Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with excess sebum (oil), dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria. This blockage leads to breakouts in the form of pimples or blemishes.
The most commonly affected areas include the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Several factors can trigger or worsen acne, such as hormonal fluctuations, poor dietary habits, and inadequate skin care routines.
Instead of immediately turning to harsh chemical treatments or expensive cosmetic procedures, you may want to explore natural solutions first. Among these, apple cider vinegar (ACV) stands out as one of the most effective home remedies for treating acne and minimizing scars.
Why Apple Cider Vinegar Helps Fight Acne
Apple cider vinegar contains a unique combination of compounds that make it a powerful natural treatment for acne. Here’s how it works:
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Antibacterial and antimicrobial action: Malic acid in ACV helps eliminate bacteria and unclog pores, reducing the chance of new breakouts.
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Rich in antioxidants: Its alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-carotene fight free radicals, rejuvenate skin cells, and promote faster healing.
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Natural detoxifier: ACV helps flush out impurities and toxins that may contribute to skin problems.
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Anti-inflammatory properties: It soothes redness, swelling, irritation, and pain caused by inflamed pimples.
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Supports skin repair: Packed with essential nutrients, ACV aids the skin’s healing process and helps fade acne scars.
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Balances skin’s pH: It regulates sebum production, preventing skin from becoming overly oily or dry.
Acts as a natural astringent: ACV tightens pores, controls excess oil, and makes the skin less hospitable to acne-causing bacteria.
How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne
Apple cider vinegar can be applied in various ways to target acne and improve skin health. Whether used as a toner, spot treatment, or mask ingredient, it can help clear up blemishes and prevent future breakouts.
In the following methods, you’ll discover simple yet effective ways to incorporate ACV into your skincare routine for healthier, clearer skin.
Method – 1: (Apple Cider Vinegar with Water – External Application)
- Cleanse your face with mild soap and warm water.
- Pat dry and mix 1 part of ACV to 3 parts of water.
- Stir well and soak a cotton ball in this mix.
- Dab it directly on the acne blemishes and let it sit for 30 minutes to overnight.
- After that, rinse your face thoroughly with water.
- Dry it and apply some moisturizer to dryness caused by the use of ACV.
- Repeat it regularly to get relief from acne and its scars.
Note:
- If you’re having oily skin, then mix 1:1 ratio of ACV and water mix on skin. Leave it for overnight to get rid of acne.
- Or mix apple cider vinegar with aloe vera gel or coconut oil or witch hazel or onion juice and apply it on the acne affected areas to get rid of the problem.
Method – 2: (Apple Cider Vinegar – Internal Intake)
- Drinking apple cider vinegar will help to remove the impurities and other toxins in the bloodstream. This helps a lot in curing acne from inside.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon of honey in 1 glass of water (prefer lukewarm water).
- Stir well and drink it once daily to get relief from the acne.
Note:
- Or mix a juice of 1 fresh lemon, 1 teaspoon of raw honey and 2 tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar in 12 oz of water and drink it throughout the day on daily basis.
- Or else mix apple cider vinegar in your favorite juices or green tea and drink it.
- Also, remember to rinse your mouth with water after drinking ACV to prevent the damage of tooth enamel.
Method – 3: (Apple Cider Vinegar with Baking Soda)
- Baking soda exfoliates the skin to remove the impurities on the skin and vinegar prevents the microbial action on the skin. So, this combination unclogs the skin pores and prevents acne effectively.
- Mix 2 tablespoons each of raw ACV and baking soda in a bowl.
- Apply this paste on the face and neck as a mask.
- Let it sit for 10 – 15 minutes and rinse off with cool water.
- Pat dry and apply moisturizer (as both these ingredients are drying agents) on the skin.
- Continue this mask for once or twice a week to get rid of acne.
Method – 4: (Apple Cider Vinegar for Cystic Acne)
- When the acne gets deeply infected then it forms cysts (fluids filled with bacteria, dead cells and white blood cells) and it is called as cystic acne.
- Apple cider vinegar has astringent and antimicrobial properties along with balancing the skin’s pH levels to remove excess oil, dead cells and bacteria to prevent cystic acne.
- Apply ACV directly on the cysts by using a cotton ball or Q-tip at night before bedtime.
- Leave it on for overnight and rinse with water in the next morning.
- Repeat it regularly till you get relief from cystic acne.
Note: If you’ve sensitive skin then mix ACV with little of water and apply it on acne cysts.
Method – 5: (Apple Cider Vinegar for Scalp Acne)
- Scalp acne is the result of clogged hair follicles. ACV disinfects the skin, clears scalp and balances its pH level to get rid of scalp acne.
- Apple cider vinegar acts as a natural detangler that cleanses your hair and makes it look shiny and smooth.
- Wash your hair and apply shampoo and conditioner.
- Then mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water.
- Use this mix to give a final rinse to your hair.
- Let your hair air dry and repeat it once or twice a week for 3 – 4 weeks.
Tips and Precautions:
- Always use organic, raw, unfiltered and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar with the Mother content to treat all your health, skin and hair problems, including acne.
- For treating bacne, mix 1 part of ACV with 2 parts of water and pour into an empty spray bottle. Spray it on the bacne affected areas and rinse off after 20 minutes.
- Use apple cider vinegar as a toner by pour a little on a cotton pad and apply it on the skin after cleansing. Wait till it dries and then apply lotions or creams which you use regularly.
- Never apply ACV on the open wounds or sensitive places of the skin or too near to the eyes, as it causes a stinging sensation.
- Do a skin patch test before using ACV for acne to know whether it causing any allergic reaction or safe to apply on skin.
- Consume a healthy diet by including fresh fruits and vegetables, reduce the processed or oily or fast foods, drink plenty of water, etc. should be included in your diet.
- Exercise regularly and do yoga to prevent your stress, which results in more acne breakouts.
- Apply sunscreen while going outside to prevent skin’s sensitivity to sun rays.
- Consult your doctor if you don’t find any relief or causing more acne breakouts, for proper diagnose and treatment as per your health condition.
Hope you’ll give a trial to these apple cider vinegar methods for curing your acne. Do you have any queries or know any methods not mentioned here? Then share it with us in the below comments section.
