The benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar date back to 400 BC. No, we’re not joking. It has been documented that Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician, often used it with honey as a tonic and an antibiotic for general health. It has also been used by soldiers during the American Civil War and The World Wars for its healing properties.
Among the multiple benefits of apple cider vinegar, you will be surprised to know apple cider vinegar, also a fruit acid has amazing and extraordinary benefits for skin and hair health. Be it combating signs of aging or tackling bacterial infection, the health benefits of ACV have become the go-to solution for many people around the world.
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What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Simply put, Apple Cider Vinegar is made from fermenting apple juice. It’s treated with yeast and good bacteria, which produces an ‘alcohol’ and then is subjected to another round of fermentation before it finally turns to ACV. It has acidic acid, malic acid, antibacterial and antifungal properties which are used for various skin ailments. ACV’s main component is the acidic acid that gives it a strong sour smell and flavors it.
Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin – How does ACV help?
Here we listed seven benefits of ACV for the skin.
1. Fights Acne And Pimples
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Acne and pimples are caused by bacteria, but excessive oil can worsen the problem, which can cause clogged pores. The fruit acid, microbial properties of ACV can control bacterial growth, hence can prevent acne and pimples.
2. Helps In Diminishing Fine lines And Age Spots
We start losing the elasticity of our skin over time, but it can be delayed with a proper skincare regime. Apple Cider Vinegar may help in protecting your skin from harmful elements in the environment and tighten it. ACV contains Alpha Hydroxyl Acids, which are effective in removing fine lines and age spots.
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3. Exfoliator And Blackhead Remover
Exfoliation is one of the most important steps in a skincare routine. It helps in removing dead skin cells and blackheads. ACV has malic acid, which is a chemical exfoliator that may remove the Epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin). It also has Alpha Hydroxyl Acid, known to be beneficial for eradicating old skin cells and revealing the new cells to enhance the facial glow.
4. A Natural Toner
Toning is the second step in the CTM (cleansing, toning, moisturizing) routine. ACV is widely used as an all-natural toner. It minimizes pores and can prevent future build-up (open pores) if used regularly. Apple Cider Vinegar contains astringent properties that help in increasing blood circulation in the skin. It can be quite miraculous for those who have oil or acne-prone skin.
5. Balances The Skin’s pH Levels
A balanced skin pH level is necessary for healthy skin. Our skin produces natural oil every day, which is fairly apparent every morning on oily and combination skins. A regulated pH level ensures proper functioning of the epidermis, which includes producing the right amount of oil and controlling acne-causing bacteria.
6. Can Heal Hyper Pigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a condition that causes your skin to darken. It can be seen as dark patches or spots on the skin. The acidic acid in Apple Cider Vinegar can be effective in decreasing the production of melanin, which is what leads to skin darkening and thus helps in healing pigmentation.
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7. May Soothe Sunburn
The body produces melanin to protect the skin from Ultra-Violet Radiation and eventually, a time comes when the body can’t make it as rapidly as it should, which is what causes sunburn. Melanin is a pigment that lends color to skin, eyes, and hair. ACV can be soothing for sunburn due to its helpful acids. Carry a spray bottle of ACV and water for your beach holiday, you won’t regret it.
How To Use ACV On Skin
As we know now ACV is helpful for skin, lets’s find out how to use it to get its all benefits.
1. Can Remove Skin Tags Or Warts
Skin tags or warts are painless and nothing much benign growth of skin, but they look really unpleasant. \ It can be on the different parts of our body. Even though it’s not dangerous, we can get rid of it by applying Apple Cider Vinegar on the spot regularly, which eventually will dry out the growth and cause it to fall off.
2. Battles Foot Odor
When sweat comes in contact with air, it causes an embarrassing odor and people might end up questioning your hygiene practices. The acids in apple cider vinegar alter the pH levels of your skin. ACV also contains anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that are quite effective for removing foot odor.
3. Relives Bug Bites
In a country such as India, bug bites, especially mosquito bites, are quite normal. And these bites cause redness of the skin, itching sensation, and pain. The anti-inflammatory property of ACV can soothe the skin and relieve after-bite symptoms.
4. Can Prevent Paronychia
Super infected skin around your nails is known as Paronychia, and it may happen by pulling a hangnail (torn skin near the nail). It’s an infection that forms under the cuticle. Due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal properties, ACV can be effective in alleviating swelling and pain caused by bacteria and yeast infection.
Also Read: Best Brands Of Apple Cider Vinegar (With Mother) Brands
How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar On The Face
If you are skin conscious and a DIY lover, you probably have tried your hands at using ACV on the skin. It’s of course important to know how to use apple cider vinegar on the skin properly. ACV is an acid after all, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
ACV is not a thing that can be used in excess, so it’s necessary to know exactly how much to use. Jill Fichtel, MD of Transformative Dermatology recommends that you “dilute the solution with water and make a recipe according to your skin type. Its high acidity makes it compulsory to dilute it with water.”
1. As Face Wash
The prime benefit of Apple Cider Vinegar for skin is that it acts as a natural cleanser that can remove bacteria, dirt, debris, and oil from the skin to reveal a fresh and clean face. It’s a suitable alternative to soaps and face washes with chemicals in them.
Take 1/4 cup warm water and 1 tbsp of ACV and clean your face with this solution.
2. As Toner
As we have discussed before, ACV can tighten the skin and protect it from dirt and impurities. It minimizes the skin’s pores and regulates the pH balance of the skin.
Take 1 part ACV and 2 parts of purified water and apply it with a cotton ball or a spray bottle.
3. As Pimple And Spot Corrector
ACV can be quite effective for pimples and spots due to its antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It may help in suppressing pimples and erasing the marks left by them.
Take a small amount of ACV, soak a cotton ball in it and apply on the affected area on your face. Leave it for 10 minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water. It can be applied for few times daily till you get the desired results.
How To Apply Apple Cider Vinegar On The Face?
Apple Cider Vinegar can be applied on the face after your skin analysis or a positive spot test. Take a cotton ball and swab the mixture (ACV with water) gently over your face. It can be used twice or thrice a week initially to confirm its reaction.
- For Oily Skin, the ratio should be 1:1( 1 part of ACV and 1 part of water)
- For Normal Skin, the ratio must be 1: 2 ( 1 part of ACV and two parts of water)
- For Sensitive Skin, the correct ratio is 1: 3 ( 1 part of ACV and 3 parts of water)
- For Dry Skin, ACV should be avoided as it may cause an allergy
- It shouldn’t be used with other acids like retinol due to keratolytic properties
Is ACV Safe For The Skin?
Though we have seen many amazing benefits of apple cider vinegar for the skin, is it safe to use by all skin kinds? If you plan to incorporate ACV into your daily skincare routine, you also need to check if you’re reacting to it or not. A spot test is always recommended before applying a new product to your skin. The same goes for Apple Cider Vinegar. You can use a little amount of ACV (diluted with water) under your jawline and if you don’t see any sign of irritation or allergy within 24 hours, then you can go for it.
It’s always recommended to take the advice of a dermatologist and get your skin evaluation done before experimenting with ACV.
Side-Effects Of Apple Cider Vinegar
Although the malic acid found in ACV is mild, its other components can dry out and irritate the skin. Studies show that acetic acid in ACV may be responsible for severe irritation and chemical burns in some cases, but it can be avoided by diluting it with more than recommended quantities of water. However, it’s important to note that ACV is not for everyone and cannot solve all your skin problems. You might need to see a doctor if your skin troubles persist.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here we have answered a few FAQs about the usage of apple cider vinegar for skin.
1. Can Apple cider vinegar damage your face?
Take the advice of a dermatologist before starting any skincare routine. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) can cause irritation and dryness on the skin if applied without diluting. ACV can be extremely good for your skin if applied correctly.
2. Can I use ACV as a toner?
Yes, you can. Apple Cider Vinegar has high acidity levels and has been considered as a great toner for you skin by a lot of beauty bloggers. ACV can help tighten the pores and give a natural glow to your skin. Make sure you consult a dermatologist before starting any new beauty regime.
3. How often should I use apple cider vinegar on my face?
Every skin type reacts differently to different products. It is advised to first do a small patch test on your inner arm or an easily concealable area to see if it suits your skin type. Our skin on the face is much more sensitive than our arms, so use it carefully if you are applying it for the first time.
4. Can Apple cider Vinegar be used for removing Dark Spots?
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid which helps in removing pigmentation and stimulates skin lightening. This further improves overall skin health.
5. How long should I leave Apple Cider Vinegar on my Face?
Firstly, dilute ACV with normal water and then let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. After that rinse it with cool water and apply moisturizer.
Final Words
There are various ways to use ACV on the skin and can get the amazing benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin. If you are more into ready-made products, you can also buy products that contain ACV as their main ingredient. However, if you prefer to use homemade products, raw and unfiltered ACV can be a great option for a flawless complexion.
