How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne: 6 Tips You Might Not Know About

Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne

Apple cider vinegar is a commonly used form of complementary alternative medicine in treating acne vulgaris. Although no published clinical trials assess its efficacy, apple cider vinegar can treat pimples for a few reasons. It is an antimicrobial, including some bacteria.

Studies have shown that apple cider vinegar can impair bacterial cell integrity and structural and metabolic proteins. As we all know that the proliferation of the bacteria, Cutibacterium acnes, is one of the four pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. It has a known anti-inflammatory by decreasing proteins that regulate inflammation, another part of the pathogenesis of acne.

When the C. acnes proliferates, pimples become inflamed and may develop pus. Thus, an agent that can subside inflammation is needed. Lastly, apple cider vinegar contains alpha-hydroxy acids like malic and lactic acids. Aside from their anti-inflammatory ability, alpha-hydroxy acids can also remove excess oil and unclog pores with white and blackheads.

They can also promote collagen production, thus enhancing skin renewal and making acne blemishes lighter. Caution must be observed in using this in acne treatment. Aside from the alpha-hydroxy acids, apple cider vinegar also contains other substances like acetic acid that can cause dryness and irritation that may lead to skin damage like burning when applied continuously.

When it comes to treating your acne, visit your trusted dermatologist first.

Do me a favor and type “apple cider vinegar for acne” on your browser.

A lot of hits, right?

It’s because apple cider vinegar is effective against acne. It fights the bacteria that can cause those zits and restore the skin’s pH- without the negative effects.

Don’t get me wrong, though.

Acne-fighting cleansers do work. But, what if there are ways to address this problem using natural ways?

Want to know how?

Here are 6 apple cider vinegar for acne tips to end your acne once and for all.

How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne: 6 Tips You Might Not Know About

1. Applying Apple Cider Vinegar Directly to Pimples

This method is probably the most effective one on this list.

You can reap all the benefits this ingredient has to offer by directly applying it on your skin.

Simply wet a piece of cotton ball with the vinegar and apply it to the affected areas. Allow it to dry before washing it off with water.

Do this every day to achieve best results.

How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne: 6 Tips You Might Not Know About

However, if you have sensitive skin, add some water to the vinegar first to dilute it.

Add enough water until your skin no longer feels a tingling or itching sensation from the vinegar.

You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil. Tea tree oil fights acne by unclogging the pores and controlling oil production.

So, adding this ingredient increases the effectiveness of this method.

But tea tree oil can cause irritation, too. This is why it should never be applied directly to the skin to avoid any negative reactions.

Especially if you have sensitive skin.

Consider doing a patch test first. Simply apply a few drops of the oil on your forearm and wait for at least 24 hours for any negative reactions.

If no negative reactions were noticed, good. This means the oil can be applied directly on your face.

On the other hand, if you experienced redness or itching, the oil should be diluted first. Combine 10 parts of water and 1 part tea tree oil.

2. Create a Baking Soda and Apple Cider Vinegar Scrub

This is for those who must “feel” a product first to know it’s actually working.

Baking soda is a great natural exfoliator. It helps unclog the pores to remove impurities and slough off dead skin cells.

So aside from having a more balanced skin, you’ll also have softer and brighter skin.

You can create your own scrub in just 2 easy steps.

In a small bowl, mix 2 to 3 tablespoons baking soda and 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar. Once you have a nice consistency, apply the mixture all over the face.

Allow it to sit for around 20 minutes or until your skin starts to tighten. Wash it off with cool water and end it with a layer of moisturizer.

Applying moisturizer is important to avoid drying your skin. Make sure to choose a moisturizer that moisturizes while fighting acne-causing bacteria.

Do this once a week for best results.

3. Make a Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar Mask

Honey is a great addition to this mask, thanks to its long list of skin-friendly benefits.

One of those is its antibacterial property. It also acts as a great hydrator to moisturize the skin and calm sensitive skin.

Start by applying 2 tablespoons of honey all over your face. Massage it using circular motions and stop once the honey has completely stopped dripping.

Allow it to sit for 15 minutes before rinsing it off with water.

In a small bowl, combine equal amounts of water and apple cider vinegar. Once you have dried your face, dip a cotton ball into the mixture and apply it to your face.

Finish it off by applying a light moisturizer that won’t clog the pores.

How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne: 6 Tips You Might Not Know About

Do this every day for great results.

4. Create a Garlic and Apple Cider Vinegar Toner

This is a must-try to really control those zits. No matter how awful it smells and sounds.

How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne: 6 Tips You Might Not Know About

Garlic is great for acne since it is rich in antioxidants. It also boasts of its anti-inflammatory properties to reduce the size of pimples.

Before trying this one, make sure you aren’t sensitive to garlic. Any sensitivity can complicate things and make matters even worse.

Add equal parts of garlic juice and apple cider vinegar in a bowl. You can extract garlic juice by crushing a couple of cloves.

Get a cotton ball and dip it into the mixture. Let it sit for around 15 minutes before washing it off with water.

Do this every day until you get the results you want.

5. Make an Onion and Apple Cider Vinegar Toner

First garlic. Now you want me to apply onion?

Allow me to explain.

Onions are loaded with phytochemicals and are antifungal and antibacterial agents. They also have antibiotic properties.

A research even showed their vapor alone was enough to kill protozoa, fungi, and bacteria in less than 5 minutes!

Simply combine equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and onion juice in a small bowl.

Like the previous method, you can extract the juice by crushing a few onions.

How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne: 6 Tips You Might Not Know About

Dip a cotton ball into the mixture and apply it to problem areas. Allow the mixture to dry before rinsing it off with cold water.

Do this every day to get optimum results.

6. Create an Aloe Vera and Apple Cider Vinegar Solution

This method is perfect for those with super sensitive skin.

Aloe Vera is known for its ability to soothe the skin. But, did you know it’s also an effective acne remedy?

How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne: 6 Tips You Might Not Know About

This plant has 6 antiseptic agents, like salicylic acid, that inhibit viruses, bacteria, and fungi. It also possesses astringent properties that help tighten the pores.

Simply grab a bowl and pour equal amounts of Aloe Vera gel, water, and apple cider vinegar. Mix it well.


Dip a small cotton ball in the mixture and apply it on problem areas. Allow it to sit for around 20 minutes before rinsing it off with water.

Do this method every day for best results.

Alternately, you can use coconut oil if Aloe Vera is not available. Coconut oil promotes healthy skin and also fights the bacteria that cause those zits.

Conclusion

Using apple cider vinegar for pimples is probably nothing new to you.

Apple cider vinegar is one of the tough competitors when it comes to fighting acne. Aside from combatting existing acne, its other properties help keep those zits away.

Don’t get me wrong: apple cider vinegar is already powerful on its own. However, I presented 5 other ways on how to use this ingredient to make it more exciting and effective.

How do you use apple cider vinegar for your acne? Let us know!

Dr Kathleen May Eusebio-Alpapara

A board-certified dermatologist who practices both medical and cosmetic dermatology

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