If you suffer from acne, no doubt that you have tried several ways to try and combat it. While it may be frustrating to achieve clear skin, there are ways to aim for clearer skin.
One of these ways is by using apple cider vinegar. Over the last few years it has become a go-to for those with oily and acne prone skin.
The great thing about using apple cider vinegar is that it is inexpensive, and you likely already have some in your cupboard. However, you will want the fermented kind for the best benefits.
This is because it is full of skin loving bacteria which will in turn help to reduce the breakouts that you get. So, if you want to achieve clearer skin, then take a look at this article on how to use apple cider vinegar for acne.
How Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help With Acne?
Apple cider vinegar contains a number of different types of good bacteria that your skin will love. Due to the apple cider vinegar being fermented, it will naturally have bacteria that the skin needs in order to be healthy.
This is why you will need to purchase apple cider vinegar which includes the ‘mother’. This means it still includes the jelly-like blob that is created naturally due to the fermentation process.
The good bacteria will keep the bad bacteria that cause acne in line, and in doing so will help to reduce the amount of acne you get on a daily basis.
Not only that, vinegar has a natural acid which kills germs – hence you can use it for cleaning – which will aid the good bacteria in reducing the amount of acne you suffer with.
Lastly, due to apple cider vinegar being a weak acid, it will help to exfoliate the skin. This means it will help to remove dead skin that is often a problem for those with acne.
After all, dead skin may not be shifted and instead gets trapped into the skin to cause a pimple.
However, just to point out that unfermented apple cider vinegar also works as an acne treatment. This is helpful if this type is the only one you can find at your local grocery store.
So, with all this in mind, let’s take a look at how you can use apple cider vinegar to control your acne.
Apple Cider Vinegar Spot Treatment
If you have existing acne, you can use ACV as a spot treatment. This is a great way to use this ingredient if you are just looking to control nasty pimples.
To use it as a spot treatment, you will want to only add it to the pimple itself, rather than to the whole face. It means the ingredients can get to work on the spot to help it reduce in size, as well as not leave a scar.
Here is how to do it:
Using a clean Q-tip dip it into apple cider vinegar
Dab the Q-tip onto your acne post-cleansing
Make sure to do this once or twice a day until the spot clears
Remember to moisturize afterwards
Apple Cider Vinegar Toner
One of the most common methods of using ACV is by using it as a toner for the whole face.
Once the skin is cleansed, it can be swept or patted over the skin to remove excess sebum and to restore the natural pH within the skin.
Here is how to do it:
Add equal parts of filtered water and unfiltered ACV into a bottle or bowl (the latter will be thrown away).
Using a cotton round, soak it with the mixture and dab it over the skin
Let the ACV do its work for ten minutes and then rinse with a few splashes of water
Add moisturizer while the skin is damp
Adding Apple Cider Vinegar To Cleanser
If you want to exfoliate your face without using a product with physical particles which may irritate the skin, then you can add apple cider vinegar to your cleanser.
ACV will help to dislodge dead skin cells from the pores, as well bacteria and sebum. All these can help acne to form.
Here is how to do it:
Mix one teaspoon of ACV to your usual cleanser
Apply the cleanser like you normally would and rinse
Follow with a moisturizer
Apple Cider Vinegar Face Mask
A DIY acne busting face mask is super easy to make. It has the added benefit of other acne fighting ingredients.
You will need:
One tablespoon of gram flour
One teaspoon of honey
One teaspoon of rose water
One tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
Here is how to do it:
Mix all the ingredients into a bowl
Apply the mask to the whole face avoiding the eye area
Leave it to work for 15 minutes
Add some water to your hands and gently massage the mixture over the skin
Wash it away using water or use a wet cloth to remove it
Follow the mask with a moisturizer while the skin is still damp
When Will You See Progress With Apple Cider Vinegar?
Just like with any skincare product, you will want to wait at least six weeks before seeing any improvements. This is because it can take around that length of time for your skin to renew itself naturally.
Apple cider vinegar, like every other ingredient, will not magically make your acne disappear overnight, so give it time to work.
You may just be surprised by the results!
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a natural way to combat acne, then apple cider vinegar may just be what you are looking for.
It naturally contains good bacteria and has the ability to remove germs that may cause acne to appear.
There are many ways to apply it to the skin, from a toner to adding it to your cleanser. Just remember to wait at least 6 weeks to see any results.
All aspects of health are incredibly important in keeping us at the top of our game when it matters most. But many people choose to ignore the health that they cannot see - including the gut, cognitive, respiratory, and more.
Hi, my name is Adam Maxwell and I have been a medical professional for over 20 years. My wife is also in the same field, having been a trained clinical psychologist for 15 years.
Between us, we have seen a fair amount of health-related issues!
