Okay, we aren’t recommending you use apple cider vinegar as a makeup remover, your eau de toilet, or as your one and only shampoo/conditioner. Here we’re going to discuss what benefits apple cider vinegar has on a surface level. We’re talking about how apple cider vinegar can be used on the surface of the body rather than internally or medicinally.
Acne relief
There are many testimonials that claim vinegar is helpful in controlling skin problems, but unfortunately, studies are lacking. Vinegar’s acetic acid is unfriendly to E. coli bacteria, and when diluted with ten times more water and applied to the skin with a cotton pad, it could be helpful in controlling skin problem areas. However, another report suggests that the skin may be irritated by the vinegar and try to soothe itself by increasing the output of sebum, which may aggravate the problems. If you wish to try ACV for skin problems, do a patch test to see if it helps or irritates, different skins react differently to vinegar as some are more sensitive than others. ACV may also help balance skin pH. Medical reports do not recommend using ACV topically on severe eczema or contact dermatitis, however, it may soothe the skin in light cases.
If you’re interested in learning about apple cider vinegar relative to dry skin, click here for a link to an article we published specifically about that. (include link?)
Other benefits
Hand odors: Wash your hands with diluted ACV to reduce odors after cutting onions or garlic.
Moisturizing skin: If you suffer from dry skin, try soaking in a tub of warm water with 2 cups of ACV.
Relieving dandruff: A fungus causes dandruff. Use equal parts ACV and water. Apply to the scalp. Let sit for 15 minutes, rinse. It is also recommended for shiny hair.
Skin pH balance: The skin has a normal pH of 4 to 6.5, making it acidic. It helps provide an acid barrier against microbial overgrowth. Using alkaline products on the skin may upset its acid balance. Using diluted ACV on a cotton pad on your skin may help maintain its acid balance.
Smelly feet: Bacteria cause odor; bacteria does not like acid. Using a baby wipe container, add enough ACV to soak into wipes. Keep in a cool place and use as needed. The odor may dissipate as the liquid dries on your feet and the lower pH will keep the bacteria from growing.
Stains on hands: Remove berry and wine stains from hands by washing with diluted vinegar.
Soothing sunburn: Apply cold, diluted ACV with water on a washcloth and place on burnt skin for soothing relief. Do not rub. Or, add a cup or so of ACV to your bath and soak to neutralize the burn. After 10 minutes, rinse.
Apple cider vinegar for dandruff, continued
When it comes to dandruff, it tends to be caused by a variety of factors. These factors include being triggered by stress, the weather, Malassezia yeast, or even your genes. In addition to those things, sensitivity to shampoo or hair dyes, not shampooing enough and skin conditions like psoriasis are other things that might result in that flaky scalp. According to a dermatologist, if you apply the solution listed above, it may decrease the itching and flaking while also calming down the Malassezia yeast reaction.
In addition to being a solution to the snow showers, apple cider vinegar also reportedly encourages growth and increases the moisture in the hair follicles.
Be cautious of how much apple cider vinegar you use: if the pH of your hair drops too low, you can experience even more irritation than before. Also, undiluted application to the scalp can result in chemical burns. Various doctors advise that people only leave ACV solutions on the hair for a short amount of time to prevent burns, irritation, or reaction. Always do a patch test to ensure the safety of your skin and hair.
ACV and teeth
For stubborn yellow stains on your teeth, rub ACV directly to the stain and rinse with water. For a less abrasive method, mix apple cider vinegar (one teaspoon) with a cup of water and swish the homemade mouthwash around.
Do be warned: using apple cider vinegar too often can break down tooth enamel.
If you’re interested in snagging all the benefits of ACV without the potent taste, check out Zhou’s Cider Detox for an alternative that’s easier on the taste buds.
