Is it safe to use Apple Cider Vinegar on skin?

If there is anything you absolutely must have in your pantry, it’s Apple Cider Vinegar! There are literally a trillion uses for it from house cleaning through to weight loss. There are times I can spend half the day reading all the hacks that include this amazing ingredient. But for today I want to zoom in on how it impacts the natural beauty world. More importantly is it safe to use on your skin.

What is ACV

Well if you think  about it in order for apples to become a cider they need to ferment. The liquid that is extracted from this process is known as apple cider vinegar or ACV. Apples have a high malic acid content and the vinegar contains acetic acid. So from this you can see that it will help balance out the pH of your skin. Malic acid acts as a gentle exfoliant and often referred to as nature’s version of a “chemical peel”. The acetic acid helps to kill bacteria keeping skin germ free and super clean. These two fruit acids help to restore your skin and protect it where needed.

3 Main reasons to use for skin

Before we get to the safety aspect I thought we will focus on the real benefits existing in skin care.

Balancing Act

The pH is a numerical scale measuring how much acid or alkaline levels are present. When it comes to your skin it helps determine if you need more or less or nothing. A normal skin pH is 4.7 according to dermatologists and medical experts. Keeping the pH levels in line with this number will mean you can avoid a host of problems from acne to eczema. By using ACV you can control your skins pH and keep it functioning optimally!

Exfoliate

As mentioned earlier on, the malic acid helps to gently remove dead skin cells, excess oil and the acetic acid eliminates bacteria. It keeps the pores unclogged and will also help diminish blackheads. Removing dead skin helps to clear the way for new follicles and this also prevents ingrown hairs from happening.

Treats hyper pigmentation & skin tags

These are not extreme skin conditions but we must admit that they are not easy on the eye. To have dark spots that just pop up out of nowhere and then those fleshy tags. They are set backs when it comes to even complexion and smooth skin goals!

The skin tags are dissolved over a period of 3 weeks if you follow through consistently.

So the malic acid will literally reduce melanin production which is the cause of the dark spots.

 

How safe is it really

So now we get to the question at hand. Is it safe to use ACV on your skin? Because its an acid we need to take precautions and apply it sensibly. Although suitable for most skin types, dilution is key and avoid applying it just as is to your skin. It is always wise to do the patch test if never used before especially acidic based products. A general rule to follow is the dilution ration which is one part ACV to 4 parts water, according to dermatologists. To answer the question then I would say it is safe providing you follow the ratio. It is safe provided you also don’t apply it to already burned skin and skin which is treated with retinol. Do not apply to problem skin like eczema or psoriasis this will cause so much discomfort and not any healing. Have a look below at these  really safe and easy ways to incorporate into your DIY skin care regime.

4 Clean and simple DIY treatments

Wash away

Simply add 1/2 cup of ACV to 2 cups of warm, purified water and shake it up in a bottle. Use this solution as an effective bacteria killing face wash. If you wish to foam up this mixture add 1/4 cup of liquid castile soap. If you wish to bump it up with some extra healing properties and perfume add a 4 to 4 drops of essential oils of your choice. You can store in bottle in bathroom and should last till end of use :).

Tone down

 

Just focus on important as cleansing, you really cannot go without a toning. Think of ACV toner as the restorer of the natural order. All you need is 1tbsp of ACV and dilute with 4 tbsp of water and 1 drop of tea tree oil. Simply soak a cotton ball in this solution and wipe all over face don’t rinse off. This powerful combination will lift all excess dirt and oil and restore skin to its normal pH. With the addition of tea tree oil, inflamed or irritated skin will be soothed and subdued. Same as the face wash can be stored on shelf no refrigeration required.

Zap out

When it comes to spots we sometimes try to get rid of it at the expense of our skin. Scaring and damage may occur when using chemicals and also by picking and in extreme cases bursting it. Using ACV correctly will help to alleviate the unpleasantness of these spots and minimize scars. But you must remember you are dealing with an acid so don’t do this 24/7. Dab the spot directly with ACV using a cotton ball. There are also face wipes you can use look out for them focus on your local drug store or hop on-line.

Peel off

As mentioned before ACV can be used to exfoliate and further to this it acts as a natural way to do a chemical peel.

• 1 tablespoon organic, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar.
• 1/2 lemon (optional).

In a bowl or small cup, pour in the apple cider vinegar and if you are treating pigmentation or sun spots, you can add a squeeze of half a lemon. More sensitive skin should skip the option of the lemon.

Using a cotton disc or ball, dip the cotton in the apple cider vinegar. Then gently dab over face in circular motions avoiding the eye area.

Tingling is to be expected and if you feel burning you can dilute with water. Please don’t continue this remedy if you are still having any burning sensations and rather seek help from a dermatologist.

Leave the peel on for 5 minutes and then rinse off with warm water. Twice a month will help slough off dead skin cells, encouraging new skin cells. It will also help with absorption of serums and moisturizers.

 

Let’s recap & recalibrate

• ACV has gentle exfoliant properties and can be used to treat skin needing restorative intervention & balance.
• The malic and acetic acids help to fight bacteria, remove dead skin & oil, lighten dark spots & remove skin tags.
• If you are having a bout of acne or excess oil then it will be beneficial to include in  your natural skin care process.
• Do not use if you have eczema / psoriasis or suffer from any burned or severe skin damage.
• ACV is safe to use on skin but you need to do a patch testing and always dilute if making your own recipes.
• Try to use not more than 3 times a week as you don’t want to cause any chemical burn or throw your pH off balance.
• As always consult your medical professional when in doubt and remember natural products are not an overnight guarantee to solve any skin problem. But with care and correct applications in time you will notice a difference. If you don’t then its time to consult that dermatologist!

 

So if you want a smooth, silky and clean makeover, look no further than the kitchen pantry and start your apple cider vinegar treatments today!

Let me know your thoughts below in comments section and if you have already tried this natural skin care ingredient.

Real Skin Angel

Love your skin naturally!