Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good For Acne? Are There Any Benefits?

There hasn’t been enough research to prove that ACV helps in treating acne. But the good news is, we have gathered some evidence that shows it might be useful in combating the bacteria that causes acne. Vinegar is extremely effective in killing many strains of bacteria. Although there aren’t many studies to show that apple cider vinegar can kill the strain of bacteria that causes acne, the organic compounds found in the vinegar are found to possess certain properties. Let’s take a look: 

1. It May Kill The Acne-Causing Bacteria

Two separate studies published in Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology and the International Journal of Cosmetic Science claim that acetic acid, lactic acid, citric, and succinic acids can kill Propionibacterium acnes or P. acnes, the bacteria that cause acne (2), (3). Apple cider vinegar contains all these acids (4). 

2. It May Help Reduce Acne

The lactic acid present in ACV may help reduce acne. A study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology found that people who applied a lotion containing lactic acid on their faces experienced a reduction in acne (5).

3. It May Reduce The Possibility of Scars

Apple cider vinegar may help in reducing the scars left behind once the acne is healed. Many organic compounds help in this process. Applying acid directly on your face involves a process called chemical peeling. When done with succinic acid, chemical peeling suppresses inflammation caused by acne (6). Lactic acid improves the skin condition of people who have acne (7), (8). Since apple cider vinegar contains all these acids, it may help in reducing the risk of developing a scar once the acne is healed. However, before using apple cider vinegar on your skin, you need to take care of a few things.

Things To Consider Before Using Apple Cider Vinegar

Since apple cider vinegar is acidic, applying it directly to your skin may cause a burning sensation. Also, if you have sensitive skin and/or open wounds, avoid using it on your skin. Keep these following things in mind when using ACV: Now, let’s take a detailed look at the ways you can use apple cider vinegar on your face for treating acne.

How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Acne

You can use ACV in two ways: (i) Apply it topically (mix it in your face pack or dilute it with water and apply it to your skin directly). (ii) Add a teaspoon of it to your morning drink. Mentioned below are all the possible ways you can include apple cider vinegar in your day-to-day- beauty and healthy routine for reducing acne. 

How To Apply Apple Cider Vinegar For Acne

While using ACV, always remember to dilute it. You can mix three parts of distilled water with one part of the ACV and then use it. If you have sensitive skin, you may increase the quantity of water. For all the recipes mentioned below, use diluted ACV. 

1. Apple Cider Vinegar Toner For Acne

Ingredients

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (organic, with the mother) 2 cups water 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel

Preparation How To Apply Spray the toner all over your face and neck generously. How It Works Aloe vera can help prevent acne. It also promotes collagen and elastin formation and improves skin quality and health (9). Precaution When spraying, close your eyes so that the toner doesn’t get into them. Also, do not apply it to dry and broken skin. 

2. Apple Cider Vinegar And Baking Soda

Ingredients

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (organic) 3 tablespoons baking soda

Preparation Mix the baking soda with apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. How To Apply How It Works Baking soda may help in drying the acne and reduce inflammation. Precaution Baking soda doesn’t suit all skin types. If you have sensitive skin, do a patch test. Stop using it in case you experience itching and skin inflammation. 

3. Apple Cider Vinegar Scrub

Ingredients

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon honey 1 teaspoon green tea 5 teaspoons sugar (don’t use fine sugar) ½ cup water

Preparation How To Apply How It Works The vitamins, amino acids, and enzymes give honey anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may help to keep your skin healthy and prevent acne (10). 

4. Apple Cider Vinegar Overnight Pimple Treatment

Ingredients

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1 cup filtered water

Preparation Mix the vinegar in water and store it in a jar or spray bottle. How To Apply How It Works The acids in apple cider vinegar dry the pimple out and kill the bacteria causing it. It also helps in restoring the pH balance of your skin.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar Facial Steam

Ingredients

2 cups water 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 2-3 drops of any essential oil

Preparation How To Apply Bend over the bowl and cover your head with a towel. How It Works The steam helps open up the pores and clears them of excess oil and dirt.  Precaution Keep your eyes closed while steaming your face. Do not bring your face too close to the bowl/water.

How To Drink Apple Cider Vinegar For Acne

There is no evidence to prove that drinking ACV can speed up acne healing, but it has other health benefits. It may help reduce body weight and assist in reducing obesity-related diabetes, hypertension, and other issues (1). Usually, 1-2 tablespoons of ACV mixed in water or any other drinks should be fine. However, it is always better to consult a doctor for the daily dosage. Some people may experience side effects (acid reflux and nausea) after drinking ACV. Visit the doctor immediately if you experience any side effects. Here are a few recipes:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar And Lemon Drink

Ingredients

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 cup water ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder A pinch of cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon honey

Method

2. Apple Cider Vinegar And Fuji Apple Smoothie

Ingredients

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 cup peeled and sliced Fuji apples ¼ cup water 2 tablespoons avocado ¼ cup ice

Method Blend all the ingredients. Serve chilled.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar And Green Tea Detox Drink

Ingredients

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 cup green tea 1 teaspoon honey Ice (optional)

Method

4. Apple Cider Vinegar And Cinnamon Drink

Ingredients

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 2 cinnamon sticks 1 ½ cups water 4 cloves 2 tablespoons honey Lemon slice (for garnishing)

Method

5. Apple Cider Vinegar And Mixed Berries Drink

Ingredients

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1 cup frozen mixed berries 1 banana 1 cup almond milk A pinch of salt

Method These are the tips and tricks to use apple cider vinegar for treating acne. But how do you know if the ACV you have is the right one? Scroll down to find out.

How To Choose The Best Apple Cider Vinegar For Acne

What exactly is the “mother”? The mother is the sediment that you see floating or settled in the bottom of the bottle of the apple cider vinegar. It contains healthy bacteria that detoxify your system and make your skin glow. Does ACV have an expiry date? Yes, it has. You can see it mentioned in the bottle. After that date, the quality of the vinegar deteriorates, and it may not be as powerful as it was earlier. Can ACV burn the skin? ACV is highly acidic, and it can burn your skin and cause irritation if you apply it directly. Always dilute ACV before using it. Also, never consume raw apple cider vinegar. How long does it take for apple cider vinegar to work on acne? It may take 6 weeks to show results. If you do not see any result after 6 weeks, consult your doctor and change your treatment method. How to store apple cider vinegar? Away from sunlight, in a cool and dry place. How long should I leave apple cider vinegar on my face? This depends on your skin type. Individuals with normal skin can leave it for between 15 to 20 minutes. Those with sensitive skin should not leave it for more than five minutes as it might irritate their skin.