5 Skin Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar (And How to Use it Safely)
Apple cider vinegar has many culinary uses because a lot of people prefer its taste to that of white vinegar. In addition, it has a history of use in traditional medicine as well as in skin and hair care. In this article, we’ll tell you about the main skin benefits of apple cider vinegar and how to use it safely to prevent skin damage.It Is a Natural Chemical Peel
Alongside acetic acid, which is the main constituent of any type of vinegar, apple cider vinegar contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as citric acid and malic acid. AHAs are widely used in the cosmetics industry due to their exfoliating properties. They gently peel off dead skin cells, making the skin smoother and restoring its natural glow.
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It Has Skin Lightening Properties
In addition to making your skin smoother, alpha hydroxy acids also reduce pigmentation such as freckles, age spots and acne scars. Apple cider vinegar removes dead skin cells that contain too much pigment (melanin) and reveals new skin underneath.
Check this out: How to Keep Your Skin Glowing
It Helps Prevent Acne and Pimples
Due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, apple cider vinegar helps prevent blackheads, pimples and acne. It unclogs skin pores and reduces their appearance, as well as inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria that cause acne and inflammation.
Check this out: How to Take Care of Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin
It Acts as a Skin Toner
The normal pH of the human skin ranges from 4.0 to 6.5, with 5.5 being the ideal value. On a scale of 1 to 14 (pH scale), 1 is the most acidic and 7 is neutral, therefore your skin’s ideal pH is slightly acidic. Since apple cider vinegar is mostly acid, it helps maintain the optimum pH level of your skin. Homemade facial toners with apple cider vinegar are especially great for oily skin since they normalize sebum secretion and keep greasy shine at bay.
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It Alleviates Sunburn
Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Due to them, it can relieve pain and itching caused by sunburn. Frankly speaking, vinegar is not the best sunburn treatment, but it will do if you don’t have any coconut oil, aloe vera or soothing lotion at hand. Make sure to dilute it with water before applying, otherwise you may make things worse and slow down the process of healing.
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How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar Safely
Undiluted apple cider vinegar is too strong for the skin and can cause irritation and even chemical burns, so you should always dilute it with clean water before applying vinegar to your skin. The only exception is using undiluted apple cider vinegar as a spot treatment. You can apply some vinegar to your pimples with a cotton swab, but don’t spread it all over your face.
How much water should you use? It depends on your skin type. It is recommended that you mix 1 part water with 1 part vinegar for oily skin, 2 parts water with 1 part vinegar for normal skin, and 3 parts water with 1 part vinegar for dry skin. If you have very sensitive skin or suffer from skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, you should avoid apple cider vinegar altogether. And, of course, you should always do a patch test before using any new product on your face.