Apple Cider Vinegar for Troubled Skin

By the Editor | November 30, 2010

Few people realize as they spend hundreds of dollars a month on skincare that the perfect regimen might be just under their noses—literally.  Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a household cooking item and cleaning agent, and also a little known acne home remedy.

ACV Benefits to Acne-Prone Skin

Acne is often a result of accumulated toxins in one’s body, a result of an unhealthy diet and lifestyle.  Used topically, ACV can detoxify skin over time by removing deep-seated bacteria from skin and regulating the skin’s pH, which makes it less likely to house bacteria.  ACV is also rich in alph-hydroxy acids; these dissolve fatty deposits in the skin’s surface as well as soften scaly conditions caused by many store-bought acne remedies.  Unlike other “home remedies” like benzoyl peroxide—which has been connected to cancer in many studies but has been deemed safe by the FDA’s standards (although hardly enough time has been given to properly study the cases)—ACV does not harm the upper layers of skin, nor is it tested on animals or contain any animal by-products.

Skin Sensitivity

It is important, however, to test one’s skin sensitivity to ACV before using extensively on the face.  Take a cotton ball (unbleached organic cotton is ideal, although it can be slightly more expensive) and apply ACV to the chin area.  If, after 15 minutes, the skin does not show signs of an allergic reaction, more extensive use is encouraged.  After using a mild cleanser, apply the following toner recipe to the skin with a cotton ball.

ACV Toner Recipe

1 part ACV, 1 part witch hazel, 3 parts water

Or

1 part ACV, 1 part witch hazel, 3 parts green tea

Green tea is jam-packed with antioxidants, which fight the aging process and gives skin a caffeine boost, giving it a healthy glow (not oily).

Many users complain about the smell of ACV as a toner.  The smell will go away and becomes undetected once skin is dry.  You can add a drop or two of organic lavender essential oil (lavender is a natural antiseptic and is used often in home acne remedies) to make the smell more pleasant.

The Importance of Organic, Unfiltered ACV

Advocates insist it is not distilled vinegar but rather organic, unfiltered ACV that eases their acne (and often rosacea) woes.  The “mother”—the things floating in any bottle of unfiltered ACV, giving it its cloudiness—are results of pectin and apple residue, wherein several nutrients are found.  These include:

Oral Use of ACV

Because ACV is strong and its acidity can damage teeth, it is best to take internally diluted with water or green tea and honey.  Rinse out your mouth after consuming ACV to prevent tooth decay.  This may sound intimidating, but may be well worth the trouble, as ACV has been used in many studies to fight osteoporosis, cancer, memory problems, and indigestion.  Many who take ACV orally report that within days, their allergies are improved, their skin seems healthier, and their energy has increased.  Try this ACV tea recipe to achieve these benefits.

ACV Tea Recipe

1 tablespoon 5% organic unfiltered ACV in cup of hot green tea

1 tablespoon of honey

Drink morning and in early afternoon, but not at night, since the caffeine in the tea may keep you awake.

Bio: Maria Rainier is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident blogger at First in Education, where recently she’s been researching different social work degree programs and blogging about student life. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.

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Topics: Acne, Herbal Skin Care, Natural Skin Care, Skin Care, Skin Care Ingredients, Skin Care Tips, Skin Peels, Skin Science, Skin Treatments | No Comments »

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