Pantry Staple Apple Cider Vinegar Treats Acne, Discoloration and More—Learn How to Use It
Plus, the DIY recipes that are easy to whip up at home
The uses of apple cider vinegar go way beyond the kitchen! That’s because the pantry staple is packed with nutrients that help balance skin’s pH, fight breakouts and even brighten the complexion. It can be used as a gentle toner to minimize pores and smooth skin’s texture, along with as a mask and more. Plus, its antibacterial properties make it a go-to for calming irritation. Even better? It helps slough off dead skin cells, revealing a fresher, more radiant skin. Here, the apple cider vinegar benefits for skin and the simple ways to add the ingredient to your beauty routine.
Apple cider vinegar benefits for skin
Read on for all the ways ACV tackles skin concerns, like dryness, enlarged pores, wrinkles, age spots and more. There’s a good reason skin experts tout the apple cider vinegar benefits for skin.
1. Apple cider for skin: It improves the skin’s barrier function
The skin has a naturally acidic pH that helps protect it from bacteria, fungus and environmental damage. “As we age, the skin’s pH can become more alkaline, which can weaken the skin barrier and make it more prone to dryness, irritation, and infections,” explains Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami. “ACV can help restore the skin’s acidity to fight off these issues.”
2. Apple cider vinegar smooths and brightens skin
The alpha-hydroxy acids in apple cider vinegar can remove dead skin cells and stimulate collagen production in skin. “This can improve the skin’s texture, brightness, and elasticity,” says Dr. Chacon. “Which in turn, reduces the appearance of wrinkles and age spots.”
Additionally, the natural acids in apple cider vinegar like malic and acetic acids “whisk away dead skin cells, revealing a healthier, more vibrant complexion,” says Robin Davis, a board-certified Nurse Practitioner at The Fountain, a medical spa in West Palm Beach, Florida. “ACV improves skin texture and also helps reduce visible signs of aging such as age spots and fine lines.”
Bonus: If you have rough or callused skin on the feet, apple cider vinegar can help with that too. Podiatrist Suzzane Levine, DPM, recommends soaking feet in the vinegar. Its acids break down the protein that binds dead skin cells together, softening hardened spots and allowing for skin cell renewal. The result? Baby-soft feet in no time.
3. Apple cider vinegar for skin: It “shrinks” enlarged pores
“The acetic and citric acids present in ACV can increase skin cell turnover, effectively clearing and tightening enlarged pores,” says Randall Higgins, a cosmetic chemist and co-founder of skin care website GoodGlow.co. “This results in a more refined skin texture, that’s smoother and more youthful.”
4. Apple cider vinegar for skin: It calms irritation
Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated and inflamed skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne. “These properties are what makes it such a popular choice for treating acne and reducing inflammation,” says Dr. Chacon. “It’s also great to use on a sunburn to help heal skin.”
One caveat: Dr. Chacon notes that it is essential to do a patch test before using ACV on your face. Her advice is to apply a small amount of diluted ACV to your inner elbow or wrist and wait for 24 hours to see if you have any adverse reaction. If you experience any itching, burning, redness, or swelling, skip using ACV on your face altogether. “ACV can be a promising solution for mature skin woes,” adds Higgins. “But due to its acidic nature, it’s always wise to introduce it into your routine gradually.”
How to use apple cider vinegar for skin
Use apple cider vinegar in a face mask
In a bowl, combine 1 Tbs. of apple cider vinegar and 2 Tbs. of honey. Apply the mixture onto clean, dry skin on the face. Let sit for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse off with water. Use this once a week as needed.
If you prefer a ready-made face mask with ACV, try Ulta Beauty Collection Apple Cider Vinegar & Kaolin Clay Mask; or grab a moisturizer with ACV, like Mamaearth Oil-Free Face Moisturizer.
Use apple cider vinegar as a toner
Dilute 1 Tbs. of apple cider vinegar in 2 cups of water. Pour the mixture into a lidded jar and apply to the face with a cotton ball or pad after cleansing skin. Use three times a week.
For more DIY apple cider vinegar toner recipes, check out this video from @iamvanessae on YouTube. Or pick up a toner like Peaches Skincare ACV Toner.
Use apple cider vinegar as a spot treatment for hormonal acne or discoloration
Saturate a cotton swab with undiluted apple cider vinegar and dab it onto a blemish or dark spot. Let sit 10-15 minutes or overnight and rinse off with water. Use once a day as needed.
Use apple cider vinegar as a foot soak
Mix 1 cup of apple cider vinegar and 2 cups of warm water in a large basin. Soak feet for 15 minutes, then rinse. Pat dry and immediately slather on a foot cream or lotion.
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