Using an ingredient on the skin that normally goes on top of salads is not very appealing. Some might also be turned off by the smell of apple cider vinegar. However, despite its nature, it has a wide range of uses, both in the kitchen and in skincare.
Not to mention, the list of benefits of apple cider vinegar seems to be endless.
So, can apple cider vinegar treat skin conditions such as acne and scarring and does it have a positive effect on evening out the skin tone? Let’s find out.
You might have heard that apple cider vinegar has the ability to kill certain types of bacteria and viruses. Well, since acne is caused by the bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes, some research suggests that apple cider vinegar has various types of acids that are known to kill this particular bacteria.
How can you use it to fight that nasty acne-causing bacteria then? One of the ways is by making an apple cider vinegar toner and using it on your skin a couple of times a day. Read below to find out more DIY skincare recipes.
In addition, studies also suggest that lactic acid in particular, which is found in apple cider vinegar, can result in an overall reduction of acne after a long period of use. Its pH level is very similar to that of our skin, which suggests that it can restore the skin’s pH balance.
If you’ve ever struggled with acne, chances are, you’ve also struggled with some variation of scarring. Acne scarring is extremely difficult to deal with, and the sooner you begin the treatment the more effective and quicker it will be.
Natural products shouldn’t be dismissed even when it comes to treating tough skin conditions like acne scarring. Although more research is needed for a precise conclusion, apple cider vinegar can potentially reduce the scarring.
As we’ve mentioned before, apple cider vinegar contains certain acids that are known to improve the texture of the skin. It not only treats mild scarring and hyperpigmentation but can also prevent the acne from occurring in the first place by gently exfoliating the skin and removing dead skin cells.
When it comes to home remedies, toners are an essential part of many people’s skincare routine. That’s because the right toner can have an enormous effect in keeping your skin bright, youthful and healthy-looking. If you’re in search of an apple cider vinegar product to start with, then this one is for you.
For this recipe, you’ll only need apple cider vinegar and some water. Mix one part apple cider vinegar with 5-7 parts water and apply the mixture in a bottle or a container. You could also store it in a spray bottle and spray it directly on your skin as a face mist.
It’s best to use this concoction at night after you’ve thoroughly washed your face. Simply dap a cotton pad in the mix, apply it all over your face, neck, and back if it’s necessary and let it work for 5-10 minutes. It’s extremely important to wash it off after that, especially if you have sensitive skin. Apply your moisturizer afterward. This toner doesn’t need to be refrigerated, you can store it wherever you want, in a dark and dry place.
The apple cider vinegar in this toner will have an anti-inflammatory effect on your skin and it will help kill the bacteria.
If you’re looking for a quick, cheap and easy DIY face mask recipe, then we’ve got you covered! For this acne-fighting face mask, you’ll need one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, one tablespoon of baking soda and a teaspoon of honey. Mix the ingredients together and apply it on your face. Let the mask sit for 15-20 minutes and then thoroughly wash it off. Your skin will not only be brighter and softer as a result, but it will likely put acne breakouts to a minimum.
We all know that regular exfoliation is crucial for all skin types, but especially those with acne-prone skin. It helps to get rid of dead skin cells, clear up clogged pores and repair the skin. For this scrub, you’ll need:
Mix all the ingredients together and gently massage the mixture it on your face and body. Let it sit for a couple of minutes in order for all the ingredients to work on the skin and wash it off.
There are many benefits that come with drinking apple cider vinegar regularly. Apparently, it lowers cholesterol, it has anti-fungal and anti-microbial benefits, it can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels, decrease the risk of certain cardiovascular diseases and increase your immunity.
For a nice morning refreshment, mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of warm water and drink it on an empty stomach. You can also drink it through the day. This can help brighten your skin and also aid digestion.
If you want even better results, you can add one freshly squeezed lemon in the recipe as well. Lemon is rich with vitamin C, which keeps the skin healthy and youthful. After you’ve implemented this drink in your morning routine, you should start to see results in a couple of weeks.
Give this refreshing and skin-healing smoothie a go next time you’re in need of a breakfast recipe. I promise you won’t feel the acidic taste of apple cider vinegar in this recipe! You’ll need:
All you’ll need to do is blend all the ingredients together, and you’ll have a healthy and easy breakfast option that’s also amazing for the skin.
So far, it seems like apple cider vinegar has only benefits for the skin. However, is there any risk in using it when you have acne-prone skin? The answer is yes.
Apple cider vinegar can potentially result in burns, blisters, and irritation. What’s more, it can also worsen acne by damaging the skin layers and its protective barriers. Because apple cider vinegar is a weak acid, if you continually apply it to the skin, it can cause severe irritation and damage.
Not all types of apple cider vinegar are created equally. The regular vinegar used for cooking shouldn’t be applied on the face.
Since you’ll be using this product on the skin, it’s very important to keep the following tips in mind. Make sure it’s unfiltered, raw, unpasteurized, organic, and that there are not many additives on the ingredient list. Moreover, it’s always better to buy it with the “mother” in it, which is a term used to describe all the nasty stuff floating in the bottom of the bottle. Don’t worry, although they’re not very appealing to the eye, they’re very beneficial for your gut and skin.
Even though many people claim that using apple cider vinegar has resulted in the best skin they’ve ever had, many claims are not yet scientifically proven.
Since apple cider vinegar has a particular acidic formula, it can result in skin damage and burning. If you use it directly on the skin without diluting it first, you may experience burns or irritation, especially if you’ve been using it for a long time. Therefore, make sure to always use it in a small amount and dilute it with water. Also, don’t let it sit on your skin for a long period of time.
Before using it topically, make sure you’re not allergic to it. Always check the expiration date before putting in on your skin.
If you suffer from overly sensitive skin, then you should be extra careful when using apple cider vinegar as a skincare product. It’s best to use a patch test first. If you do decide to try out any of the recipes mentioned above, try them out on one small area on your face first. After 24 hours, if there isn’t any visible irritation or dryness, then you may continue to apply it all over your face.
Always consult your doctor before trying out new skincare products, or if you notice any negative effects of apple cider vinegar. Remember, research on the subject of the benefits of apple cider vinegar for the skin is still relatively vague, so be careful if you have sensitive and acne-prone skin.
