Don’t you just love clean, clear skin, that is free from acne and other skin conditions? Sadly, millions of people around the world suffer from acne quite often.
Acne is said to be one of the leading skin conditions on the planet, which affects millions of people in America alone! (1)
Teenagers especially are prone to acne at a rate of at least 80 percent, sometimes higher. (2)
They are not alone, however, because adults and younger children can also suffer from acne.
Acne can be very problematic, but the good news is that there are natural ways of treating it. Using apple cider vinegar for acne treatment is all natural solution to this skin problem.
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An Overview of Acne
Acne is caused mainly by blockages of oil and dead skin in the hair follicles. (3)
Other factors that contribute to acne include:
Blocked pores can cause bulges in the hair follicles that result in various forms of acne:
- Pronounced bumps on the surface of the skin.
- Pimples under the skin’s surface.
- Red spots on the skin that may also contain pus.
- Sensitive, pink bumps on the skin.
- Deeply embedded painful, large pimples.
- Other forms of pimples filled with pus that can be very painful.
Acne mainly appears on the face, but other parts of the body, such as the upper torso, the neck, and sometimes the shoulders and back, can also be affected. (6)
Studies show that changes in hormonal levels can trigger acne, especially in teens and young adults, stress, and dietary habits, mainly high fat or carbohydrate intake (7). Some medications which contain corticosteroids, lithium or androgens also trigger the spread of acne.
Key Takeaway: Acne affects the largest organ in the body, which is the skin. It can be caused by bacteria, clogged pores, dead skin cells, or changes in stress and hormonal levels.
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The Properties of Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is made from fermented apples and acetic acid. (8)
One of the purest forms of apple cider vinegar includes the “mother” or the thick lump of the living yeast that settles at the bottom of the container. (9)
Apple Cider Vinegar is traditionally used to make chutneys, salad dressings, vinaigrettes and some baked goodies.
Science has recently come to recognize that it has its benefits as an effective skin toner, cleanser and treatment for acne.
Studies found that apple cider vinegar contains antibacterial, astringent, and antiseptic benefits that are good for fighting bacteria and keeping the skin clean.
It is useful in clearing oily pores and removing toxins from the skin. This helps reduce pimples and rebalance skin tone.
Apple cider vinegar is said to be one of the few products that closely mimics the natural Ph balance of the skin.
The PH balance is responsible for keeping the skin moist and well hydrated.
Key Takeaway: Apple cider vinegar has healthy acids and enzymes that help fight viruses, bacteria, and fungus. It also has certain types of antioxidants known as polyphenols that can prevent damage to the cells.
Why Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne Treatment
Scientific evidence is moderate on how effective apple cider vinegar is, but because it is high in antioxidants, it’s well worth a second look.
1. ACV Helps to Reduce Stress
Taking too much stress is a major factor that leads to break-outs, especially when this is combined with sleepless nights.
Magnesium, a mineral found in apple cider vinegar, can help reduce stress (10). It also contains ingredients which boost your energy thereby giving you a more energetic feel rather than being tired of any stress you may be undergoing.
Just add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water and have it every morning to start your day with the boost you need.
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2. ACV Maintains the Skin’s pH Balance
Apple cider is said to mimic the skin’s natural pH balance. Maintaining a balanced pH is very vital for your skin because different cosmetics and products try to change that and negatively affect your skin.
The potassium content in apple cider vinegar helps maintain a healthy acid/alkaline balance in your skin so you can use your cosmetics without any stress.
3. ACV Unclogs Blocked Pores
One of the major causes of acne is blocked pores.
How can apple cider vinegar help?
The citric acid (11) in apple cider vinegar helps unclog pores, tones the skin, and helps reduce dark spots.
4. ACV Exfoliates the Skin
Dead skin cells remaining on your skin are one of the main causes of acne.
The lactic (12), malic and tartaric acids (13) in apple cider vinegar help to exfoliate the skin by sloughing off dead cells for clearer, younger-looking skin.
5. ACV Helps Reduce Bacteria in the Skin
Another cause of acne is bacteria on the skin that we pick up every day around us.
It comes to great benefit that the following ingredients found in apple cider vinegar can help reduce such bacterial build-up on your face;
- Acetic Acid Has antifungal properties that help fight infections. It slows the growth of harmful bacteria while helping good bacteria to grow. (14)
- Malic acid can fight bacterial fungus and viruses. It has alpha hydroxy acid that helps to slough off dead skin cells to brighten, tone and hydrate the skin. It also helps to minimise acne bumps and blemishes. (15)
- Propionic Acid is a short chain fatty acid that acts as a preservative and helps fight fungus. It also promotes Healthy gut flora and helps the body to better absorb carbohydrates and fats. (16)
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6. ACV Helps Keep the Skin Hydrated
Dry, flaky skin can help aggravate the symptoms of acne.
Apple cider vinegar also has nutritional properties that keep the skin well hydrated.
They include:
- Absorbic Acid, another name for vitamin C. It helps control age spots on the skin. It also helps skin remain supple, well hydrated and from getting dry. (17)
- Gallic Acid improves skin dryness and helps the skin retain moisture. It also reduces dark spots to keep the skin light. (18)
7. ACV Controls Scars due to Acne
Apple cider vinegar has acidic properties which mimic the medical actions of chemical peels.
The vinegar helps remove dead skin and helps in healing and restoring clean skin.
It is helpful to note that apple cider vinegar should be mixed with water to prevent irritation.
Apple cider vinegar also helps reduce marks and spots due to acne and helps to maintain even skin tone
There are a few other helpful properties of apple cider that helps protect the skin, including Chlorogenic acid which helps the skin fight the damage from harmful rays of the sun. (19)
It also has succinic Acid which helps regulate inflammation levels in the body, (20) and catechins and epicatechins protect the skin from free radical damage.
Key Takeaway: Apple cider vinegar has healthy acids and enzymes that help fight viruses, bacteria, and fungus. It also has certain types of antioxidants known as polyphenols that can prevent damage to the cells.
How to Use ACV for Treating Acne
Here are some simple ways to use apple cider vinegar on the skin:
1. Facial Toner
Everybody wants to look and feel their best. To use the toner, first, test a small patch of skin before applying all over.
Application:
- Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar (mother) with filtered or distilled water.
- You may need to add or adjust amounts depending on your skin type.
- Mix the ingredients well, and store in a dry, cool place. Make enough toner that can last for at least a month.
- Morning and Evening: After your skin cleaning regime, apply apple cider toner gently over the face with a cotton ball.
- Try to avoid the mixture getting into your eyes. It can irritate them.
- Be sure to moisturize the skin after applying.
For added skin benefits you may also include some of the following natural ingredients to your apple cider toner:
- Green tea (rich in antioxidants)
- Witch hazel (natural astringent)
- Baking Soda
- Honey
- Aloe Vera Gel
- Essential oils that you can tolerate
2. Apple Cider Vinegar and Green Tea Facial Mask
This mask is a potent treatment combining the healing properties of green tea, honey, and apple cider vinegar to help fight acne.
Application:
- Take 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into a bowl.
- Add 2 tablespoons of cooled, steeped green tea.
- Plus 1 tablespoon of organic, raw honey.
- Add 5 tablespoons of sugar (brown or white).
- Mix all ingredients to a thick, smooth paste.
- Apply small amounts on a cotton ball to the affected areas, and rub gently.
- Leave on the affected areas for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse in cool water.
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Like apple cider vinegar, baking soda also has antibacterial properties that help keep the skin clean.
Try out this mask as a way to rejuvenate your face after a busy week out and about.
Application:
- Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider, mixed with 2 tablespoons of diluted apple cider vinegar.
- Make a smooth paste, apply to affected areas and let it leave it on for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse in cold water.
- Dry affected areas and apply a moisturizer.
- Use at least weekly for best results.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar and Scar Treatment
Ugly, blotchy skin can be very embarrassing. Apple cider vinegar is here to help, along with the healing benefits of honey.
This mixture can help get rid of your scars gradually, without putting your skin through harsh conditions.
Application:
- Dilute 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in ½ glass of water
- Add a small amount of honey and stir well to combine.
- Put the mixture on the affected areas and let it stay for about 20 minutes.
- Rinse well with water.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar Acne Tonic
Apple cider vinegar can also work from the inside out to help treat acne. Its many healthful properties can help fight bacteria internally to help improve the look and feel of the skin.
Diluted apple cider vinegar mixed with water in equal parts works excellently as a drink or a tonic:
Application:
- Combine equal parts (at least 1 tablespoon) of organic honey and apple cider vinegar.
- Add one glass of water and stir well to combine ingredients.
- For best results, drink at least twice daily.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar and Aloe Vera Acne Gel
Aloe Vera is a medicinal plant which stores water in its fleshy leaves. These leaves contain the gel we know today as a beautiful miracle.
It can prevent wrinkles, aging and also even out your skin tone. It also contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids which serve perfectly in your body when ingested.
Adding these great benefits of Aloe vera gel to the ones of Apple cider will surely speed up the process of fighting Acne by not only reducing the inflammation but also by fighting the scars and marks that come along with it.
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Application:
- Combine 5-10 drops of witch hazel with equal parts aloe vera gel in a container.
- Add 1 cup each: apple cider vinegar and water.
- Place small amounts of gel on cotton balls and gently dab acne scars.
- Use daily to maximum results
Bottom Line
Apple cider vinegar is a well-known food ingredient, mainly used in preservatives. But it can also be highly beneficial for your outer health.
One cannot deny that it contains antioxidants and other healthful nutrients which can play a major role in helping to treat acne and other skin conditions.
So make sure you give this a try today!
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