Are you interested in natural beauty products? If so, you've probably already heard of apple cidere vinegar - you might even have already tried it!
Whether you're an experienced user or new to the products, one thing's for sure, you're bound to discover some new beauty benefits of apple cider vinegar in our article today.
Let's get beautifying, the natural way!
Is apple cider vinegar good for you?
Apple cider vinegar contains beneficial enzymes, bacteria, pectin and traces of minerals that are all excellent for your hair and skin. It's also antibacterial, which is handy for treating and preventing a variety of skin conditions.
Apple cider vinegar for skin
Now for the part that you've all been waiting for - here's what apple cider vinegar could do for you.
1. Soothing bath soak
If you've been out in the sun all day or have had a mild allergic reaction, run yourself a soothing bath.
Add a large cup of vinegar into your bath (don't add any further bath products or haircare) and immerse yourself in it for 20 minutes. Again, the pH level of apple cider vinegar is very similar to that of the protective layer of our skin, and this soak will help restore an upset balance.
This can also help those with eczema!
2. Skin-brightening toner
Store-bought toners can be extremely expensive, so why not try apple cider vinegar as a natural, cheap, DIY alternative? It's a great option.
Apple cider vinegar contains natural alpha-hydroxy acids and acetic acid which help to stimulate blood flow and minimise the appearance of pores.
To make your own skin-brightening toner, combine one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with two cups of water. Use a cotton wool ball or pad to apply it over your clean, dry face after cleansing. Don't rinse the solution from your face - the smell will soon leave.
3. Aftershave for sensitive skin
It's all in the name - aftershave is designed to tighten pores after shaving. If your skin is too sensitive for aftershave, grab a capful of vinegar and apply it to you face post-shave.
It'll help calm irritated skin and dry to leave your face silky soft. Don't worry, the smell soon disappears too.
4. Soothing sunburn aftercare
Spent a little too much time in the sun?
Here's a beauty secret that everyone should know...
...apple cider vinegar does wonders for sunburn!
Soak an old towel or tea towel in a solution of 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar and four cups of water before gently applying to the sunburnt areas. Leave it on for as long as you can stand (it may sting), and the apple cider vinegar will help balance the skin's pH level and encourage accelerated healing and long-term relief.
5. Deodorise your feet
Phewee - who took their shoes off?
After a long day in the heat, feet can be a hotbed for sweat and bacteria. Sometimes a shower just isn't enough when it comes to particularly bad smelling feet - as soon as you put your shoes on they start stinking again!
With its strong anti-fungal and deodorising properties, apple cider vinegar is an essential addition to an evening foot soak.
Mix 1 cup of vinegar with 4 pints of water in a basin, before soaking your feet in it for 15-20 minutes. Your feet should feel nice and fresh after a rinse with cold water.
6. Face cleanser
Shop bought cleansers are not only costly but sometimes they can do more harm than good for the skin!
If you're struggling with inflamed or irritated skin, natural is best. Most cleansers are alkaline compared to normal skin pH levels, whereas apple cider vinegar can help readdress the balance.
Pour a capful onto cupped palms and use it to gently cleanse your face.
7. Remove skin tags
Skin tags don't require surgery, you can remove them naturally using apple cider vinegar - yes, really!
Watch the video above to learn how.
8. Natural cold sore remedy
Cold sores can be embarrassing and are also easy to spread, so it's important to act fast when one appears.
If you're suffering from a stubborn cold sore, dab it a few times with apple cider vinegar several times a day. Its anti-inflammatory properties will help reduce the amount of swelling, and the anti-bacterial properties will keep the area clean and free from infection.
9. Treat acne
If you've got acne-prone skin and have tried everything under the sun to try and reduce your breakouts, you must try apple cider vinegar before you lose all hope.
With its natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties, it can help fight the bad bacteria that sits under the surface of the skin, and when used as a daily toner or astringent it can help balance the pH levels of the skin, all of which will prevent spots.
Check out Lulu & Sweetpea for details on how to make your own Apple Cider Vinegar acne treatment, and reasons why it's the best skincare product for spotty skin.
10. Reduce cellulite
Apple cider vinegar contains certain minerals that promote circulation, including magnesium, calcium and potassium.
Using it on areas covered in cellulite will improve circulation, oxygen supply and therefore collagen production, helping to diminish the appearance of cellulite over time.
Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 2 parts water and apply to affected areas. Leave for 30 minutes to work its magic before rinsing with water. Repeat daily to see an improvement in your skin's appearance.
11. Natural homemade deodorant
Have you ever bothered to check out the ingredients on your deodorant? Most of them contain parabens and other chemicals which could be harmful.
Did you know that you can use raw, unfiltered, organic apple cider vinegar to keep your armpits smelling fresh? Head over to Primally Inspired for the easy tutorial.
12. Shaving bump remedy
Shaving bumps are unsightly and can be itchy and annoying too.
If your skin feels aggravated after shaving, apply a light layer of honey to your skin and let it sit for 5 minutes. Rinse off and dry your legs thoroughly before applying undiluted apple cider vinegar using a cotton wool ball.
The combination of both the anti-inflammatory ingredients will help soothe irritated skin and soften the area. If you have ingrown hairs, this can also encourage them to grow out.
Before you start shaving, make sure you're clued up on whether you should exfoliate before or after shaving.
13. Bruise healer
Ouch! Has the little one had a nasty fall?
Apple cider vinegar contains anti-inflammatory properties which can help calm damaged skin, plus the acetic acid found in it can help increase circulation to promote healing.
Saturate a cotton wool pad in pure apple cider vinegar and apply it to the bruised skin. Using a piece of old fabric or a bandage, secure it to your skin for at least an hour and you should start to notice a difference.
Use this tip if you need your bruise to heal before a big event - wedding planners are even known to use this beauty hack when brides and grooms have hurt themselves before the big day!
14. Moisturising face treatment
Suffering from dry skin? Apple cider vinegar could help!
Fill your basin up with lukewarm water, add 3 tablespoons of vinegar and mix. Use the water to wash your face and let it air dry. This will help seal in any moisture in the skin to keep it hydrated, especially useful during Winter.
15. Minimise age & beauty spots
It may sound like an old wives' tale, but people across the world have been using onion juice and apple cider vinegar on their age spots.
This beauty hack is so cheap and easy, we'd definitely recommend giving it a go.
Mix equal parts and apply it to your skin using a cotton wool pad. Do this daily for a few weeks and you should start to see a difference in your skin.
16. Remove corns & calluses
Corns and calluses are caused by uneven pressure on the feet. There are many ways to remove hard skin and get soft feet, one of which is using apple cider vinegar.
To make corns and calluses easy to remove, soak a small flannel in vinegar and tape it over the callus or corn overnight. In the morning, remove the flannel and the skin should be much easier to treat.
Apple cider vinegar for hair
Yes, apple cider vinegar can benefit hair too!
17. Get shiny, healthy hair
Do you ever find that your shampoo stops working as well after a few months and you turn to different hair care products or a haircut to solve it? You might be suffering from product build-up which can clog your hair follicles and affect the general health and appearance of your hair.
Apple cider vinegar is widely known to help remove product build-up and is used as a hair rinse around the world.
Mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a large cup of water, and use it to rinse your hair after shampooing. Rinse thoroughly with cold water and apply a light conditioner to the ends. Supermodel Miranda Kerr swears by apple cider vinegar to keep her hair shiny and soft.
18. Dandruff treatment
Apple cider vinegar has natural anti-fungal properties and can help stop dandruff from forming. Plus, its acidity helps balance pH levels and restore the scalp's protective acid mantle layer (the protective layer of the skin) to thwart fungal growth.
The best way to use apple cider vinegar for dandruff is with a hair rinse. Take a large glass and fill it up with half water and half vinegar (you may need a second glass if you have long or really thick hair), then slowly pour it a bit at a time over the head and massage into your scalp. Follow up with your normal hair care routine and repeat weekly as a preventative measure or every other day to tackle a bad case of dandruff.
Apple cider vinegar for teeth
19. Freshen bad breath with mouthwash
If you've been feasting on garlic and other stinky foods, it can be a nightmare trying to get rid of the bad taste (and smell) in your mouth. It may not leave you minty fresh, but a good swirl of apple cider vinegar can instantly destroy any odour-causing bacteria and neutralise any lingering smells.
20. Whiten teeth
Apple cider vinegar isn't only good for breath, but can also help whiten your teeth.
Gargle your mouth with it in the morning before brushing and it should help lift off any surface stains. For a less severe treatment, mix 1 tsp apple cider vinegar with a cup of water.
Now you've discovered all the amazing beauty benefits of apple cider vinegar, you'll never h ave to splash out on expensive products again! Share your favourite use with us in the comments below.
I use it in solution on insect bites it reduces the itch
Apple cider vinegar, when diluted with water, can help reduce itchiness from insect bites due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Dab the affected area with the diluted solution a few times daily for relief, but discontinue use if any adverse reactions occur.