When I was younger I suffered from acne and tried everything – creams, washes, pills, you name it. Back then I was naive – I didn’t realise that most external problems were symptoms of internal problems. I started to look at the things that I eat and the stress that I put myself under. I tested foods by removing them from my diet, such as milk, bread, eggs, pasta and rice. Not all of these made a difference, but some of them did, with highly noticeable differences (all positive) when I removed milk. After being tested it was indeed confirmed that I was Lactose intolerant. After doing some research into lactose intolerance I discovered that milk actually contains a lot of hormones that can make acne sufferers have worsened breakouts!

It’s safe to say that over the next few months I noticed improvements and eventually over the years, I started to grow out of acne. The thing is, I am now left with scars, as well as having the occasional breakout.

My mother suggested using Apple Cider Vinegar because as she said it, “It restores the acid mantle of your skin, so it heals quicker” and it’s all true (Parents really are the source of knowledge kids!).

The acid mantle is the skin’s first defence mechanism against invading bacteria. This defence layer develops at puberty, around the time that many teenagers will probably start noticing the symptoms of acne. Using face washes and creams like I did, can often damage and prevent this layer from developing as it should. This all happens as we start to produce hair on our bodies, and sebaceous glands cause changes in the skin’s pH. The pH of human skin usually settles somewhere between 4.5 and 6. But this often varies with age.

In our late teens and early twenties our Acid Mantle should be at its best. It should adequately protect against harmful external factors, heal extremely quickly and generally take care of itself. The skin’s pH value an overlooked, but major contributor to acne and various other skin problems. Propionibacterium acnes are bacteria that live on the skin and are actually found in everyone, regardless of whether an individual suffers from acne. 

However, the number of P. acnes is greatly increased in acne sufferers. Research has shown that the growth of these bacteria is very much dependent on the pH value of the sufferer’s skin and its growth is minimised with a skin pH of 5.5. In fact, even a slight shift towards the alkaline pH would create an environment in which it can thrive.

Nearly all soaps are Alkaline in nature and even the ones that are advertised as ‘good for your skin’, usually have a neutral pH of 7. When using soaps, we think we wash them off quite quickly, but there is almost always residue left behind. Over time, soaps start to change the pH of our skin away from its natural acidity, to a very unnatural alkaline state. It means that our skin will actually become dependent on these products as it is incapable of self-defence – certainly not a good state of affairs.

Apple Cider Vinegar works to return your skin to its natural acidity, reversing and healing the effects of soap. It works even better if you stop using soap all together, which may seem like a brash, decision to make, but it’s perfectly natural to wash with just water. In fact dirt plays no part in acne whatsoever and is actually a marketing technique used by many companies to make sufferers feel self conscience and want to buy their products, I could talk about this for a long time but I won’t. For now all I’ll say is, that if they’re products actually worked, you would have no need to buy them anymore – it is not in their interests to actually solve the problem.

The way to use Apple Cider Vinegar is to apply it to the skin. You can either apply it all over as a toner, or simply to the affected area as a “spot treatment”. In fact as well as rebuilding the Acid Mantle, Apple Cider Vinegar reduces the visible redness and inflammation. It’s important to note that some redness is normal and may last for about 10 minutes, with a slight burning or tingling sensation. If this feels too much, wash your face with water immediately, as you don’t want to rush your skin into anything. I would also suggest that you do not use it un-diluted, especially when you start using it. Many people find that they can, but it is usually something they have worked up to. I would suggest starting with a mixture of one part Apple Cider Vinegar, three parts water, slowly working your way to a 50/50 mixture. Here is a list of a few more things you should consider when using Apple Cider Vinegar:

• Start with a mixture of three parts water, one part Apple Cider Vinegar, eventually working your way to a 50/50 mix.
• Always buy Apple Cider Vinegar with the “Mother”. This is very important, because it is the mother part of Apple Cider Vinegar that is most beneficial. If you buy standard culinary Apple Cider Vinegar it has often been filtered and pasteurised, meaning most of the beneficial elements have been removed. The cloudier the better. My favourite brand is one called ‘Biona Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with Mother’
• Avoid Apple Cider Vinegar that contains sulphites, these can be harmful to the skin.
• Uses cotton pads or cotton balls to apply. For best results a spray bottle works best. To be honest I use my hands.
• Apply to face when dry.

Apple Cider Vinegar is also very good for dandruff, when rubbed into the scalp, but it also intensifies the main drawback of Apple Cider Vinegar, which is the smell. The smell can seem very pungent at first and can make you feel a little self conscience when spending time around other people. You do eventually get used to the smell, and if you are using a diluted mixture, it tends to wear off quite quickly anyway (it takes a little longer if using it un-diluted). I find that I prefer to not use it before I do things like go on a date, or go to a club.

Apple Cider Vinegar doesn’t need to be something that is just for acne suffers too, it is also topically beneficial for:

• Insect bites and rashes because it reduces inflammation.
• General scar healing.
• Ingrown hairs.
• Razor Bumps.

I hope you try Apple Cider Vinegar and see some of the benefits yourself. Good luck on your adventure.