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Apple Cider Vinegar For Skin: Ways To Use It On Your Face In 2024
Updated on
- Written by Karla Tafra, Nutritionist
Medically reviewed by
Jennifer Olejarz, Nutritionist & Health Coach
Apple cider vinegar for skin is trending, and for good reason. It might balance your skin’s natural acidity scale or pH and reduce facial acne.
So from apple cider vinegar gummies to cleansers and toners, brands have been coming up with various products to treat everything from acne and oily skin to cleansing impurities and toxins.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good For Skin?
Yes, apple cider vinegar can have many benefits for the skin, but whether it’s good for your skin depends on your skin type and condition.
Apple Cider Vinegar For Skin: Benefits You Should Know
Apple cider vinegar has become a popular natural remedy for various health and beauty issues, including digestive and skincare. Here are some of its skincare benefits:
Balances Skin PH
Being naturally acidic, apple cider vinegar acts as an exfoliant and can help with your skin’s pH balance. This can reduce the appearance of acne and other skin issues. Because of its acidity, diluting this vinegar before topical application is advised to avoid skin irritation or burning.
Exfoliates The Skin
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid and malic acid, also known as natural alpha-hydroxy acids,[1] that can exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and revealing smoother, brighter skin. This is a real plus for acne-prone skin.
These acids have antibacterial,[2] antifungal, and keratolytic properties, meaning they can help protect against skin fungus and other harmful agents and remove dead skin cells, thus reducing inflammation and decreasing the thickness of harmful plaques[3] that are known to occur with psoriasis.[4]
Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease of the skin that causes flaky patches on the skin that can cause scales. It can range from mild to severe, and it’s known to be exacerbated by stress, anxiety, and overall inflammation derived from other causes.
Reduces The Appearance Of Acne And Dark Spots
This vinegar has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties[5] that can help reduce acne and even skin fungus. It can also help to unclog pores and reduce excess oil production. Additionally, the alpha-hydroxy acids in this vinegar can help to reduce skin tags and lighten dark spots[6] and hyperpigmentation, giving the skin a more even tone. That’s why many people use apple cider vinegar for skin whitening.
Helps Soothe Skin Irritation
The anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar can help to soothe irritation of the skin and reduce redness. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties help ward off irritating skin infections.
Improves Overall Skin Health
This vinegar is rich in antioxidants and vitamins that can help to improve overall skin health,[7] reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Its ability to exfoliate skin has a certain anti-aging effect as one of its skincare benefits.
Side Effects Of Apple Cider Vinegar
While apple cider vinegar can help with skin problems, it can also have some potential side effects. Here are some of the side effects that you should be aware of when you use apple cider vinegar on your skin:
- Skin irritation: While naturally considered mild and safe for most skin types, undiluted apple cider vinegar can sometimes be too acidic[8] for certain skin types, causing redness, irritation, and even burns.
- Dryness: The acid in apple cider vinegar can disrupt the skin’s natural moisture barrier, leading to dryness and flakiness.
- Sun sensitivity: Some people have reported increased sun sensitivity after using apple cider vinegar, which can lead to sunburn or other skin damage.
- Allergic reactions: Although rare, some people may have an allergic reaction to apple cider vinegar, causing hives, itching, or swelling.
- Chemical burns: Undiluted apple cider vinegar can cause chemical burns if applied in high concentrations.
To avoid these potential side effects, it’s always important to dilute apple cider vinegar before applying it and start with a small amount, gradually increasing the concentration over time. The consensus among dermatologists is a ratio of one part apple cider vinegar to four parts water when using ACV for the face.
It’s also important to do a patch test on a small skin area first to see how your skin reacts to it. If you experience any irritation or discomfort, stop using it immediately and consult a dermatologist.
How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Your Face
Since apple cider vinegar can be powerful, you need to adhere to some general guidelines for how to use apple cider vinegar for skin to reap the benefits and prevent the potential negative side effects:
- Dilute the apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is very acidic, so it’s important to always dilute it with water before applying it to your face. Mix one part apple cider vinegar with four parts water.
- Cleanse your face: Wash it with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry before applying the apple cider vinegar solution.
- Apply the solution as a toner: Using ACV as a toner is a great way to restore the skin’s natural defenses and remove excess dirt. This way, you’re helping your skin fight against acne and dark spots while restoring its natural pH. Soak a cotton ball or pad in the apple cider vinegar solution and gently swipe it over your face, avoiding the eye area.
- Be gentle: When applying ACV to the skin, always be gentle with your movements. Any actions on your skin can irritate and increase the risk of a negative reaction across the skin barrier. Always apply reduced pressure, and don’t rub ACV into the skin.
- Leave it on: Allow the solution to sit on your face for 5-10 minutes, then gently rinse it off with cool water.
- Moisturize: After using apple cider vinegar, it’s important to moisturize your sensitive skin to prevent dryness. Use a gentle moisturizer that is appropriate for your skin type.
- Use it sparingly: While apple cider vinegar benefits for skin, it’s important to use it sparingly. Overuse can lead to dryness, irritation, and other potential side effects.
- Try a spot treatment: A spot treatment with ACV is great for treating blemishes as soon as they appear. To make your apple cider vinegar spot treatment, you have to gently dab a small amount onto the blemish with a soaked cotton swab or cotton ball. This can help prevent any blemish or small acne from getting bigger and inflamed.
While using apple cider vinegar for skin sounds easy, it’s also important to note that it may not be suitable for everyone’s skin. If you experience any irritation or discomfort, stop using it immediately and consult a dermatologist.
Final Thought
Overall, apple cider vinegar can be a beneficial addition to your skincare routine, but using it properly and in the right concentration is important.
For example, incorporate apple cider vinegar into your routine, but always dilute it with water. Start with a small amount, gradually increasing the concentration over time, and as with any new skincare product, it’s always a good idea to do a patch test on a small skin area first. In case of any negative side effects, consult your dermatologist.
+ 8 sources
Health Canal avoids using tertiary references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic researches from medical associations and institutions. To ensure the accuracy of articles in Health Canal, you can read more about the editorial process here
- Tang, S.-C. and Yang, J.-H. (2018). Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin. Molecules, [online] 23(4), p.863. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23040863.
- Ousaaid, D., Laaroussi, H., Bakour, M., Ennaji, H., Lyoussi, B. and El Arabi, I. (2021). Antifungal and Antibacterial Activities of Apple Vinegar of Different Cultivars. International Journal of Microbiology, [online] 2021, pp.1–6. doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6087671.
- B. (2014). Mosby’s Dental Drug Reference, [online] pp.135–201. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-323-16916-5.00002-x
- Nair PA;Badri T (2022). Psoriasis. [online] Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28846344/
- Elhage, K.G., St. Claire, K. and Daveluy, S. (2021). Acetic acid and the skin: a review of vinegar in dermatology. International Journal of Dermatology, [online] 61(7), pp.804–811. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/ijd.15804.
- MB;Yanaki, T. (2013). Successful short-term and long-term treatment of melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation using vitamin C with a full-face iontophoresis mask and a mandelic/malic acid skin care regimen. Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD, [online] 12(1). Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23377327/
- Greive, K., Tran, D., Townley, J. and Barnes, T. (2014). An antiaging skin care system containing alpha hydroxy acids and vitamins improves the biomechanical parameters of facial skin. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, [online] p.9. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/ccid.s75439.
- Luu, L.A., Flowers, R.H., Kellams, A.L., Zeichner, S., Preston, D.C., Zlotoff, B.J. and Wisniewski, J.A. (2019). Apple cider vinegar soaks [0.5%] as a treatment for atopic dermatitis do not improve skin barrier integrity. Pediatric Dermatology, [online] 36(5), pp.634–639. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/pde.13888.
Written by:
Karla Tafra, Nutritionist
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
