Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is not just a kitchen staple; it also offers a multitude of beauty benefits for your skin and hair. Discover seven surprising ways apple cider vinegar can enhance your skincare and haircare routines.
1. Toner for Clearer Skin
ACV helps restore your skin’s natural pH balance, which promotes skin health and improves its protective barrier. By diluting apple cider vinegar and using it as a toner, you can reduce acne and blemishes, thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
How to Use: Mix one part ACV with two parts water, apply to the skin with a cotton ball (avoiding the eye area). Use once or twice a day after cleansing.
2. Brightens and Exfoliates Skin
The acidity of ACV makes it an excellent natural exfoliant. It effectively removes dead skin cells, revealing a brighter and more refreshed complexion.
How to Use: Create a scrub by mixing equal parts ACV and fine sugar. Gently massage onto your face in a circular motion, then rinse off.
3. Soothes Sunburn
Apple cider vinegar can provide relief and aid in the healing process of sunburned skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
How to Use: Add a cup of ACV to a lukewarm bath and soak to soothe and relieve sunburn discomfort.
4. Enhances Hair Shine
ACV helps eliminate product buildup from your hair, resulting in enhanced shine and volume. Additionally, it balances the pH level of your hair and scalp, promoting scalp health and reducing dandruff.
How to Use: Mix a couple of tablespoons of ACV with water and pour over your hair after shampooing. Rinse thoroughly.
5. Natural Deodorant
The antibacterial properties of apple cider vinegar can neutralize body odor by adjusting the skin’s pH level and eliminating odor-causing bacteria.
How to Use: Apply a diluted solution of ACV and water directly to the underarms to reduce body odor.
6. Helps Treat Dandruff
ACV’s acidity alters the pH of your scalp, making it harder for yeast (a common cause of dandruff) to thrive.
How to Use: Mix 1/4 cup ACV with 1/4 cup water in a spray bottle. Spritz it onto your scalp, wrap your head in a towel for 15 minutes to an hour, then wash your hair as usual. Repeat twice a week.
7. Fights Acne and Pimples
ACV’s antibacterial and antifungal properties make it an effective remedy for preventing acne and pimples. It helps keep your skin pores free from bacteria, oil, and other impurities.
How to Use: Apply diluted ACV on acne or pimples with a cotton pad. Leave it for about 10 minutes, then rinse with water. Repeat this process a few times a day for optimal results.
Note: Always conduct a patch test on a small area of your skin to check for any allergic reactions. Avoid applying undiluted ACV directly to the skin, as it may be harsh. Begin with a diluted form and observe how your skin reacts.
By incorporating apple cider vinegar into your daily beauty routine, you can leverage its natural properties for healthier skin and hair, without relying on chemical-laden products.
