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.
Why Does Apple Cider Vinegar Effective For Acne?
Apple cider vinegar has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that can kill acne-causing bacteria (1, 2, 3). It works as a natural detoxifier, thus eliminates harmful toxins and free radicals that can cause acne formation.
The alpha-hydroxy acid content of apple cider vinegar cleans up the skin pores by removing the impurities and dead skin cells. With this, the oil production is regulated and the pH level of the skin is restored (4).
The anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar reduce swelling, redness, and pain. It does not only treat acne but also reduce scarring. It also has Citric and malic acid which have anti-aging effects (5).
Various Methods To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Acne
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can be used solely to treat acne. You can use pour the vinegar into the cotton ball and apply it on 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.
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 to mix 2 to 3 tablespoons of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of the 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.
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 preserves 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 best results.
Apple cider vinegar and aloe vera
The 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 on 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.
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 strong acid content that may cause burn to your skin.
- Using apple cider vinegar to treat acne may be effective to some but not to others especially those suffering from the severe acne breakout.
- 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.
Dietitian with around 3 years of experience in assessing the nutritional needs of patients, counselling individuals, communicating the appropriate nutritional information to other members of the health care team and implementing nutritional care plans by following all the standards.
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