Tips To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Treating Acne

Apple cider vinegar is excellent for your digestive system. But do you know that it works like magic when it comes to making acne vanish? Yes! ACV is one of Nature’s most effective weapons to heal most skin-related woes (especially acne).

If you are still wondering how and why apple cider vinegar is good for acne, let’s take a closer look.

Table Of Contents

• Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good For Acne?
• Tips To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Acne
• Ways To Get Rid Of Acne With Topical Application Of Apple Cider Vinegar
• Ways To Use Apple Cider Vinegar Internally To Get Rid Of Acne
• How To Buy The “Right” Kind Of Apple Cider Vinegar For Acne
• Things To Consider Before Using Apple Cider Vinegar

Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good For Acne?

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Well, there hasn’t been enough research to prove that ACV helps in treating acne. But, the good news is, we have gathered some evidence that shows it might be useful in combating the bacteria that causes acne.

Vinegar is extremely effective in killing many strains of bacteria. Although there aren’t many studies to show that apple cider vinegar can kill the strain of bacteria that causes acne, the organic compounds found in the vinegar can do that. Let’s take a look:

1. It Kills The Acne-Causing Bacteria

Two separate studies published in Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology and International Journal of Cosmetic Science claim that acetic acid, lactic acid, citric and succinic acids can kill Propionibacterium acnes or P. acnes, the bacteria that cause acne (1), (2). And apple cider vinegar contains all these acids.

2. It Helps Reduce Acne

Another study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology found that people who applied a lotion containing lactic acid on their face experienced a reduction in their acne (3). Apple cider vinegar also contains lactic acid.

3. It Reduces Scars

Apple cider vinegar might help in reducing the scars left behind once the acne is healed. There are many organic compounds that help in this process. When you apply acid directly on your face, the process is called chemical peeling. When done with succinic acid, chemical peeling suppresses inflammation caused by acne. This helps in preventing scarring (4).

Even lactic acid improves the skin condition of people suffering from acne (5), (6). Since apple cider vinegar contains all these acids, we can expect promising results.

Now, let’s take a detailed look at the ways you can use apple cider vinegar on your face for treating acne.

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Tips To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Acne

You can use ACV in two ways:

(i) Apply it topically (mix it in your face pack or apply the diluted form directly on your skin).

(ii) Add a teaspoon of it to your morning drink.

Mentioned below are all the possible ways you can include apple cider vinegar in your day-to-day- beauty and health routine for reducing acne.

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Ways To Get Rid Of Acne With Topical Application Of Apple Cider Vinegar

1. Apple Cider Vinegar Toner For Acne

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Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (organic, with the mother)
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel

Preparation

1. Mix all the ingredients.
2. Store the mixture in a spray bottle.

How To Apply

Spray the toner all over your face and neck generously.

How Does It Work

Aloe vera gel soothes your skin and has anti-inflammatory properties. The astringent properties of apple cider vinegar kill the acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation. You can use this toner for back acne as well. It suits all skin types.

Precaution

When spraying, close your eyes so that the toner doesn’t get into them. Also, do not apply it to dry and broken skin.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar And Baking Soda For Acne

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (organic)
• 3 tablespoons baking soda

Preparation

In a small bowl, mix the baking soda with apple cider vinegar.

How To Apply

1. Apply the mask to the affected area.
2. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then wash it off.
3. Follow it up with a moisturizer.

How Does It Work

Along with apple cider vinegar, baking soda also has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce skin inflammation. It exfoliates the skin, unclogs the pores, removes all dirt and dead cells, and maintains the pH balance of your skin.

Precaution

Baking soda doesn’t suit all skin types. If you have sensitive skin, do a patch test. Stop using it in case you experience itching and skin inflammation.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar Scrub

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Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon green tea
• 5 teaspoons sugar (don’t use fine sugar)
• ½ cup water

Preparation

1. Boil the green tea and strain the water. Let it cool down.
2. Add water and apple cider vinegar to the water.
3. Add honey and sugar. Mix well.

How To Apply

1. Use cotton pads or your fingers to apply the pack to your face (or just the affected area).
2. Massage gently and leave it on to dry.
3. Wash it off with water.

How Does It Work

Green tea contains antioxidants and helps reduce inflammation while honey soothes the skin. The sugar granules gently exfoliate the skin, remove the dirt, and clean the clogged pores, thus promoting new cell growth.

Precaution

Before applying apple cider vinegar on your face, do a patch test.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar Overnight Pimple Treatment

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup filtered water

Preparation

Mix the vinegar in water and store in a jar or spray bottle.

How To Apply

1. Soak a cotton pad in the mixture.
2. Apply it directly to the pimple (not on entire face).
3. You can spray it on the affected area (in case the pimples cover a large area of your face).
4. Leave it on overnight and wash your face in the morning.

How Does It Work

The acids in apple cider vinegar dry the pimple out and kill the bacteria causing it. It also helps in restoring the pH balance of your skin.

Precaution

Dilute the apple cider vinegar before application. Otherwise, it may cause skin irritation.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar Facial Steam

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Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2-3 drops tea tree oil

Preparation

1. Add the apple cider vinegar to the water and heat it (until it starts emanating steam).
2. Transfer the liquid to another bowl and add tea tree oil.

How To Apply

Place your face over the bowl and cover your head with a towel.

How Does It Work

The steam helps open up the pores and clears them of excess oil and dirt. This helps the apple cider vinegar and the essential oil penetrate your skin and cleanse it thoroughly. This remedy is very effective for those with oily skin.

Precaution

Keep your eyes closed while steaming your face. Do not bring your face too close to the bowl/water.

These were the different ways of using ACV topically for getting rid of acne. Now, let’s look at the ways you can consume ACV to solve your skin woes.

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Ways To Use Apple Cider Vinegar Internally To Get Rid Of Acne

1. Apple Cider Vinegar And Lemon Drink

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Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup water
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
• A pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon honey

Method

1. Mix all the ingredients, and your detox drink is ready!
2. You can add more honey if you want.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar And Fuji Apple Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup peeled and sliced fuji apples
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons avocado
• ¼ cup ice

Method

Blend all the ingredients. Serve chilled.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar And Green Tea Detox Drink

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Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup green tea
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Ice (optional)

Method

1. Prepare the green tea and allow it to cool.
2. Add the green tea, apple cider vinegar, and honey to a glass and mix well.
3. You may or may not add ice.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar And Cinnamon Drink

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 ½ cups water
• 4 cloves
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Lemon slice (for garnishing)

Method

1. Take water in a bowl. Add the cinnamon sticks and cloves to it and boil.
2. Let it cool and then add apple cider vinegar and honey.
3. Garnish with the lemon slice.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar And Mixed Berries Drink

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Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup frozen mixed berries
• 1 banana
• 1 cup almond milk
• A pinch of salt

Method

1. Blend all the ingredients, and your drink is ready!
2. You can add another cup or half of almond milk in case the consistency is too thick for you (or add the milk gradually to adjust the consistency).

These are the tips and tricks to use apple cider vinegar for treating acne. But how do you know if the ACV you have is the right one? Scroll down to find out.

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How To Buy The “Right” Kind Of Apple Cider Vinegar For Acne

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1. The ordinary vinegar meant for cooking purposes should not be used for topical use.
2. Check for the “organic” label. Always buy organic apple cider vinegar as it is unfiltered and unpasteurized. The organic kind has a muddy, grainy brown sediment (the mother) and contains enzymes and essential bacteria that are beneficial for the skin.
3. It’s always better to go for raw apple cider vinegar. It has no artificial flavors and chemicals to make it taste better and contains all the healthy bacteria. The regular apple cider vinegar is processed and filtered, which robs it of its natural goodness.
4. Never buy apple cider vinegar that comes in a plastic bottle. Plastics contain harmful chemicals that can react with the vinegar. Go for a glass bottle instead.

However, before using apple cider vinegar on your skin, you need to take care of a few things:

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Things To Consider Before Using Apple Cider Vinegar

1. Make sure not to leave the vinegar on for too long on the first trial. This is to rule out any allergic reaction to ACV.
2. Always dilute the vinegar. Never apply raw vinegar on the face as it may damage your skin.
3. Dilute the vinegar with water. However, there is no stringent rule about the water to vinegar ratio. It is better to experiment and figure out the best way to get the results you need.
4. Some of you may experience worsening of your acne before the condition begins to improve. To get the right results, introduce your skin to apple cider vinegar slowly (use it in moderation).

Apple cider vinegar is a wonder liquid in the true sense. Try these treatments and let us know your experience. Stay tuned for more skin care tips