Can I use Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne? Yes, you can. Many people don’t know about the health benefits that apple cider vinegar has to offer. It has been used for various purposes including weight loss, to reduce the risk of cancer, and to lower the blood sugar level.
Good news for those who experience acne breakout! Apple cider vinegar is known to be effective as a natural remedy for acne. Here we have discussed how to use apple cider vinegar for acne.
Why Does Apple Cider Vinegar Effective For Acne?
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is believed to be effective for acne due to several potential reasons:
Antibacterial Properties: Apple cider vinegar has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that can kill acne-causing bacteria (1, 2, 3). It works as a natural detoxifier, thus eliminating harmful toxins and free radicals that can cause acne formation.
pH Regulation: The acidity of apple cider vinegar helps regulate the pH of the skin. Maintaining the skin’s optimal pH level can create an environment less conducive to the growth of acne-causing bacteria.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar reduce swelling, redness, and pain. It does not only treat acne but also reduces scarring. It also has Citric and malic acid which have anti-aging effects (5).
Exfoliation: Apple cider vinegar can act as a mild exfoliant. It helps remove dead skin cells, preventing them from clogging pores and leading to acne breakouts.
Oil Control: Some users claim that ACV helps regulate the production of sebum, the skin’s natural oil. The alpha-hydroxy acid content of apple cider vinegar cleans up the skin pores by removing impurities and dead skin cells. With this, the oil production is regulated and the pH level of the skin is restored (4).
Antioxidant Content: ACV contains antioxidants that can help protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. This protective effect may contribute to overall skin health and help manage acne.
Reduction of Redness and Scarring: The anti-inflammatory and exfoliating properties of ACV may aid in reducing redness associated with acne and minimizing the appearance of acne scars.
Despite these potential benefits, it’s important to use caution when applying ACV to the skin. Undiluted vinegar can be harsh and may cause irritation. It is typically recommended to dilute ACV with water before applying it as a topical treatment. Additionally, performing a patch test on a small area of skin can help assess individual sensitivity.
It’s essential to note that individual responses to ACV can vary, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you have severe or persistent acne, it is advisable to consult with a dermatologist for personalized advice and appropriate treatment options.
Various Methods To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Acne
#1. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can be used solely to treat acne. You can pour the vinegar into the cotton ball and apply it to the affected areas.
Leave it dry for 5 to 10 minutes and rinse with water thoroughly. Pat the skin dry and repeat the process the following day.
However, if you have sensitive skin, you should mix apple cider vinegar with water. You can apply the mixture by following the process mentioned above. We recommend you use Brag Apple Cider.
#2. Apple cider vinegar and baking soda
Baking soda has an exfoliating effect and combining it with apple cider vinegar won’t only kill the acne-causing bacteria, but also balances the skin’s pH level.
All you have to do is mix 2 to 3 tablespoons of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of vinegar to create a masking mixture.
Leave it on the affected areas for about 20 minutes or until the skin becomes tight and dry. Rinse with water, let it dry, and apply moisturizer. Do the process once a week.
#3. Apple cider vinegar and honey
Another way to treat acne is to make a mixture of apple cider vinegar and honey. The antibacterial properties of honey will fight the appearance of acne-causing bacteria and at the same time preserve the moisture in the skin cells.
After washing your face, apply baking soda to exfoliate the dead skin cells. Steam your face by leaning toward a pot or basin of hot water for about three minutes. Apply raw honey onto your face and rub it gently in circular motions until the honey becomes sticky.
After 15 minutes, rinse your face with lukewarm water and pat your face dry. Apply a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar on your face in upward strokes. Do the process regularly for the best results.
#4. Apple Cider Vinegar with Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera has the ability to absorb the excess oil and eventually remove the impurities from the skin pores.
Use unpasteurized apple cider vinegar and mix it with aloe vera gel and water. Use a cotton ball and apply the mixture to the affected area.
Massage it in a circular motion and leave it there for about 20 minutes. Rinse with water and let it dry. You can also use jojoba oil or coconut oil if you don’t have aloe vera gel.
Are there any safety concerns with apple cider vinegar for use on skin?
Topical ACV poses risks due to its strong acidity. Direct and prolonged application to the skin may lead to burns, as observed in a study with 22 adults, where ACV soaks showed no positive effects on skin integrity and, in fact, increased irritation in most participants. (1, 2)
Burns are more likely with extended contact, while shorter periods may still cause stinging. To prevent skin damage and irritation, it is advisable to use ACV in small amounts and diluted with water.
Using ACV on sensitive skin or open wounds should be avoided, as it is more likely to cause pain or damage in these cases.
Things to consider
- As you want to clear out your face from the acne breakout, you should keep in mind that apple cider vinegar has a strong acid content that may cause burns to your skin.
- Using apple cider vinegar to treat acne may be effective to some but not to others especially those suffering from severe acne breakouts.
- Never apply the apple cider vinegar near the eyes and over open wounds. Make sure to apply sunscreen after applying vinegar to avoid further skin sensitivity.
- The effect of apple cider vinegar may vary depending on the skin type of an individual and the severity of the acne.
Did you ever try apple cider vinegar for acne? share your experience.
is a registered dietitian with over 10 years of experience in the field of nutrition. She has a Master’s degree in Nutritional Science from Dhaka University and has worked with various clients to help them achieve their health goals through personalized diet plans. Mounota is passionate about educating people on the benefits of a healthy diet and lifestyle and has written extensively on the subject for various publications.
Leave a Reply