Vinegar. The average Briton notices it usually only as a salad dressing or, at a stretch, acknowledges it’s great for polishing or descaling kettles. However, for a solution containing no vitamins or minerals it does actually possess boundless benefits crossing the fields of medicine, beauty and food. The practice of consuming vinegar for cleansing and dietary purposes (do we truly know yet how many others?) dates back centuries and Apple Cider Vinegar, (or ACV for short) in particular, supports biological health. Curious? Then this is for you; read on to learn How Apple Cider Vinegar Can Help Your Skin Glow!
1. Apple cider vinegar serves as a natural toner
Toners help purify the skin by removing dirt. While over-the-counter toners do this well, they can be quite abrasive for sensitive skin types. ACV is an astringent (causes ‘shrinking’ of skin cells) so it can function as a gentler, more soothing alternative. All you have to do is mix ACV – ‘mother’ or ‘filtered’– with water to create an all-natural cleansing liquid ready for application.
Directions:
- Shake ACV and wash hands
- Dry/Sensitive skin: 1 part ACV in 4 parts water
- Normal/Combination skin: 1:2 ratio
- Oily skin: 1:1
For youthfulness add 1:2 ACV to green tea as an anti-aging formula. [Note: Decrease the amount of vinegar if your face tingles!]
- Apply using cotton pads or a spray
- Rinse after 15 mins
ACV is made from the agent, acetic-acid, which is vital to healing and contains alpha hydroxy acids. The latter in vinegar works to gently exfoliate the skin and remove impurities so that it is clear of any debris while the former rejuvenates photoaged/aging conditions. Ultimately ACV toners restore your skin’s functionality by shedding dead skin cells and keeping pores clear from clogging.
2. Brightens your skin
A clear and bright face is extremely desirable to women everywhere because of its associations with beauty. If you can’t afford regular cosmetic therapy but want results then try ACV to radiate your skin at home.
Directions:
- Shake ACV bottle
- Add 1-2 tbsp of ACV to 1 cup of water
- Always dilute as vinegar can damage tooth enamel and be harsh on your stomach
- Drink daily and notice your skin even right out
ACV can help tired, dull-looking skin by uncovering the original tone of your skin. The blend of glycol (from the alpha hydroxy family) and acetic acid improve the overall look of your complexion by shedding dead skin and balancing your body’s pH levels.
Skin is slightly acidic and ACV has an alkaline effect so drinking it neutralises your body for overall smoother functioning. Moreover, when ACV is drunk there are antimicrobial effects meaning unwanted growths of bacteria are suppressed without interfering with natural probiotics.
3. Helps to clear acne
Some soaps and cleansers strip away the natural acidity needed to protect your skin. When this barrier is broken, bacteria, dirt and oils may enter in easily causing clogged pores – the leading cause of spots. ACV’s properties make it a great cure for acne because it restores and maintains the skin’s ordinary acids while actively dissolving dirt and dead skin. The vinegar contains malic acid which is antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial which then works to kill bacteria by flushing away harmful microbes.
Directions:
- Shake ACV
- Apply externally to spot(s) daily: 2-3tbsp ACV in ½ cup of water
- Consumption: 1-2tbsp ACV in 1 cup of water and drink
