among the lines of expensive cosmetics, try budget soda baths.
The best recipes for soda foot baths.
