The New Beauty Aid: Apple Cider Vinegar?
ACV, cider, the “cure-all”, you name it. We’ve all heard bits of information on the “magical elixir” known as Apple Cider Vinegar, but few still have yet to give it a go. What is it exactly? Apple Cider Vinegar is simply the by-product of the fermentation of apples. The fruit is loaded with potassium, pectin, malic acid and calcium, and fermentation fortifies the end product with even more beneficial acids and enzymes. What’s even better? You can find this “magic potion” right in your local grocery aisle for less than $10.
I recently got hip to the craze of ACV from natural hair tutorials that raved about the ACV Rinse. A rinse that promotes healthy and shiny hair, alongside conditioning and cleansing the scalp. Naturals love this so much, series after series on the topic started to pop up all over my YouTube feed and frequented blogs about its many different uses beyond just hair. One in particular that caught my eye was the use of ACV to treat acne and lighten acne scars. A problem that I had suddenly fallen victim to, yes, adult acne!
So that got me thinking, so many of my friends, sisters, and colleagues also suffered from the same thing. Why hadn’t they heard of this yet? If so, why hadn’t they tried it yet? I asked around a bit and received some very general yet true statements on the use of ACV.
So, what’s got people so hung up on using it?
The smell. This was by far the most stated response I received yet. Yes, it is a bit strong. However, the smell literally fades away within minutes of application. It’s no difference in smell than any beauty toner or acne solution that many tend to use. Yet, what is the biggest difference is that it is ALL natural. No chemicals here!
The taste. Okay you got me there, it is STRONG, but it can always be diluted with water or mixed with your favorite natural beverage of choice like grapefruit juice to go down with ease.
The feeling. When using on any broken or open skin, yes, it can sting just a little bit on initial contact. However, it quickly subsides within a few seconds and will not be painful.
Now that I have your stipulations debunked, let’s get into what it can do for you and your beauty routine…
Reduce Varicose Veins – Combine witch hazel and ACV to scrub in a circular motion on varicose veins to improve circulation and alleviate symptoms.
Balance Your pH – Take a few tablespoons of ACV by mouth a day to keep your pH levels balanced as it has an alkalizing effect on the body that helps optimize health.
Treat Warts – Soak a cotton ball in ACV, apply directly to the wart and hold it in place with a bandage or Band-Aid for overnight treatment. Repeat until the wart falls off.
Perform as Natural Deodorant – Containing powerful anti-bacterial properties, ACV is the perfect natural deodorant. Apply a little on with your fingers to clean and dry underarms to help neutralize odor and keep you smelling fresh.
Weight Controller – It is known to curb your appetite. In one study, consuming just two tablespoons per day of ACV over 12 weeks resulted in nearly 4 pounds of weight loss with no other modifications to diet or lifestyle.
Aid in Detoxification – ACV can help balance your pH, encourage lymphatic drainage and enhance circulation, making it a great tool to detox with. Typical dosage is 1-2 tablespoons mixed with water, 2-3 times a day.
With all these benefits, why wouldn’t you use it? As per Dr. Axe Food is Medicine, apple cider vinegar has been well-known for centuries with at least 20 potential uses and a host of proven health benefits. Now we all know that with health, comes beauty. If it’s right on the inside, it’ll shine through to the outside. If you don’t have nothing else in your beauty regimen, this one is a must-have!
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What can it help?
Lighten Acne Scars – A study showed that treating acne scars with lactic acid (ACV) for 3 months led to improvements in the texture pigmentation and appearance of treated skin as well as a lightening of scars. After your routine face wash, apply with a cotton ball to the entire face and let dry. Feel free to add on your everyday moisturizer right after.
Soothe Sunburns – ACV is a great natural remedy for soothing dry, sunburnt skin. In a lukewarm bath add ACV, coconut oil, and an essential oil like lavender to soak in some sunburn relief.
Condition & Cleanse Hair – ACV contains natural acid that gently exfoliates the scalp and hair. This is perfect for dandruff and flaky prone hair types as the solution acts as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent. Add 2-4 tablespoons of ACV to 2 cups of water and rinse over the scalp and hair after routine washes.
Whiten Teeth – Beware that overuse can erode your enamel, but if used moderately, ACV can naturally whiten your teeth. After your everyday brushing, pour the ACV onto your toothbrush, brush like normal, then rinse.
Fight Athletes Foot/Odor – Mix ACV with water in a spray bottle and spray onto your feet and gym shoes. This solution will act as a fungus-fighting treatment and reduce symptoms, provide relief fast, and eliminate odors.
