Did you know – that our skin, when stretched out, covers an area of approximately 1.5 to 2 square meters? It houses an intricate ecosystem of cells, microbes, and glands. This remarkable organ constantly battles against environmental assailants, from harsh sunlight to pollution, while also playing a crucial role in our sensory experiences. Yet, despite its astounding capabilities, our skin remains sensitive, susceptible to damage, and deeply interconnected with our overall health.

In the quest for healthy skin, we often look for something special—a natural solution that science supports and can make our skin stronger, and more vibrant, and help us look younger. That special something is apple cider vinegar (ACV), an old remedy that people are talking about again in modern skincare.

But you might wonder, why do we need Apple Cider Vinegar for our skin? Well, it has to do with the many challenges our skin faces every day. Even though our skin protects us, it has a tough job. In this article, we will delve into the world of apple cider benefits for skin health and explore five proven ways in which this humble pantry staple can transform your skincare routine.

5 Apple Cider Benefits for Skin 

1. Balancing pH Levels

One of the key factors in maintaining healthy skin is the pH level. The skin’s natural pH is slightly acidic, with a range of 4.5 to 5.5. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to various skin issues, including dryness, acne, and sensitivity. Apple cider vinegar is naturally acidic, and when diluted with water, it can help restore the skin’s pH balance.

Apple Cider Vinegar pH-Balancing Toner

Ingredients:

• 1 part apple cider vinegar
• 3 parts filtered or distilled water (adjust for sensitivity)

Instructions:

• Mix one part apple cider vinegar with three parts filtered or distilled water in a clean container. You can adjust the ratio to have more water if you have sensitive skin.
• Stir the mixture well to ensure it’s thoroughly combined.
• Cleanse your face to remove any makeup, dirt, or impurities.
• Using a cotton ball or pad, gently apply the toner to your face, avoiding the eye area.
• Allow the toner to air dry on your skin. There’s no need to rinse it off.
• Follow up with your regular moisturizer or skincare routine.

Note: Before using this toner on your entire face, it’s a good idea to perform a patch test on a small area of your skin to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions to the apple cider vinegar.

2. Acne Treatment and Prevention

Acne is a common skin concern that affects people of all ages. Apple cider vinegar’s antibacterial and antifungal properties make it an effective remedy for managing acne. Its acetic acid content can help kill the bacteria responsible for acne, reduce inflammation, and unclog pores.

Apple Cider Vinegar Acne Toner

Ingredients:

• 1 part apple cider vinegar
• 3 parts water (adjust for sensitivity)
• A few drops of tea tree oil (optional, for added antibacterial properties)

Instructions:

• Mix one part apple cider vinegar with three parts water in a clean container. If you have sensitive skin, you can start with a higher ratio of water to ACV.
• If desired, add a few drops of tea tree oil, which can further help fight acne-causing bacteria.
• Use a cotton ball or pad to apply the toner to your face after cleansing, avoiding the eye area.
• Let it dry naturally, and then follow up with your regular moisturizer.

Note: Perform a patch test before applying this toner to your entire face to ensure your skin doesn’t react adversely to the ACV.

3. Exfoliation and Dead Skin Removal

Regular exfoliation is essential for achieving radiant and youthful-looking skin. Apple cider vinegar contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that can help exfoliate the skin, removing dead cells and promoting cell turnover. This natural exfoliating action can improve the texture of your skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and even out your complexion.

Apple Cider Vinegar Exfoliating Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons fine sugar (white or brown)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil (for moisture, optional)
• A few drops of your favourite essential oil (for a pleasant scent, optional)

Instructions:

• In a small bowl, combine one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with two tablespoons of fine sugar. The sugar will serve as the physical exfoliant, while ACV will provide chemical exfoliation due to its AHAs.
• If you want to add extra moisture, you can include one tablespoon of olive oil or coconut oil.
• If you’d like to improve the scent, add a few drops of your favourite essential oil (e.g., lavender, tea tree, or lemon).
• Mix all the ingredients thoroughly to create a paste-like consistency.
• Cleanse your face to remove any makeup and impurities.
• Apply the scrub to your damp skin, gently massaging it in a circular motion for about 1-2 minutes, focusing on areas with rough or dry skin.
• Rinse your face with lukewarm water and pat it dry.
• Follow up with your regular moisturizer.

Note: This scrub can be used once or twice a week, depending on your skin’s tolerance. Be gentle when exfoliating to avoid over-scrubbing, which can irritate the skin. If you experience any irritation or discomfort, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist. Always perform a patch test before using a new scrub to check for any adverse reactions.

4. Sunburn Relief and Skin Soothing

Excessive sun exposure can damage the skin and lead to painful sunburns. Apple cider vinegar can provide relief by soothing sunburned skin and reducing redness and discomfort. Its anti-inflammatory properties help calm the skin, while its acetic acid can help prevent infections.

Apple Cider Vinegar Sunburn Relief Spray

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup of cool water
• A clean spray bottle

Instructions:

• Start by mixing equal parts of apple cider vinegar and cool water. This dilution helps reduce the acidity of ACV, making it gentler on the skin.
• Pour the mixture into a clean spray bottle.
• Ensure the affected sunburned area is clean and free of any sunscreen or lotions.
• Gently shake the spray bottle to mix the contents.
• Hold the spray bottle a few inches away from the sunburned skin and mist the affected area with the solution.
• Allow it to air dry, and avoid rubbing the area.
• You can repeat this process as needed throughout the day to soothe the sunburn and reduce redness.

Note: If you prefer a more cooling effect, you can store the spray bottle in the refrigerator. Additionally, you might want to do a patch test on a small area of skin to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions to the ACV before applying it to a larger sunburned area.

5. Age Spot and Blemish Fading

Age spots, blemishes, and uneven skin tone can be frustrating cosmetic concerns. Apple cider vinegar may help lighten these imperfections over time. Its AHA content aids in fading dark spots and blemishes, giving your skin a more even complexion.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey Face Mask

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons raw honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for added exfoliation)

Instructions:

• In a small bowl, mix together the apple cider vinegar and raw honey.
• If you want to add exfoliation to the mask, include the ground cinnamon and mix well.
• Cleanse your face to remove any makeup and impurities.
• Apply the mask evenly to your face, avoiding the eye area. You can use your fingers or a clean makeup brush for this.
• Leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes. You may feel a slight tingling sensation, which is normal.
• Rinse the mask off with lukewarm water, gently massaging it into your skin in a circular motion as you rinse.
• Pat your face dry with a clean towel and apply your regular moisturizer.

Note: Cinnamon may cause a warming sensation, and it’s best to skip it if you have very sensitive skin. Always perform a patch test before applying a new mask to your entire face to check for any adverse reactions.

Conclusion

Apple cider vinegar is a versatile and affordable addition to your skincare routine that can offer various benefits for skin health. Its ability to balance pH levels, combat acne, exfoliate, soothe sunburn, and fade age spots has made it a go-to solution for many individuals seeking natural skincare remedies.

However, it’s important to use apple cider vinegar with caution, especially if you have sensitive skin. Always dilute it with water before applying it to your skin, and consider performing a patch test before using it on your face or other sensitive areas. Additionally, if you experience any adverse reactions, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.

Incorporating apple cider vinegar into your skincare regimen can be a transformative experience, but remember that individual results may vary. It’s important to be patient and consistent with its use, as it may take some time to see significant improvements. With proper care and attention, you can harness the proven apple cider benefits for skin health.

FAQs

• Can apple cider brighten skin?

Apple cider vinegar may help brighten skin due to its natural acids and antioxidants, which can exfoliate and improve skin tone.

• Can I use apple cider vinegar on my face everyday?

It’s not recommended to use apple cider vinegar on your face every day, as it may cause excessive dryness or irritation. 2-3 times a week is more suitable.