7 Amazing Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for the Skin

When it comes to age-old remedies, apple cider vinegar tops the list with a myriad of uses. It has been used by humans since time immemorial. The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates used to prescribe apple cider vinegar for treating certain medical conditions. Traditionally, apple cider vinegar is made through fermentation of crushed organic apples in wooden barrels. This natural apple cider vinegar is rich in various minerals and trace elements, like calcium, phosphorous, potassium, magnesium, sodium, sulfur, copper, iron, and silicon. It is rich in B vitamins, vitamin C, acetic acid, and citric acid.

It is still considered an effective remedy for diabetes, high blood pressure, and gastrointestinal problems. It is also used for weight loss, for boosting the immune system, and for improving digestion. Apple cider vinegar is also good for eliminating body odor and bad breath.

Apple cider vinegar is one of the popular remedies for a wide range of skin problems. It is used as a cure for sunburn, age spots, acne, warts, cellulite, insect bites, dandruff, etc.

Let us take a look at some of the benefits of apple cider vinegar for skin care.

The human skin is acidic in nature. When the skin becomes alkaline, it becomes prone to various problems like acne. Being acidic, apple cider vinegar is good for maintaining the pH balance of the skin. It is an effective antiseptic with antibacterial properties. So it keeps away pathogens like bacteria from the skin.

Get a bottle of organic apple cider vinegar and dilute it with an equal amount of filtered or distilled water. Apply it on the skin using a cotton ball. Rinse after five to ten minutes. For best results, use apple cider vinegar for at least a month.

As apple cider vinegar restores the normal pH balance of the skin, it will neither get too dry or too oily. You may dilute the vinegar and use it as a toner. For this purpose, mix one part vinegar with two parts water. Those with a sensitive skin may use three parts water for one part vinegar. Dab a small amount of this solution, after rinsing your face. This solution can be used on hair for an extra sheen. You can use for final rinsing, after washing the hair.

Mix equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and onion juice, and apply it directly on age spots. Rinse after half an hour. Add half a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to two tablespoons of orange juice. Apply the mixture and rinse after 30 minutes.

Another method is to dilute apple cider vinegar with an equal amount of distilled water, and a few drops of honey. This is also good for reducing age spots. Above all, avoid exposure to the sun, and use sunscreen. These remedies have to be used once a day, for at least a month.

Apple cider vinegar is an excellent remedy for sunburn. Soak a clean washcloth in diluted vinegar. For this purpose, mix equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and cold water. Place this washcloth on the sunburned skin. This will provide relief to the stinging and burning sensations. Let it sit there for a few minutes. As the skin gets dry after removing the cloth, apply a few drops of coconut oil, which is also good for healing sunburn.

You may replace coconut oil with an aloe vera moisturizer. Alternatively, pour a cup or two of apple cider vinegar to the bathtub with water. Soak yourself in the water for 20 to 30 minutes, and apply a moisturizer. In between, spray diluted vinegar on the affected part.

Mix three parts of apple cider vinegar with one part massage oil. Apply it over the skin and massage gently. Use this solution once or twice a day. You may also wrap the affected part, after applying the solution, and keep it warm for at least half an hour, before rinsing. Use a moisturizer, after rinsing. For best results, repeat the process for a month or two.

You may mix diluted apple cider vinegar with sea salt, for making an anti-cellulite wrap. For this purpose, mix 100 ml each of distilled water and vinegar, along with 1.5 teaspoon of sea salt. Soak a wash cloth in this solution and wrap the affected part with it. Cover with a plastic wrap and keep yourself warm with blankets. After an hour or two, rinse and apply a moisturizer.

Apple cider vinegar benefits for skin include its use as a remedy for nail fungus. Dab some vinegar on the affected nails, at least three times a day. Make sure that the vinegar goes into the nail bed. Let it dry on its own, and avoid rinsing. Another method is to soak the affected nails in a solution made with equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and distilled water. Soak for 30 minutes, and dry the nails thoroughly. Repeat it daily, for at least a month.

You may also use Epsom salt, along with diluted vinegar. For this purpose, use half a cup each of vinegar and Epsom salt, and mix them in two cups of distilled water. Soak your nails in this solution, for half an hour, daily. In order to get rid of dandruff, mix one part apple cider vinegar with three parts water. Apply the solution on the scalp, and rinse after 30 minutes.

Apple cider vinegar is one of the commonly used home remedies for removing warts. Take a cotton ball, and soak it in the vinegar. Place it on the wart and secure with a band-aid, and keep it overnight. Change the cotton ball every day, and repeat the process for at least a week. The wart will fall off on its own, or else you may scrape it off gently.

Apart from these uses, apple cider vinegar is also beneficial for reducing wrinkles and body odor. For wrinkles, soak a cotton ball in diluted apple cider vinegar and wipe your face with it. Let it dry, before applying a moisturizer. This helps tighten the skin and reduce the wrinkles. For insect bites, soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar, and place it over the affected part. Hold it for a few minutes, and the pain and itching will subside.

In short, apple cider vinegar is a wonder remedy for various skin problems. Though these benefits are not proved scientifically, most of the users vouch for its effectiveness. Apart from topical application, intake of apple cider vinegar is also recommended for fast results. However, you must consult a qualified herbalist for proper guidance and usage. Long-term consumption may lead to certain health problems too. It is advisable to go for a patch test, before using apple cider vinegar topically. Avoid using this vinegar, if you are prone to allergies or have a sensitive skin. So it is always better to seek the opinion of your health care provider before using apple cider vinegar for ingestion. Side effects are very rare, as far as topical application is concerned. However, refrain from using apple cider vinegar, if it causes skin irritation. Avoid going out in the sun, after applying this vinegar on the skin. Mature apple cider vinegar has a rich brown color, and has a web-like foam. It is said that the vinegar with this 'mother' foam is rich in minerals and enzymes, and offers several health benefits. Other distilled and refined versions may not be as healthy as the organic version
with the mother foam. So natural, organic version is preferred to other types.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.