That bottle of apple cider vinegar hiding in your kitchen pantry might be your skin’s new best friend – but only if you use it right! Beauty experts are warning that this trendy skincare hack needs proper handling to avoid turning your glow-up into a nightmare.
If you’ve scrolled through social media lately, you’ve probably seen influencers raving about apple cider vinegar (ACV) as the miracle solution for everything from stubborn breakouts to fine lines. But is this pantry staple really the budget-friendly beauty secret they claim?
Apple cider vinegar isn’t just regular vinegar. It’s made by crushing apples and fermenting them twice – first converting the sugars to alcohol, then to acetic acid. This process creates a powerful ingredient that many believe works wonders on skin. ACV’s best attributes include its ability to potentially prevent acne, thanks to its strong composition of acetic and alpha hydroxy acids. As an antimicrobial, acetic acid works to remedy certain skin conditions such as acne, while also pulling toxins right out of your skin.
Sophia Roe, a natural-beauty expert and holistic chef, explains why ACV might benefit your complexion: “It’s a beauty product-saturated world we live in. So many are using multiple cleansers, masks, etc. Over time, this can disrupt the skin’s natural defenses.” Using ACV as a quick toner might help restore the skin’s natural defenses, remove excess dirt, and potentially fight against acne.
For those wanting to try an apple cider vinegar toner, the process is simple. Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar and 2 parts purified water. You may add a few drops of essential oil if the smell bothers you. Apply this mixture on a cleansed face using a cotton pad or ball, then rinse it off with cool water. The acids in ACV help balance your skin’s pH and can clear away excess oil and debris that might cause breakouts.
Got a surprise breakout? To make your own apple cider vinegar spot treatment, simply dab a small amount onto the blemish with a soaked cotton swab. Because apple cider vinegar is a potent antibacterial, it may help to prevent those pesky pimples from fully forming.
But before you dive in, experts urge caution. Apple cider vinegar is very acidic. Applying it directly to your skin may cause burns or irritation, and one small study noted that it offered no benefits for skin health. Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a dermatologist, emphasizes proper dilution: Apple cider vinegar should always be diluted with water first before applying it to the skin—generally, a ratio of one part apple cider vinegar to four parts water. Never skip this crucial step!
While some skincare enthusiasts claim ACV helps with sunburn too, take this advice with caution. There is no scientific evidence to confirm that ACV is beneficial for sunburn. Talk to a doctor or a dermatologist before using ACV on the skin, especially damaged skin.
Health professionals also warn about potential risks. When it comes to at-home acne treatments, ACV may not be the safest choice. At best, it may have no effect or cause some irritation. At worst, it can cause chemical burns to your skin. In fact, the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology reported a case of a teenager who experienced chemical scarring after using ACV to remove moles.
For those still interested in trying this kitchen-to-beauty-cabinet trend, follow these precautions: Do a patch test on your inner arm first, stop immediately if you experience redness or irritation, and people with sensitive skin or existing conditions should consult a professional first. ACV may make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so be sure to continue to use sunscreen throughout the year. And never use ACV straight – always dilute it.
The bottom line? When it comes to at-home acne treatments, there is no solid evidence that apple cider vinegar can effectively treat or help prevent acne. To find a medically tested acne treatment that works for you, it’s best to consult with a dermatologist or licensed dermatology provider.
If you’re curious about trying ACV in your skincare routine, start slowly with properly diluted solutions and pay close attention to how your skin responds. What works for the influencer in your feed might not work for you – and that’s perfectly normal! For stubborn skin concerns, professional advice beats DIY remedies every time.
