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Are you wondering whether you should try Apple cider vinegar for acne or not?
Apple cider vinegar has been used for thousands of years to treat and improve skin-related issues like acne scars, skin dullness, and age spots.
Moreover, since 2000 years ago, apple cider vinegar is used for disinfecting and treat skin wounds.
Although treating acne-prone skin is tricky, and we should also accept that everyone’s skin is different. Additionally, there are so many other factors that play a role in it, like environment, hormones, lifestyle, and the list goes on.
So, we won’t restrict ourselves to a single solution to treat acne-prone skin, while our ultimate goal should be to opt for natural solutions over chemical-based products.
Does apple cider vinegar work to clear skin, or is it just a myth?
We have precisely found out what apple cider vinegar does and how it works.
How does apple cider vinegar work for acne?
We have gathered much evidence that will show how apple cider vinegar works for acne.
Efficient in killing acne-causing bacteria
Apple cider vinegar is efficient enough to kill and reduce any bacteria and viruses.
In fact, a recent study has shown how apple cider vinegar anti-bacterial action kills food-borne pathogenic bacteria known as Escherichia coli or E. coli.
In a recent study, it is useful to eliminate most bacteria. And it also works in reducing virus by 90%. The most common are poliovirus, bacteriophages, E. coli, and Salmonella Montevideo.
Apple cider vinegar contains citric acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, and succinic acid, responsible for killing P. acnes bacteria.
Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acne, is one of the main bacteria contributing to acne’s development and formation.
A study conducted by the University of California has shown the apple cider vinegar containing acid inhibits the growth of P. acne. Moreover, another study evaluated the anti-microbial activities of citric acid present in ACB in killing P. acnes.
Based on the above studies, we conclude that organic acid present in apple cider vinegar is powerful enough to kill acne-causing bacteria.
Reduce the appearance of acne scars
Apple cider vinegar helps in reducing the appearance of acne scars. Once the acne starts healing, it leaves acne scars over there. And, in its formation, a discolorization of the skin occurs.
Apple cider vinegar contains many organic acids that help get rid of acne scars.
Applying apple cider vinegar to the skin removes the damaged outer layer and promotes skin regeneration. This process is called Chemical Peeling.
A study has shown that succinic acid in apple cider vinegar prevents the formation of acne scars. It also reduces the inflammation triggered by P.acnes bacteria.
Another study has shown that lactic acid present in apple cider vinegar is useful in improving the acne scars with pigmentation.
Moreover, in another study, it was proven that organic acid present in apple cider vinegar act as an exfoliating agent that prevent skin discolorations and scar formation.
Balances your skin pH
Apple cider vinegar is an astringent that helps balance skin pH by making it less oily and less dry.
The organic acid present in apple cider vinegar helps in restoring the natural pH of the skin.
It also improves the skin barrier and removes dead skin cells.
In a Pediatric Dermatology study, it has been shown that it improves skin barrier in a condition like atopic dermatitis.
Before we move forward, it is necessary to know how to choose the type of apple cider vinegar for acne.
How to choose the best apple cider vinegar for acne?
For acne treatment, we need raw, organic, unfiltered, and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar. It should also contain a naturally occurring “mother” of vinegar.
“Mother” in apple cider vinegar contains a strand of friendly bacteria, enzymes, and proteins.
Bragg’s Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is the most effective and reputable product that fulfills the above condition.
Also, the use of rice or white vinegar won’t be helpful in the treatment of acne.
How to use apple cider vinegar for acne?
We will discuss the most effective ways to use apple cider vinegar in the treatment of acne.
Use only apple cider vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic. So, when it is applied directly, it gives a burning sensation. Mostly, avoid using it on your sensitive skin or wounded skin.
Before applying apple cider vinegar to the skin, you need to dilute it.
How to use it?
For dilution, mix one part of apple cider vinegar with three times of water and apply it to the affected area using a cotton ball. Please keep it for 10-15 minutes and then wash it off. Repeat the process once a day.
Use apple cider vinegar with aloe vera gel.
Pure aloe vera gel is beneficial in the spot treatment. It also reduces redness and skin irritation.
Using aloe vera gel with apple cider vinegar will leave behind a rejuvenating impact on your skin.
How to use it?
Mix 5-6 drops of apple cider vinegar with one teaspoon of aloe vera gel. Apply it to the affected area and leave it for half an hour. Rinse with water and pat dry. Repeat the process once a day.
You can buy pure aloe vera gel here.
Use baking soda with apple cider vinegar.
You can use baking soda frequently for home remedies for acne. It is beneficial for targeting specific pimples that appear on the face.
Baking soda contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It helps in reducing acne breakouts and manages inflammation of the skin.
An expert won’t recommend baking soda for acne daily as it may irritate your skin and may disrupt the protective oil of the skin.
Moreover, apple cider vinegar with baking soda increases its effectiveness in the treatment of acne. It helps in fading the acne, aids healing property, and reduce the appearance of skin scars.
How to use it?
You have to mix two-part of apple cider vinegar with three parts of baking soda. Make a paste and apply it to the affected area. You have to leave this mixture for 20 minutes. Afterward, wash it off and use a natural moisturizer.
Use apple cider vinegar with honey and green tea.
Honey acts as an anti-inflammatory agent that reduces the inflammation, dullness, and scarring of the skin.
Also, honey has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that prevent any future breakouts.
Moreover, green tea is rich in catechins, which has anti-microbial properties that can destroy acne-causing bacteria. Also, it reduces the redness and inflammation that is often caused by acne.
However, the antioxidant in green tea helps in the healing of acne scars.
How to use it?
Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with one teaspoon of honey and one teaspoon of green tea. Apply on the affected area with a cotton ball. Leave it for 20 minutes and then wash it off.
If you want to use it as a scrub, then mix 3-4 teaspoons of sugar and apply it all over the face. Gently massage and leave it to dry. After 20 minutes, wash it off with water.
Use apple cider vinegar with tea tree oil.
Tea tree oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that reduce the overall severity of acne.
The use of apple cider vinegar with tea tree oil reduces any new breakouts and reduces acne scars’ risk.
How to use it?
Mix 2-3 drops of tea tree oil with one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Now, dilute the mixture with 2-3 drops of water. Apply it on the affected area with a cotton ball. Leave it for at least 20 minutes and then wash it off.
You can get here pure essential tea tree oil.
Bottom Line
Organic apple cider vinegar is beneficial in killing the acne-causing bacteria and reduces the appearance of acne scars.
People currently use apple cider vinegar widely as a home remedy in acne treatment for all skin conditions.
However, more studies need to come to understand the effectiveness of different skin conditions.
