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Drink apple cider vinegar acne. Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne: Benefits, Uses, and Precautions

Is apple cider vinegar effective for treating acne. How can you safely use ACV on your skin. What are the potential benefits and risks of using apple cider vinegar for acne.

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Understanding Apple Cider Vinegar and Its Potential for Acne Treatment

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has gained popularity as a potential natural remedy for various health and skin concerns, including acne. While scientific research on its efficacy for acne treatment is limited, many individuals claim positive results from incorporating ACV into their skincare routines. Let’s explore the potential benefits and proper usage of apple cider vinegar for acne.

What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting apple juice. During this process, bacteria and yeast break down the sugars in the juice, first turning it into alcohol and then into acetic acid. The resulting liquid contains various organic compounds, including acetic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, and succinic acid.

The Science Behind ACV and Acne

While direct studies on ACV and acne are scarce, research on its components suggests potential benefits:

  • Antibacterial properties: Studies have shown that acetic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, and succinic acid can kill Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), the bacteria responsible for acne.
  • Lactic acid benefits: Research indicates that lactic acid may help reduce acne when applied topically.
  • Scar reduction: The organic compounds in ACV, particularly succinic acid, may help reduce the risk of scarring from acne lesions.

Potential Benefits of Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne

While more research is needed to conclusively prove ACV’s effectiveness against acne, several potential benefits have been identified:

1. Antibacterial Action

The organic acids in ACV may help combat acne-causing bacteria, potentially reducing the occurrence of new breakouts.

2. Exfoliation and pH Balance

ACV’s acidic nature may provide gentle exfoliation and help balance the skin’s pH level, which can be beneficial for acne-prone skin.

3. Inflammation Reduction

Some of the compounds in ACV, such as succinic acid, have anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe acne-related inflammation.

4. Scar Prevention

By potentially speeding up healing and reducing inflammation, ACV may help minimize the risk of acne scarring.

How to Safely Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne

When incorporating ACV into your skincare routine, it’s crucial to use it safely to avoid irritation or damage to your skin. Here are some guidelines:

Dilution is Key

Never apply undiluted ACV directly to your skin. Always dilute it with water before use. A general guideline is to mix one part ACV with three parts water, but you may need to adjust this ratio based on your skin’s sensitivity.

Patch Test First

Before applying ACV to your face, conduct a patch test on a small area of skin to check for any adverse reactions.

Gradual Introduction

Start by using diluted ACV once or twice a week, and gradually increase frequency if your skin tolerates it well.

Short Contact Time

When first trying ACV, leave it on your skin for only a short period (e.g., 5-10 minutes) before rinsing off. You can increase the duration if your skin responds positively.

Apple Cider Vinegar Acne Treatment Recipes

Here are some simple ways to incorporate ACV into your skincare routine:

1. ACV Toner

Create a simple toner by mixing:

  • 2 tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cups of distilled water
  • 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel (optional, for added soothing properties)

Apply this toner to your face using a cotton pad or spray bottle after cleansing.

2. ACV and Honey Face Mask

Mix equal parts of diluted ACV and raw honey to create a nourishing face mask. Apply to clean skin, leave on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water.

3. ACV Spot Treatment

For targeted treatment, dab a small amount of diluted ACV directly onto acne spots using a cotton swab. Leave on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Using ACV for Acne

While apple cider vinegar can be beneficial for some, it’s important to be aware of potential risks:

Skin Irritation

ACV’s acidic nature can cause irritation, redness, or burning, especially on sensitive skin or if used undiluted.

Dryness

Overuse of ACV may lead to excessive dryness or disruption of the skin’s natural barrier.

Chemical Burns

Applying undiluted ACV directly to the skin can cause chemical burns. Always dilute before use.

Worsening of Acne

Some individuals may experience an initial worsening of acne before seeing improvement. If irritation persists, discontinue use.

Complementary Acne-Fighting Strategies

While exploring the use of apple cider vinegar for acne, consider incorporating these complementary strategies for best results:

Maintain a Consistent Skincare Routine

Cleanse, tone, and moisturize your skin daily. Use non-comedogenic products suitable for your skin type.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water to help flush toxins and keep your skin hydrated from within.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, which can support skin health.

Manage Stress

Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga, as stress can exacerbate acne.

Get Adequate Sleep

Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to allow your skin time to repair and regenerate.

When to Consult a Dermatologist

While natural remedies like apple cider vinegar can be helpful for mild acne, it’s important to know when to seek professional help:

Persistent or Severe Acne

If your acne doesn’t improve with over-the-counter treatments or home remedies, consult a dermatologist.

Cystic Acne

Deep, painful cysts or nodules require professional treatment to prevent scarring.

Acne Scars

If you’re concerned about existing acne scars, a dermatologist can recommend effective treatments.

Skin Reactions

If you experience persistent irritation, redness, or other adverse reactions from using ACV, stop use and consult a healthcare professional.

The Role of Apple Cider Vinegar in Overall Skin Health

Beyond its potential benefits for acne, apple cider vinegar may contribute to overall skin health in several ways:

Balancing Skin pH

ACV’s acidic nature may help restore the skin’s natural pH balance, which is important for maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

Antioxidant Properties

The polyphenols in ACV act as antioxidants, potentially protecting skin from free radical damage.

Enhancing Skin Absorption

Using ACV as a toner may help prepare the skin to better absorb subsequent skincare products.

Gentle Exfoliation

The acids in ACV can provide mild exfoliation, helping to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.

While apple cider vinegar shows promise as a natural acne treatment, it’s important to approach its use with caution and realistic expectations. Always dilute ACV before applying it to your skin, and discontinue use if you experience any adverse reactions. Remember that what works for one person may not work for another, and it may take time to see results. If your acne persists or worsens, don’t hesitate to consult a dermatologist for professional advice and treatment options.

Incorporating apple cider vinegar into your skincare routine can be an interesting experiment for those looking for natural acne solutions. However, it should be viewed as a complementary approach rather than a standalone treatment. Combine it with a holistic skincare regimen, a healthy diet, and good lifestyle habits for the best chance of achieving clear, healthy skin.

As research in this area continues to evolve, we may gain more concrete evidence about the efficacy of apple cider vinegar for acne treatment. Until then, approach its use with an open mind, but also with the understanding that individual results may vary. Always prioritize the health and safety of your skin, and be willing to adjust your approach based on how your skin responds.

Is It Safe To Use Apple Cider Vinegar To Treat Acne?

Apple cider vinegar is excellent for your digestive system and may also help in reducing body weight (1). Many people also use it as a treatment option for acne. However, research is very limited in this regard. Those who have used it claim that ACV helps to soothe the skin and reduce acne inflammation. In this article, we have evaluated the possible benefits of ACV and how it may help in reducing acne, along with a few recipes you can try out.

Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good For Acne? Are There Any Benefits?

There hasn’t been enough research to prove that ACV helps in treating acne. But the good news is, we have gathered some evidence that shows it might be useful in combating the bacteria that causes acne.

Vinegar is extremely effective in killing many strains of bacteria. Although there aren’t many studies to show that apple cider vinegar can kill the strain of bacteria that causes acne, the organic compounds found in the vinegar are found to possess certain properties. Let’s take a look: 

1. It May Kill The Acne-Causing Bacteria

Two separate studies published in Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology and the International Journal of Cosmetic Science claim that acetic acid, lactic acid, citric, and succinic acids can kill Propionibacterium acnes or P. acnes, the bacteria that cause acne (2), (3). Apple cider vinegar contains all these acids (4). 

2. It May Help Reduce Acne

The lactic acid present in ACV may help reduce acne. A study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology found that people who applied a lotion containing lactic acid on their faces experienced a reduction in acne (5).

3. It May Reduce The Possibility of Scars

Apple cider vinegar may help in reducing the scars left behind once the acne is healed. Many organic compounds help in this process. Applying acid directly on your face involves a process called chemical peeling. When done with succinic acid, chemical peeling suppresses inflammation caused by acne (6).

Lactic acid improves the skin condition of people who have acne (7), (8). Since apple cider vinegar contains all these acids, it may help in reducing the risk of developing a scar once the acne is healed.

However, before using apple cider vinegar on your skin, you need to take care of a few things.

Things To Consider Before Using Apple Cider Vinegar

Since apple cider vinegar is acidic, applying it directly to your skin may cause a burning sensation. Also, if you have sensitive skin and/or open wounds, avoid using it on your skin. Keep these following things in mind when using ACV:

  1. Make sure not to leave the vinegar on for too long on the first trial. This is to rule out any allergic reaction to ACV.
  2. Always dilute the vinegar. Never apply raw vinegar on the face as it may damage your skin.
  3. Dilute the vinegar with water. However, there is no stringent rule about the water to vinegar ratio. It is better to experiment and figure out the best way to get the results you need.
  4. Some people may see their acne getting worse before the condition begins to improve. To get the right results, introduce your skin to apple cider vinegar slowly (use it in moderation).

Now, let’s take a detailed look at the ways you can use apple cider vinegar on your face for treating acne.

How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Acne

You can use ACV in two ways:

(i) Apply it topically (mix it in your face pack or dilute it with water and apply it to your skin directly).

(ii) Add a teaspoon of it to your morning drink.

Mentioned below are all the possible ways you can include apple cider vinegar in your day-to-day- beauty and healthy routine for reducing acne. 

How To Apply Apple Cider Vinegar For Acne

While using ACV, always remember to dilute it. You can mix three parts of distilled water with one part of the ACV and then use it. If you have sensitive skin, you may increase the quantity of water. For all the recipes mentioned below, use diluted ACV. 

1. Apple Cider Vinegar Toner For Acne

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (organic, with the mother)
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel

Preparation

  1. Mix all the ingredients.
  2. Store the mixture in a spray bottle. 

How To Apply

Spray the toner all over your face and neck generously.

How It Works

Aloe vera can help prevent acne. It also promotes collagen and elastin formation and improves skin quality and health (9).

Precaution

When spraying, close your eyes so that the toner doesn’t get into them. Also, do not apply it to dry and broken skin. 

2. Apple Cider Vinegar And Baking Soda

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (organic)
  • 3 tablespoons baking soda

Preparation

Mix the baking soda with apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.

How To Apply

  1. Apply the mask to the affected area.
  2. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then wash it off.
  3. Follow it up with a moisturizer.

How It Works

Baking soda may help in drying the acne and reduce inflammation.

Precaution

Baking soda doesn’t suit all skin types. If you have sensitive skin, do a patch test. Stop using it in case you experience itching and skin inflammation. 

3. Apple Cider Vinegar Scrub

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon green tea
  • 5 teaspoons sugar (don’t use fine sugar)
  • ½ cup water

Preparation

  1. Boil the green tea and strain the water. Let it cool down.
  2. Add water and apple cider vinegar to the water.
  3. Add honey and sugar. Mix well.

How To Apply

  1. Use cotton pads or your fingers to apply the pack to your face (or just the affected area).
  2. Massage gently and leave it on to dry.
  3. Wash it off with water.

How It Works

The vitamins, amino acids, and enzymes give honey anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may help to keep your skin healthy and prevent acne (10). 

4. Apple Cider Vinegar Overnight Pimple Treatment

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup filtered water

Preparation

Mix the vinegar in water and store it in a jar or spray bottle.

How To Apply

  1. Soak a cotton pad in the mixture.
  2. Apply it directly to the pimple (not on the entire face).
  3. You can spray it on the affected area (in case the pimples cover a large area of your face).
  4. Leave it on overnight and wash your face in the morning.

How It Works

The acids in apple cider vinegar dry the pimple out and kill the bacteria causing it. It also helps in restoring the pH balance of your skin.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar Facial Steam

Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2-3 drops of any essential oil

Preparation

  1. Add the apple cider vinegar to the water and heat it (until it starts emanating steam).
  2. Transfer the liquid to another bowl and add tea tree oil.

How To Apply

Bend over the bowl and cover your head with a towel.

How It Works

The steam helps open up the pores and clears them of excess oil and dirt. 

Precaution

Keep your eyes closed while steaming your face. Do not bring your face too close to the bowl/water.

How To Drink Apple Cider Vinegar For Acne

There is no evidence to prove that drinking ACV can speed up acne healing, but it has other health benefits. It may help reduce body weight and assist in reducing obesity-related diabetes, hypertension, and other issues (1).

Usually, 1-2 tablespoons of ACV mixed in water or any other drinks should be fine. However, it is always better to consult a doctor for the daily dosage. Some people may experience side effects (acid reflux and nausea) after drinking ACV. Visit the doctor immediately if you experience any side effects.

Here are a few recipes:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar And Lemon Drink

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
  • A pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon honey 

Method

  1. Mix all the ingredients, and your detox drink is ready!
  2. You can add more honey if you want.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar And Fuji Apple Smoothie

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup peeled and sliced Fuji apples
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 tablespoons avocado
  • ¼ cup ice 

Method

Blend all the ingredients. Serve chilled.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar And Green Tea Detox Drink

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup green tea
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Ice (optional) 

Method

  1. Prepare the green tea and allow it to cool.
  2. Add the green tea, apple cider vinegar, and honey to a glass and mix well.
  3. Add ice if needed.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar And Cinnamon Drink

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • 4 cloves
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • Lemon slice (for garnishing) 

Method

  1. Add the cinnamon sticks and cloves to a bowl of water and boil it.
  2. Let it cool and then add apple cider vinegar and honey.
  3. Garnish with the lemon slice. 

5. Apple Cider Vinegar And Mixed Berries Drink

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup frozen mixed berries
  • 1 banana
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • A pinch of salt 

Method

  1. Blend all the ingredients, and your drink is ready!
  2. You can add another cup or half cup of almond milk in case the consistency is too thick for you (or add the milk gradually to adjust the consistency).

These are the tips and tricks to use apple cider vinegar for treating acne. But how do you know if the ACV you have is the right one? Scroll down to find out.

How To Choose The Best Apple Cider Vinegar For Acne

  1. The ordinary vinegar meant for cooking purposes should not be used for topical use.
  2. Check for the “organic” label. Always buy organic apple cider vinegar as it is unfiltered and unpasteurized. The organic kind has a muddy, grainy brown sediment (the mother) and contains enzymes and essential bacteria that are beneficial for the skin.
  3. It is always better to go for raw apple cider vinegar. It has no artificial flavors and chemicals to make it taste better and contains healthy bacteria. The regular apple cider vinegar is processed and filtered, which robs it of its natural goodness.
  4. Never buy apple cider vinegar that comes in a plastic bottle. Plastics contain harmful chemicals that can react with the vinegar. Go for a glass bottle instead.

There is no harm in trying DIY remedies. Make sure that the ingredients suit your skin. Also, remember that not all home remedies work for all skin types. Apple cider vinegar may not work for some, while it may work for others. In case you do not see any results in two months, discontinue and consult a doctor. Also, if you develop any skin irritation, talk to a doctor immediately. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is the “mother”?

The mother is the sediment that you see floating or settled in the bottom of the bottle of the apple cider vinegar. It contains healthy bacteria that detoxify your system and make your skin glow.

Does ACV have an expiry date?

Yes, it has. You can see it mentioned in the bottle. After that date, the quality of the vinegar deteriorates, and it may not be as powerful as it was earlier.

Can ACV burn the skin?

ACV is highly acidic, and it can burn your skin and cause irritation if you apply it directly. Always dilute ACV before using it. Also, never consume raw apple cider vinegar.

How long does it take for apple cider vinegar to work on acne?

It may take 6 weeks to show results. If you do not see any result after 6 weeks, consult your doctor and change your treatment method.

How to store apple cider vinegar?

Away from sunlight, in a cool and dry place.


Photo: DepositPhotos.com

Blackheads and pimples are problems that are probably familiar to everyone, and especially to those with oily skin and residents of large cities with poor ecology. Until now, there is no remedy that would be able to solve these problems quickly and effectively, although store shelves are full of various cosmetic products that promise to do this. And if it is still possible to get rid of occasional pimples, then their placers on problem skin are much more difficult to get rid of, not to mention black dots, which are practically indestructible.

Natural apple vinegar is a real salvation from such skin problems as high oil content, blackheads, acne and scars from them. Naturally, this product will not transform the skin in a matter of seconds, but with regular use it can work wonders.

How should you use apple cider vinegar in order to get rid of skin problems?

Vinegar ingestion

This product has an extremely useful quality – it removes toxins and toxins from the body.If the body is cleansed from the inside, then it cannot have such obvious problems with the skin.

Before you start drinking vinegar, you need to consult a doctor. It is better for people with stomach problems to refrain from such drinking, and those for whom this product is not contraindicated should remember that it is still acid, so you need to handle it correctly.

Apple cider vinegar is drunk only diluted. There are some fans of this tool who claim that nothing needs to be diluted, but their advice is absolutely impossible to follow! From undiluted acid, you can get at least a burn to the esophagus, not to mention more serious consequences.

To prepare a harmless solution, dissolve two teaspoons of vinegar in a glass of water. You can take a smaller amount of acid, but more is not worth it, even if the taste of such water does not seem at all sour. Someone considers this solution unpleasant to the taste and recommends adding a spoonful of honey, but in reality the resulting drink is not sour than kvass or, for example, apple juice, only natural, and not the one that is generously flavored with sugar and is sold in bags.

This drink made from water and vinegar should be drunk twice a day, before meals.Less often – it is possible, more often – not worth it, if there is no goal of getting stomach problems. A small amount of this agent can positively affect the state of the body if it is used regularly, and, as you know, the result that is achieved with such minor efforts lasts the longest.

In addition to getting rid of toxins and toxins, which will inevitably affect the condition of the skin, apple cider vinegar normalizes metabolism, and this contributes to, albeit insignificant, weight loss.

Topical application of apple cider vinegar

Vinegar has good antibacterial properties and therefore can be used to fight acne and inflammation. To do this, you need to prepare a solution of water and vinegar, at first not very strong, for example, one part vinegar for five parts water. It is advisable to conduct a sensitivity test to be sure that the use of such a product will not harm the skin. If everything is normal, then the concentration of vinegar can be gradually increased, up to 1: 1.

The resulting liquid should be used to wipe the face cleaned of make-up every evening instead of tonic. This should be done in the evenings because the acids contained in vinegar remove some of the cells of the upper dead layer of the skin, making it more defenseless. Apply the vinegar solution on your face generously, and then do not rinse, but wait until it dries, and then use your usual night cream.

Vinegar not only reduces inflammation, but also removes toxins, therefore, if suddenly after using such a tonic, acne begins to appear more often, this will mean the beginning of skin detoxification.This phenomenon is temporary, and its duration depends on the degree of contamination of the skin. The main thing is that these inflammations will surely go away.

Applying vinegar in this way, you can get rid of acne, as well as from ineradicable blackheads, as the acid dissolves sebaceous plugs, helping to cleanse the pores.

An additional bonus can be considered the peeling effect that occurs when vinegar is used externally. The fact is that the acid dissolves and removes some of the upper keratinized skin cells.The concentration of vinegar in such a homemade tonic is small, and the result will not be as quick and obvious as after a salon peeling, but with regular use this home remedy can smooth the skin, “erase” fine wrinkles, remove minor irregularities: scars, scars, acne.

The use of apple cider vinegar is especially useful for oily skin, as it normalizes the activity of the sebaceous glands, improves complexion and general skin condition.

No matter how tempting the possibilities of apple cider vinegar described above may look, you need to carefully monitor the reaction of your skin: if after such procedures it turns red, becomes drier, irritations appear on it, then you need to stop them.As long as the remedy did not fit the skin, then there is no need to torment it.

Another important point is the quality of the product. For all of the above purposes, you need exclusively natural apple cider vinegar. In stores now you can buy not only it, but also a flavored essence, the label of which also says “Apple Cider Vinegar”. This is not a fake, but a fundamentally different product, moreover, not at all so useful, therefore it costs much less than a natural one. In order not to be mistaken with the choice, you need to keep in mind that real apple cider vinegar is usually sold in glass bottles.Plastic packaging does not reflect in the best way on the quality of the content, therefore manufacturers who respect themselves and their customers do not use cheap packaging. If the bottle is made of dark glass, then this is even better, since many vitamins are destroyed by ultraviolet radiation.

Only apple cider vinegar should be specified. There simply cannot be any preservatives, flavors and the like.

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