Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBenefitsApplication MethodsDrinking ACVRisks and Side Effects
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Benefits
Application Methods
Drinking ACV
Risks and Side Effects
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) offers various skin benefits when applied directly to the skin (topically). Research suggests that the acetic acid in ACV has antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties.You can use it to support wound healing or to help manage conditions like eczema and acne.
Researchers don’t completely agree on the benefits of ACV for facial or body skin, and in some cases, it can irritate the skin. Still, people commonly use it to help tighten and exfoliate facial skin, treatacneor age spots, and take on infection, dryness, or irritation.
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1. Cleanses and Exfoliates
Commonly, people use ACV to clean and exfoliate the skin or remove dead skin cells. Regularly washing your face with apple cider vinegar solutions can remove debris, dirt, oils, and bacteria, contributing to healthier skin.These solutions can serve as an alternative to harsh soaps or cleansers.
2. Tones Skin
3. Treats Acne
ACV can be a natural remedy for acne on the face orother areasbecause of the acetic acid’s antimicrobial properties. In one study, researchers found solutions with apple cider vinegar disrupted theCutibacterium acnesbiofilm, a layer of collected bacteria on the skin. Disrupting the biofilm can prevent pimple or blackhead formation.
4. Manages Eczema Flares
Eczema(atopic dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes flare-ups of inflamed, scaly, itchy, and irritated patches of skin.Many people use ACV as a home remedy to ease the itchiness, prevent infection, and protect the skin’s natural protective barrier. It also may help with pruritis, which is itchiness due to chronic kidney disease.
However, using ACV for eczema is controversial. A recent study found ACV had little effect on theS. aureusbacterial biofilm seen with eczema.Other research noted that ACV treatments may cause dryness and irritation.
5. Lightens Blemishes
Some people try applying ACV solutions to lighten age spots or blemishes. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar is an ingredient in products used to treatseborrheic keratosis—noncancerous brown or black spots. In one study, most people with seborrheic keratosis saw it resolve with a combination of acetic acid, other organic acids, zinc, and copper salts.However, more research is needed to understand this effect.
6. Helps Heal Infections
Apple cider vinegar’s antimicrobial properties are well-established. Research shows that using ACV solutions on wounds or cuts effectively reduces bacteria and restores the skin’s pH balance, which helps protect it.In addition, it can help the skin absorb antibiotics to treat infection and prevent bacterial biofilm.
7. Soothes Marine Animal Stings
Contact with jellyfish, sea sponges, certain coral, or other marine creatures can cause a painful or stinging toxic reaction in the skin. ACV works to deactivate the venom and is the first line of treatment for this type of injury. Though not effective for all types, it can treat pain and inflammation and prevent the condition from worsening.
Skin Types and ACVKnowing yourskin typeis essential when caring for it. People with normal, oily, or aging skin benefit the most from using ACV. However, those with dry or sensitive skin should proceed with caution, as they’re more likely to experience skin irritation from topical AVC.
Skin Types and ACV
Knowing yourskin typeis essential when caring for it. People with normal, oily, or aging skin benefit the most from using ACV. However, those with dry or sensitive skin should proceed with caution, as they’re more likely to experience skin irritation from topical AVC.
Application Methods and Steps
Cleanser
Soak
Soaking in ACV and water may help preserve the skin’s natural barrier and manage conditions like eczema. Fill a bathtub with water and add three to four cups of apple cider vinegar. Soak for 15 minutes before rinsing with cool water.
Toner
You can incorporate ACV skin toner into your routine to exfoliate and condition the skin. Mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water to prepare the solution. After washing your face thoroughly, use a spray bottle or cotton pad to apply the solution. Afterward, apply lotion to preserve moisture and sunscreen to protect from UV rays.
Blemish and Spot Treatment
Along with deep cleansing, direct applications of ACV may help treat pimples and blemishes as they form. Use a cotton swab or ball to directly apply apple cider vinegar to the affected areas. As part of a broader skin care routine, the antibacterial properties of ACV may help prevent and manage acne.
What to Do About the SmellThe odor of apple cider vinegar may be offputting to some—especially as a form of skincare. Diluting ACV with water can help manage the smell, as can adding a couple of drops of essential oil to the solution to cut the odor. You can try scents such as eucalyptus or peppermint. Be sure to add the essential oil to a carrier rather than apply it directly to your skin, as high concentrations can cause irritation.
What to Do About the Smell
The odor of apple cider vinegar may be offputting to some—especially as a form of skincare. Diluting ACV with water can help manage the smell, as can adding a couple of drops of essential oil to the solution to cut the odor. You can try scents such as eucalyptus or peppermint. Be sure to add the essential oil to a carrier rather than apply it directly to your skin, as high concentrations can cause irritation.
What About ACV Shots or Supplements?
While topical apple cider vinegar can help improve skin health, drinking it can support overall health. Research shows that it can help lower blood glucose, manage cholesterol, and aid in weight loss, among other benefits.
A Word From VerywellApple cider vinegar (ACV) is cheap, accessible, and effective. I find a tablespoon of ACV dissolved in 8-10 oz of water to be superior [for skin health than] pills or gummy supplements.—DEEPTEJ SINGH, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is cheap, accessible, and effective. I find a tablespoon of ACV dissolved in 8-10 oz of water to be superior [for skin health than] pills or gummy supplements.—DEEPTEJ SINGH, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is cheap, accessible, and effective. I find a tablespoon of ACV dissolved in 8-10 oz of water to be superior [for skin health than] pills or gummy supplements.
—DEEPTEJ SINGH, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Potential Reactions and Side Effects
Generally, ACV is well-tolerated when applied to the skin, but it can cause problems, especially if used improperly.
Test Before ApplicationSince using ACV can cause irritation and burn, test how your skin responds before adding it to your skincare routine. Apply ACV to a small skin area first to ensure you don’t have an adverse reaction. If you have a skin condition, talk to a healthcare provider or a dermatologist before making any changes to your skincare routine.
Test Before Application
Since using ACV can cause irritation and burn, test how your skin responds before adding it to your skincare routine. Apply ACV to a small skin area first to ensure you don’t have an adverse reaction. If you have a skin condition, talk to a healthcare provider or a dermatologist before making any changes to your skincare routine.
Summary
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a widely used home remedy and skin care treatment. When applied to the skin, it has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, making it helpful for cleansing and exfoliating. There’s also evidence that it may help manage dry skin, acne, and age spots, among other conditions. ACV is generally safe to use, but it does come with a risk of irritation or worsening skin symptoms, especially for people with sensitive skin or skin conditions.
Should You Try an Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse?
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Elhage KG, St Claire K, Daveluy S.Acetic acid and the skin: a review of vinegar in dermatology.Int J Dermatol. 2022;61(7):804-811. doi:10.1111/ijd.15804Luu LA, Flowers RH, Gao Y, et al.Apple cider vinegar soaks do not alter the skin bacterial microbiome in atopic dermatitis.PLoS One. 2021;16(6):e0252272. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0252272Gaurav V, Bhoi AK, Mehta N.Home remedies in dermatology.Indian Dermatol Online J. 2023;14(6):864-870. doi:10.4103/idoj.idoj_166_23National Institute of Arthritis and Muscoloskeletal and Skin Diseases.Atopic dermatitis.Oliveira R, Ferreira J, Azevedo LF, Almeida IF.An overview of methods to characterize skin type: focus on visual rating scales and self-report instruments.Cosmetics. 2023;10(1):14. doi:10.3390/cosmetics10010014Novosel T, Rundle CW, Yu JD, Jacob SE.Art of prevention: the importance of bath time and avoiding extended exposure to irritating and allergenic chemicals.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2019;5(3):152-154. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2019.02.004Rodan K, Fields K, Majewski G, Falla T.Skincare bootcamp: the evolving role of skincare.Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2016;4e1152. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000001152Johns Hopkins Medicine.Aromatherapy: do essential oils really work?Hadi A, Pourmasoumi M, Najafgholizadeh A, et al.The effect of apple cider vinegar on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.BMC Complement Med Ther.2021;21(179). doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03351-wAbou-Khalil R, Andary J, El-Hayek E.Apple cider vinegar for weight management in Lebanese adolescents and young adults with overweight and obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.BMJNPH. 2024;7(1):61-67. doi:10.1136/bmjnph-2023-000823
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Elhage KG, St Claire K, Daveluy S.Acetic acid and the skin: a review of vinegar in dermatology.Int J Dermatol. 2022;61(7):804-811. doi:10.1111/ijd.15804Luu LA, Flowers RH, Gao Y, et al.Apple cider vinegar soaks do not alter the skin bacterial microbiome in atopic dermatitis.PLoS One. 2021;16(6):e0252272. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0252272Gaurav V, Bhoi AK, Mehta N.Home remedies in dermatology.Indian Dermatol Online J. 2023;14(6):864-870. doi:10.4103/idoj.idoj_166_23National Institute of Arthritis and Muscoloskeletal and Skin Diseases.Atopic dermatitis.Oliveira R, Ferreira J, Azevedo LF, Almeida IF.An overview of methods to characterize skin type: focus on visual rating scales and self-report instruments.Cosmetics. 2023;10(1):14. doi:10.3390/cosmetics10010014Novosel T, Rundle CW, Yu JD, Jacob SE.Art of prevention: the importance of bath time and avoiding extended exposure to irritating and allergenic chemicals.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2019;5(3):152-154. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2019.02.004Rodan K, Fields K, Majewski G, Falla T.Skincare bootcamp: the evolving role of skincare.Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2016;4e1152. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000001152Johns Hopkins Medicine.Aromatherapy: do essential oils really work?Hadi A, Pourmasoumi M, Najafgholizadeh A, et al.The effect of apple cider vinegar on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.BMC Complement Med Ther.2021;21(179). doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03351-wAbou-Khalil R, Andary J, El-Hayek E.Apple cider vinegar for weight management in Lebanese adolescents and young adults with overweight and obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.BMJNPH. 2024;7(1):61-67. doi:10.1136/bmjnph-2023-000823
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Elhage KG, St Claire K, Daveluy S.Acetic acid and the skin: a review of vinegar in dermatology.Int J Dermatol. 2022;61(7):804-811. doi:10.1111/ijd.15804Luu LA, Flowers RH, Gao Y, et al.Apple cider vinegar soaks do not alter the skin bacterial microbiome in atopic dermatitis.PLoS One. 2021;16(6):e0252272. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0252272Gaurav V, Bhoi AK, Mehta N.Home remedies in dermatology.Indian Dermatol Online J. 2023;14(6):864-870. doi:10.4103/idoj.idoj_166_23National Institute of Arthritis and Muscoloskeletal and Skin Diseases.Atopic dermatitis.Oliveira R, Ferreira J, Azevedo LF, Almeida IF.An overview of methods to characterize skin type: focus on visual rating scales and self-report instruments.Cosmetics. 2023;10(1):14. doi:10.3390/cosmetics10010014Novosel T, Rundle CW, Yu JD, Jacob SE.Art of prevention: the importance of bath time and avoiding extended exposure to irritating and allergenic chemicals.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2019;5(3):152-154. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2019.02.004Rodan K, Fields K, Majewski G, Falla T.Skincare bootcamp: the evolving role of skincare.Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2016;4e1152. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000001152Johns Hopkins Medicine.Aromatherapy: do essential oils really work?Hadi A, Pourmasoumi M, Najafgholizadeh A, et al.The effect of apple cider vinegar on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.BMC Complement Med Ther.2021;21(179). doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03351-wAbou-Khalil R, Andary J, El-Hayek E.Apple cider vinegar for weight management in Lebanese adolescents and young adults with overweight and obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.BMJNPH. 2024;7(1):61-67. doi:10.1136/bmjnph-2023-000823
Elhage KG, St Claire K, Daveluy S.Acetic acid and the skin: a review of vinegar in dermatology.Int J Dermatol. 2022;61(7):804-811. doi:10.1111/ijd.15804
Luu LA, Flowers RH, Gao Y, et al.Apple cider vinegar soaks do not alter the skin bacterial microbiome in atopic dermatitis.PLoS One. 2021;16(6):e0252272. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0252272
Gaurav V, Bhoi AK, Mehta N.Home remedies in dermatology.Indian Dermatol Online J. 2023;14(6):864-870. doi:10.4103/idoj.idoj_166_23
National Institute of Arthritis and Muscoloskeletal and Skin Diseases.Atopic dermatitis.
Oliveira R, Ferreira J, Azevedo LF, Almeida IF.An overview of methods to characterize skin type: focus on visual rating scales and self-report instruments.Cosmetics. 2023;10(1):14. doi:10.3390/cosmetics10010014
Novosel T, Rundle CW, Yu JD, Jacob SE.Art of prevention: the importance of bath time and avoiding extended exposure to irritating and allergenic chemicals.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2019;5(3):152-154. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2019.02.004
Rodan K, Fields K, Majewski G, Falla T.Skincare bootcamp: the evolving role of skincare.Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2016;4e1152. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000001152
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Aromatherapy: do essential oils really work?
Hadi A, Pourmasoumi M, Najafgholizadeh A, et al.The effect of apple cider vinegar on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.BMC Complement Med Ther.2021;21(179). doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03351-w
Abou-Khalil R, Andary J, El-Hayek E.Apple cider vinegar for weight management in Lebanese adolescents and young adults with overweight and obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.BMJNPH. 2024;7(1):61-67. doi:10.1136/bmjnph-2023-000823
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