Apple cider vinegar has a long history as a home remedy since the days of Hippocrates, Greek physician, (460–377 BC), traditionally regarded as the father of medicine.[1]
Did you know the ancient Greek doctor treated wounds with it?
In recent years, people are using apple cider vinegar for skin problems, to lose weight, improve heart health, and even to treat dandruff.[1]
Some studies have found that acetic acid present in apple cider vinegar, which gives vinegar its distinctive taste and smell, is what that makes it such a useful remedy.
Continue reading to learn:
- What is apple cider vinegar and what are its properties?
- The benefits of apple cider vinegar for a healthy skin
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Apple Cider Vinegar and Its Properties
Apple cider vinegar is made through a process known as fermentation in which active yeast is combined with sugar to form alcohol.[2]
For apple cider vinegar, it is the naturally occurring sugar from crushed apples that is combined with the yeast to turn the fruit sugar into alcohol. [3]
During the process the yeast actually consumes sugar and uses it to grow healthy bacteria. Bacteria then turn the alcohol into acetic acid.
That is what gives vinegar its sour taste and strong smell and is mainly responsible for the beneficial compound found in apple cider vinegar.
To make the best apple cider vinegar for therapeutic and health, certified organic apples should be used.
Even pasteurization is not required especially for people using it for health benefits, as this kills all of the delicate nutrients and enzymes.
The acidity of the vinegar is enough to prevent unhealthy bacteria from developing.
Remember that not all apple cider vinegar is created in the same way!
To maximise the benefits of using Apple cider vinegar, try to ensure that you buy it raw and with the “mother” intact, this means that it still contains the beneficial compounds including the probiotics.
A good tip to find the right one is to look for cloudy vinegar as this is the sign that the friendly enzymes and bacteria that promote healing have not been removed.
The cloudy strands are what is referred to as the “mother” probiotics.[1]
With such beneficial properties it is needless to mention that it has many benefits and uses. However, in this article you will get you will get to know how apple cider vinegar can be beneficial for your skin.
So that you can incorporate apple cider vinegar into your daily skin care regime and solve some skin problems without spending a fortune.
10 Ways Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits Your Skin
1. Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps Reduce the Visible Signs of Aging
Apart from the wisdom and experience gained by becoming older, most of us do not look forward to the physical signs of aging, such as wrinkles and sagging skin.
But aging is natural process and nothing can be done to stop it. However, by taking regular care the signs of aging that takes a toll on our skin can be reduced.
One of key ingredients that can aid in the process is antioxidants. [4]
Thankfully antioxidants are present in abundance in apple cider vinegar helps to prevent premature aging and aid in slowing down the aging process.[6]
Moreover, Apple cider vinegar’s ability to maintain the stability of the acid/alkaline balance in the body also performs a significant role.
RELATED: Coconut Oil for Wrinkles : 20 Effective Home Remedies
2. Apple Cider Vinegar Assists in the Fight Against Free Radical Damage
You’ve probably heard the term “free radicals,” especially with so many TV commercials talking about it but do you really know what it means?
According to the technical definition it is a molecule or atom that has an unpaired electron in its outer orbit. [5]
Free radicals are continually created in order to continue the metabolic activity of the body and that are essential to life.
As they fight infection by killing a variety of germs that can cause us infections, but, the problem arises when there is an overproduction of free radicals which can cause all sorts of trouble.
In case there are more free radicals that can be handled by enzymes or antioxidant nutrients, it might result into oxidative damage to cell membranes, tissues, proteins and even DNA, which may lead to diseases like ulcers, emphysema, arthritis and immune disorders.[5]
In fact, just about every disease you can think of is due to free radicals.
And, the damage done is not limited to our inner body; it affects our outer appearance as well, resulting in wrinkles and a more haggard look.
Avoiding free radicals completely is practically impossible; we can minimize our exposure and neutralize their effects by eating more antioxidants that halts free radicals from causing extensive damage.[6]
As mentioned earlier there are plenty of antioxidants in apple cider vinegar which can help to fight against free radical damage.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar can Relieve the Pain of a Sunburn and the Itch of a Bug Bite
Apple cider vinegar is highly effective to soothe sunburn so if you ever find yourself with sun burnt skin try using apple cider vinegar. [7]
As it helps to promote healing, prevent blistering, relieve the pain and decrease the redness.
All you have to do is just add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar in a lukewarm water bath along with ¼ cup of coconut oil and lavender essential oil to ease sunburnt skin.
Or simply combine a half cup of Apple cider vinegar with four cups of water and then dip a clean washcloth in the mixture and apply it to affected areas.
The same method can be used for bug bite itching. If you have a lot of bites, just put two cups of apple cider vinegar in a full tub of water and soak. It will help with itching.
RELATED: 11 Reasons to Use Coconut Oil for Sunburn
4. Apple Cider Vinegar Helps to Get Rid of Warts
Apple cider vinegar can help to get rid of warts too. Though it does not kill the virus that causes it but still it is effective due to the fact that it is high in acidity.
This acidity can attack the flesh that makes up the warts killing it so that it can naturally peel away from the skin.
It also helps to prevent a recurrence since the virus affected skin is gone.
All you need is two tablespoons of Apple cider vinegar, some cotton balls, and a bandage.
Soak a cotton ball in the apple cider vinegar and then gently squeeze out the excess liquid then apply it to the wart and cover it with a bandage.
Leave it for overnight and take it off in the morning. Repeat this procedure every day, and it should die and come off within a couple of weeks.
RELATED: How to Get Rid of Warts: 8 Essential Oil Remedies with Directions!
5. Apple Cider Vinegar can Work as a Great Toner
Apple cider vinegar makes a great natural toner that can prove to be a highly effective natural home remedy for acne and acne prone skin.
The malic and lactic acids found in apple cider vinegar contains antiviral, antifungal along with antibacterial properties that keep the skin clean, balanced and free from acne while encouraging it to heal itself.
These components also aid to soften and gently exfoliate the skin resulting in reduction of red spots and active acnes.
Additionally, apple cider vinegar also helps to maintain the pH level of your skin.
By regularly using apple cider vinegar as a toner you can get a healthy skin.
All you have to do is just mix apple cider vinegar with equal parts of water and use it as your regular toner.
You can also dab this mixture on active acnes or use it as a wash and then put some coconut oil along with your favourite essential oil on that area to support further healing.
So next time before you cut your pocket on a pricey toner that probably contains multiple toxic compounds try creating this mixture.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar can Fade Age Spots
Most of the creams and lotions that are designed to fade age spots contain alpha-hydroxy acid, a substance well known for its spot reduction ability. However, they usually also come with a high price tag.
But fortunately you can easily replace them with inexpensive apple cider vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar also contains alpha-hydroxy acid, which helps the skin stay firm while fading spots and renewing itself.
Simply, combine an equal amount of water and apple cider vinegar. Dip a cotton ball or pad into the mixture and then place it on the age spots for few minutes allowing it to soak in.
If it does not cause any reaction on the skin then leave it on longer (10 to 15 minutes), and then rinse.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar can Fight Seasonal Allergies
Apple cider vinegar is an amazing treatment for seasonal allergies.
It helps to break up the mucous in your body and support lymphatic drainage.
It also supports the immune system and can clear your sinuses.
Just put 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a large glass of water and drink three times daily for allergies.
8. Apple Cider Vinegar can Cure Fungal Infection on Toenails and Skin
The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal compounds present in apple cider vinegar make it a great natural remedy for skin and toenail fungus.
Just rub on the area of fungus two times daily. A mixture of coconut oil and oil of oregano is great for killing fungus.
It can also treat infection under the cuticles. All you have to do is mix one-fourth cup of vinegar with three-fourths cup of water and soak your nails into the solution.
You can certainly see a difference after doing this for a couple of times.
RELATED: 21 Home Remedies for Foot Fungus, Nail Fungus & Athlete’s Foot
9. Apple Cider Vinegar Aids to Ease Varicose Veins
Apple cider vinegar works wonder for varicose veins because it improves circulation in the vein walls and is anti-inflammatory, so it reduces bulging of veins.
For treating this condition you need to combine apple cider vinegar with witch hazel and rub on veins in circular motion.
Improvements can be seen in around two weeks.
10. Apple Cider Vinegar can Treat Dandruff
Apple cider vinegar can help with dandruff as well.
Due to its acidity it can increase the sloughing of the skin on the scalp.
Also for its anti-fungal properties it can help to remove the existing dandruff and prevent such situations from occurring again.
Recommendations Before You Get Your Bottle of Apple Cider Vinegar and Start Using It!
Many people who consume apple cider vinegar do not care for the taste.
But if are new and you hate how it tastes, well, do not discontinue it altogether as you can make it taste better. And here are some ways in which you can do so-
Add raw honey. The combination of apple cider vinegar with raw honey and a splash of water is an easy way to make swallowing the bitterness a lot more tolerable.
Try combining two cups of water with two to three teaspoons of ACV and one tablespoon of raw honey.
Combine it with juice for a tasty tonic. You can make a mixture with a couple of teaspoons of Apple cider vinegar with apple or grape juice. This will not only make things bearable, but you’ll also actually enjoy drinking it.
Make a tea. Apple cider vinegar tastes great as a tea. To prepare try combining a cup of water, dash of cinnamon, a teaspoon raw honey and two teaspoons apple cider vinegar in a pot on the stove
Bring the mixture to a boil, allow it to cool enough so that it’s drinkable, and enjoy.
Bottom Line
Not all apple cider vinegar has the same strength. It varies from brand to brand and even among batches within a brand.
It has different concentration levels of acidity too.
If you decide to use apple cider vinegar, try to buy from a renowned brand that clearly labels the acidity level.
And whatever you do, don’t use it full-strength.
Also keep in mind that you should never drink apple cider vinegar straight as it can burn your esophagus.
Instead, try mixing one or two tablespoons in a big glass of water.
Using apple cider vinegar is the best way to tackle and prevent many skin related problems.
So next time when you go grocery shopping, remember to put a bottle of apple cider vinegar into your cart!
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