5 DIY Facial Products with Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has an impressive range of skin benefits: it helps maintain the skin’s pH level, normalizes sebum secretion, prevents acne breakouts, evens out skin tone, and more. No wonder it is a popular ingredient in homemade skincare products. Check out these DIY facial products with ACV that can turn out a great addition to your skincare routine, especially if you have oily, combination or problem skin.
ACV Facial Toner
The main task of a skin toner is to remove any dirt, excess skin oil and make-up residue left after you’ve washed your face, restore the skin’s normal pH level and reduce the appearance of pores. ACV is an excellent ingredient for DIY facial toners because of its acidic pH and astringent properties.
Of course, undiluted vinegar is too concentrated to use as a skin toner, so you need to mix it with filtered water before applying to your skin. The proportions depend on your skin type: 1 part ACV and 2 parts water for normal skin, 1 part ACV and 1 part water for oily skin, 1 part ACV and 3 parts water for dry skin, 1 part ACV and 4 parts water for sensitive skin. You can use green tea, herbal tea or hydrosol instead of water for extra skin benefits. After washing your face, apply the mixture to your skin with a cotton pad.
Check this out: 5 Skin Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar (And How to Use it Safely)
Anti-Acne ACV Facial Toner
If you want to use apple cider vinegar as an acne treatment, try this toner with an excellent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. Alongside ACV, it contains essential oils that purify the skin, eliminate pathogenic bacteria, relieve inflammation, speed up the healing of minor skin injuries, and prevent acne spots.
In a small glass jar, mix 1 ounce of ACV with 1 ounce of filtered water. Add 8 drops of frankincense essential oil, 8 drops of lavender essential oil and 4 drops of lemon or tea tree essential oil (lemon oil is great for skin lightening, while tea tree oil has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect). Stir well and shake the jar before each use. Apply to your face twice a day between cleansing and moisturizing.
Check this out: 4 Natural Products to Get Rid of Acne Scars
ACV Face Wash
This simple face wash contains only two ingredients: Castile soap and apple cider vinegar. Although it is generally not recommended to wash one’s face with soap because of its alkaline pH, Castile soap is considered one of the gentlest soaps. Besides, the acidic pH of vinegar and the alkaline pH of soap neutralize each other, making the pH level of this face wash just right for your skin.
You need to add 1 tbsp ACV to ¼ cup liquid Castile soap and mix well. Washing your face with this mixture will help you remove dirt, make-up residue and excess sebum, as well as inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria and tone your skin.
Check this out: 8 Tips for Washing Your Face Properly
ACV Face Mask for Oily and Problem Skin
This face mask has an exfoliating, astringent and antibacterial effect. It makes the skin smooth and glowing, balances its pH, prevents acne and comedones, and reduces the appearance of pores.
In a small bowl, mix 4 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp oatmeal and 1 tbsp raw honey (preferably organic). Stir until well-blended. Apply the mask to clean skin and let it sit for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, follow up with toner and moisturizer.
Check this out: 8 Effective Ingredients for Oily Skin
ACV Face Mask for Normal and Dry Skin
Contrary to a popular misconception, apple cider vinegar can be good for dry skin, as long as you don’t use too much and mix it with other ingredients for extra nourishment and hydration. This mask, for example, contains egg yolk, cream and honey that actively nourish the skin and lock in moisture, while vinegar balances and lightens the skin.
Combine 1 tbsp ACV, 1 egg yolk, 1 tsp heavy cream and 1 tsp raw honey in a small bowl. If your skin is extra dry and prone to irritation, you should forego honey since it can cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin. Mix all ingredients together until smooth. Apply the mixture to your skin and leave it on for at least 20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, then splash your face with cool water.
Check this out: 6 Homemade Face Masks With Avocado Oil for Dry Skin