Apple Cider Vinegar and Acne

Apple cider vinegar has been an incredibly hot topic in the health and fitness scene lately. Being touted to help with everything from weight loss to fluid retention and bloating, the fermented vinegar has become immensely popular as of late. Many now claim that apple cider vinegar can help soothe and heal acne while repairing damaged skin and even lightening acne scarring.

With such a natural ingredient, it can be tempting to give incorporating it into your skincare routine a try. Let’s discuss the pros and cons and together make an informed decision on the benefits and risks of apple cider vinegar as skincare.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Acne

Apple Cider Vinegar Can Kills Bacteria that Cause Acne

Propionibacterium acnes is a type of bacteria that causes most common forms of non-hormonal acne. It can cause clogged pores, inflammation, and intense discomfort. Not to mention it can seriously take down your self esteem.

Apple cider vinegar has been shown to help slow and prevent the growth of propionibacterium acnes in many test subjects, effectively reducing the severity of the appearance of their acne significantly.

The reason for the high level of effectiveness is that apple cider vinegar contains high levels of lactic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, and succinic acid, all of which change the skin’s PH and make it uninhabitable for bacterial growth.

These same acids can actually help alleviate acne scarring appearance and lighten scars, making it great for overall skin health, as well.

If you are beginning to see signs of aging within your skin, such as wrinkles and dark spots, apple cider vinegar may be a great option for you, too.

Apple cider vinegar contains alpha hydroxy acids which can remove dull, dead skin and reveal the fresh, smooth canvas underneath. You can apply a bit of diluted apple cider vinegar after cleansing directly to areas that concern you.

When purchasing your apple cider vinegar, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you should ensure that the one you are considering is organic.Unpasteurized and unfiltered are also even better if you can get your hands on such a product. Lastly, you should ensure that the “mother” is inside of the bottle.

Unpasteurized and unfiltered are also even better if you can get your hands on such a product. Lastly, you should ensure that the “mother” is inside of the bottle.

Some apple cider vinegar manufacturers will remove the mother to give the vinegar a more uniform and appealing appearance. Let’s face it: the friendly little lump of protein and helpful bacteria looks like a snotty mess.

To someone who did not know any better, it may even make the bottle look spoiled or tainted. This could not be further from the truth! Keeping the mother in the bottle keeps the vinegar potent and gives your skin an extra boost of treatment with each use!

Once you have made your final selection, it is time to give your vinegar a spin. Always do a patch test on your arm to ensure you are not allergic before covering your face in any new product!

After twice daily applications for around six weeks you will likely see a decrease in the depth and appearance of wrinkles and age spots. Continued usage can show even better results over time. Persistence and patience are key with any skin care regime. Hang in there and you will definitely see results!

Another amazing aspect of apple cider vinegar as a skincare additive is that it can actually help balance your skin’s PH. Due to its acidic nature, apple cider vinegar mimics the acid mantle of your skin. Using the vinegar toner regularly will help to regulate the PH of your skin which helps to prevent bacterial growth and regulate oil production.

Apple cider vinegar also detoxes your pores, pulling out toxins, dirt, and makeup that may be hiding within and tightening pores to give the skin a flawless, baby smooth finish. The effect is similar to witch hazel based toners, which also work to remove irritants trapped within your pores.

Once you pass the allergy test, dilute your vinegar in a 2:1 ratio with distilled or purified water, with the 2 parts being vinegar and one part being water. Use a cotton round or soft wash cloth to apply the mixture to your face as you would a normal toner.

Be careful to avoid your eyes, as the mixture could irritate them. Do not rinse off the remaining product, let it sink into your skin for maximum effect. Do this daily after cleansing your face and before moisturizing and expect to see results within a couple of weeks.

When using apple cider vinegar, always be cautious and stop usage immediately if you notice any irritation or sensitivity. Apple cider vinegar is strongly acidic by nature with an average PH of 2.8 to 3.0.

Do not use it on open wounds or cracked skin, as it can sting or irritate those areas. Always dilute the product, it can be tempting to add it to your routine straight from the bottle to increase the potency of the treatment and decrease the time to see results but this can result in some serious irritation and delay your healing process.

Be patient and if you feel the 2:1 ratio is too strong, feel free to add more water. Not diluting the vinegar enough can cause burns to your face so always go with your gut and check with your doctor if you currently use any prescription acne medications to ensure no interactions will occur.

Conclusion

Apple cider vinegar is an incredibly valuable skincare asset. When used regularly, it can help with tons of skin issues ranging from acne to aging and oil production issues.

Its gentle, natural origin and easily diluted for usage nature make it easy to incorporate and safe. With patience and routine, you can easily access the amazing benefits of apple cider vinegar toning.