Vinegar is known as a natural antibacterial agent due to its acidic properties. While often used within the home to get rid of germs in the kitchen and bathroom, did you know that it can also be used upon the skin?
Apple cider vinegar is often used to treat specific skin conditions such as acne. However, it is also a natural exfoliant too.
If the unfiltered kind is used, it has extra benefits of good bacteria due to the apple cider vinegar having gone through the fermentation process.
This is very beneficial for your skin, so it is no wonder that you are curious to know what soaking your feet in apple cider vinegar will do.
Fortunately, we have everything you need to know about soaking your feet in apple cider vinegar right here. So, let’s get to it!
Apple Cider Vinegar To Combat Foot Odor
There is no beating around the bush here, a lot of us suffer from foot odor. It can be embarrassing to have to take your shoes off when you are worried about the smell of your feet.
If this is something that plays on your mind each day, then you might want to listen up.
Of course our skin is full of bacteria. We need it to live healthy lives, however, sometimes this bacteria can become out of control. This happens when we sweat, which is something our feet can produce a lot of.
Once we sweat, an overgrowth of bacteria feeds on it. This then produces that terrible smell. By using apple cider vinegar you can help to balance out the bacteria on your feet and stop smelling so bad!
Apple Cider Vinegar To Exfoliate Skin
Apple cider vinegar can also be a great natural exfoliant. Because it is acid-based, it will remove dead skin cells to reveal much smoother skin over time.
Using apple cider vinegar as a weekly foot soak is a great way to keep your skin in tip-top condition, but it is also a good way to keep bacterial infections at bay.
Just remember to keep the apple cider vinegar foot soaks to once or twice a week, and always rinse it off after around 15 minutes.
You can then follow this self-care routine with a thick moisturizer on damp skin to lock in all that moisture.
Doing this will keep your feet looking great and feeling healthy.
Apple Cider Vinegar To Combat Fungal Infections
Sometimes when we have sweaty feet it can cause us to have a bacterial infection too. This is because of the overgrowth of the bacteria causing a fungal infection.
This overgrowth is often referred to as tinea pedis, which is known more commonly as athlete’s foot.
Both fungus and bacteria are natural elements found on the skin. While healthy and normal, it is when these become out of balance and overgrown that problems arise.
When you sweat and have your feet snuggled up nicely in socks and shoes, the bacteria begins to thrive in the moist and warm environment.
This means that they will multiply too and the bacteria will be completely out of balance to how it normally is on the skin.
Using apple cider vinegar is a great way to combat athlete’s foot. This is because it has antifungal and anti-yeast properties. These can support the normal functioning of bacteria on the skin.
How To Create Your Own Apple Cider Vinegar Foot Soak
Here is a really simple way to create your own apple cider vinegar foot soak:
In a large bowl or basin, add in a cup of vinegar followed by two cups of warm water.
Keep following this process until the large bowl or basin holds enough vinegar and water to cover your feet.
Place your feet into the bowl and allow them to soak for around ten to fifteen minutes.
If you have a particular foot problem, repeat this process every day until the issue has been resolved.
If you are using an apple cider vinegar as part of your self-care routine, then do a foot soak once a week and follow it with a thick moisturizer for extra softness.
Who Should Not Use An Apple Cider Vinegar Foot Soak?
Using vinegar on the skin is safe so long as care is taken. If you react badly, then cease to use it at all. If it makes your skin slightly red, then use it less.
However, most people can tolerate diluted vinegar quite well. Even so, there are times when you will want to avoid using apple cider vinegar on your feet altogether.
If you have diabetes you should not use apple cider vinegar on your feet. If you have foot problems then you will need to seek advice from a doctor.
If you suffer from wounds or very inflamed skin on the feet, then using apple cider vinegar will make the situation worse and very painful.
Final Thoughts
Apple cider vinegar is a natural remedy for skin exfoliation. If the unfiltered kind is used, there will be extra benefits due to the fact it includes good bacteria.
If you do suffer from foot problems such as excessive odor or fungal infections, then there is a chance that apple cider vinegar can help – especially if it is used consistently over a few weeks.
It can also be used as a part of your beauty regime too. This is because apple cider vinegar will gently exfoliate the skin to keep your feet smooth.
However, not every foot problem will benefit from the use of apple cider vinegar, so keep that in mind before you soak your feet!
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!
