Apple cider vinegar is a prominent name when it comes to health and wellness. The pantry staple has a long history of bestowing health benefits to humankind. The list is endless, from controlling blood pressure to boosting energy to improving gut health.
Besides its oral use, apple cider vinegar imparts incredible benefits when applied topically. It balances your skin’s pH, exfoliates, improves blood circulation, and fights acne. Moreover, CV eliminates dandruff and makes your hair healthy and shiny.
Let’s first talk about what apple cider vinegar is and why it is so beneficial.
What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is liquid extracted from apples (duh, obvious!). Yeast ferments the apples to convert sugar into acetic acid- the prime ingredient of vinegar. This acetic acid is mainly responsible for the apple cider vinegar benefits. ACV also contains malic acid, antioxidants, polyphenols, and vitamins.
ACV comes in two forms: filtered/ diluted or unfiltered/ mother vinegar. Store-bought vinegar is usually the clear, filtered one. In contrast, mother vinegar contains proteins, enzymes, minerals, and probiotics. It possesses a hazy appearance and is said to have more benefits.
How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Skin?
Apple cider vinegar is the magic wand for your skin (at least, figuratively). Its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties prevent breakouts, remove excess oil, and restore skin pH.
Here are a few ways to incorporate ACV into your skincare routine.
1. As A Skin Toner
Using apple cider vinegar as a toner has high merits. It is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, thus protecting your skin from bacteria. It removes dead cells, cleans debris, and hydrates your skin. ACV is also more gentle than alcoholic toners.
How to use:
- Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water.
- You can add lemon juice or rose water if you want.
- Apply it to your skin, leave for a few minutes, and rinse off.
2. As A Face Mask
Apple cider vinegar prevents breakouts, so its face mask is best for acne-prone skin. ACV face mask restores skin hydration, making it soft and plump. It also removes hyperpigmentation and unclogs pores.
How to use:
- Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with turmeric or gram flour.
- Add a few drops of rose water.
- Apply the mixture to your face and leave it to dry.
- Wash it off, dry gently, and moisturize your face.
3. As Spot Treatment
Apple cider vinegar is remarkable at removing pimple spots or scars. It also reduces hyperpigmentation and gives you clean, glowy skin.
How to use:
- Dilute apple cider vinegar in some water.
- Use a cotton bud to apply it to your blemishes after cleansing your face.
- Leave it for the night and wash your face in the morning.
4. As An Exfoliant
Apple cider vinegar is an excellent exfoliant, thanks to the malic acid. It gets rid of dead cells and cleanses your skin.
How to use:
Add a cup of apple cider vinegar to your bathtub and soak for 15 minutes. Your skin will be all soft and plump!
How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Hair?
Apple cider vinegar also has excellent benefits for your hair. It strengthens your scalp, removes dandruff, and gives a sleek shine to your hair.
Read on to learn how to use apple cider vinegar to improve your hair’s health.
1. To Remove Dandruff
Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It can exfoliate the skin and get rid of dandruff. ACV also makes hair pH acidic, reducing frizz and making them shinier.
How to use:
- Add two to four tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to half a liter of water.
- After shampooing and conditioning your hair, apply the liquid to your hair.
- Let it sit for a few minutes and rinse off.
2. As Hair Mask
ACV hair mask nourishes your hair follicles and gives your hair a lustrous glow. Vitamins and minerals in apple cider vinegar strengthen your hair, and acetic acid removes bacteria and dandruff.
How to use:
- Mix a few drops of apple cider vinegar in your hair oil.
- Apply it to your hair and leave it for 30 min.
- Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and pat dry.
Ending Thoughts!
What’s better than a lovely complexion and shiny hair? Getting it without any chemical products! ACV has tremendous benefits for your skin and hair. It improves their appearance and makes them healthy. And since it’s all-natural, there are no harmful side effects.
Besides using it topically, you can also incorporate ACV into your diet to enhance its effects. You can have a glass of diluted ACV in the morning or take apple cider vinegar gummies with the mother. It improves your body’s health and kills bacteria, benefiting your skin or hair.
