Is it safe to use apple cider vinegar on your face?

Apple cider vinegar is one of the most popular ingredients for DIY face washers, toners, and acne spots. As vinegar contains lots of antibacterial acids like acetic acid, keratolytic properties, and malic acid, it works as a gentle chemical exfoliant. It also has a natural pH level that helps balance the outer skin layer. But have you regularly applied apple cider vinegar on the face? Read further to know the benefits and side effects. Read this blog to know why people are using apple cider vinegar for face.

What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is an apple juice that has been fermented several times. For ACV, apples are crushed and mixed with yeast or with another carbohydrate in the first round. After hours, the natural bacteria will ferment the juice, and convert the alcohol into acetic acid. You can either use the raw unfiltered form or use pasteurized ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar).

If you’re familiar with the world of natural skincare, here are some of the benefits of using apple cider vinegar on the face. 

Benefits of Using Apple Cider Vinegar as a Face Wash

• It works as a great cleanser by removing dirt, oil, and impurities
• It helps maintain pH levels and improves skin complexion
• The antibacterial properties of ACV help control acne

Benefits of Using Apple Cider Vinegar as a Toner

• ACV helps in tightening the pores and minimizes the appearance of sebums.
• It helps balance the skin’s natural oil and reduces the excess oiliness on the face.
• It gives you a refreshing sensation and leaves the skin feeling revitalized.

Benefits of Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Skincare Routine

• ACV helps in fading dark spots and hyperpigmentation for a more even skin tone.
• It helps in soothing irritation and inflammation on your skin, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
• It can be used to treat conditions like eczema and psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
• It promotes skin cell turnover, resulting in brighter and more radiant skin.
• ACV acts as a natural exfoliant, it removes dead skin cells and promotes youthful-good looking skin.
• ACV can be used as a spot treatment for acne and helps in reducing redness and inflammation.
• It enhances your overall skin health by providing antioxidants and nutrients.

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for face

1.Balancing Skin’s pH Level

The most important benefit of ACV is its power to balance and restore your skin’s pH. It may keep your skin functioning optimally, ensuring it produces the right amount of oil and effectively deals with acne-causing bacteria.

2.Antibacterial Properties

ACV has strong antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Studies indicate that apple cider vinegar is effective at killing bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, which are responsible for staph infections. 

3.Exfoliation

Exfoliation is an important skin care process that removes all your old, dead skin cells. ACV contains a handful of fruit acids and malic acid, which are commonly similar to alpha-hydroxy acid. It works well on acne-prone skin as it gently exfoliates the unclogged pores and eliminates bacteria. 

4.Toning

ACV is used as a toner as it helps in tightening the pores and gives you a refreshing sensation. It protects your skin from excessive sebum production. 

5.Reduction of Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation

Apple cider vinegar can reduce the appearance of dark spots as well as remove hyperpigmentation. ACV contains malic acid, which decreases melanin production in your skin and helps lighten the spots and melasma. 

6.Oil Control

ACV helps in soothing sensitive and greasy skin and controls excess oil production. It also fights against the skin damage caused by exposure to pollutants and free radicals that harm your skin. 

7.Skin Brightening

ACV has properties that brighten your skin complexion. It reduces redness and blemishes to enhance the appearance.

8.Antioxidant Protection

Using ACV on your face will help keep your skin soft, smooth, and healthy as it protects your skin from harmful pollutants and chemicals.   

Side Effects of Using ACV

ACV might lead to problems when applied directly to the skin, as it can cause chemical burns for some individuals. The acidity of vinegar means that applying ACV directly to your skin can cause burns and irritations, especially if the vinegar is undiluted. Studies suggest that apple cider vinegar should not be used on pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as young children. A report describes a case in which a teenager sustained chemical burns all around the nose after applying ACV to remove moles. Therefore, it should only be taken under the supervision and advice of a doctor. 

While some evidence suggests that ACV on the face may offer several skincare benefits, more research is needed to verify and understand these findings. We hope this blog helps you understand all about ACV.