Apple Cider Vinegar’s Beauty Benefits
Apple cider vinegar, in its raw and unrefined form, is well-known for its ability to treat myriad health problems, ranging from lowering cholesterol, reducing hypertension, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and aiding in weight loss. In addition to its health benefits, apple cider vinegar (ACV) can also do wonders for your skin, hair, and nails. In fact, this inexpensive product is quite the beauty powerhouse!
Apple cider vinegar is great for skin, hair, and nails. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Your skin is protected by its acid mantle, which maintains a ph of 5.5. Harsh shampoos, overly alkaline skin care products, stress and environmental toxins can easily disrupt this delicate protective layer. ACV can help restore the acid mantle and nourish the skin with its high vitamin and mineral content. It also has antiseptic properties — it combats bacteria and viruses that wreak havoc on the skin — that can treat acne and rosacea. Taken internally, raw apple cider vinegar can improve digestion and promote cellular cleansing, thereby clearing away congestion and skin eruptions from within.
Use only unpasteurized, unfiltered ACV for best results. (Photo: Bragg)
ACV fights hair loss and improves overall hair health. Its mild acidity and high enzyme content gently decongest the scalp and destroy bacteria that can cause itching and flaking. By unclogging hair follicles, ACV prevents hair loss and promotes healthy growth. ACV also boosts blood circulation to the hair follicles, which stimulates hair growth. Used as a post-shampoo rinse, ACV smooths the hair cuticle to impart shine and battle brittleness — say hello to healthy, glossy locks!
ACV can come to your rescue if you’re plagued with yellowing teeth and/or nails. It’s a great stain remover, and its exfoliating properties are excellent for lightening age spots and dark acne scars.
Try the following DIY recipes to address various beauty concerns:
Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
Ingredients:
1 part apple cider vinegar
1 part water
Directions:
This rinse will restore your hair’s shine by closing the cuticles on the hair shaft. After shampooing, pour the mixture into your hair and massage it into your scalp. Let the apple cider vinegar concoction sit for a few minutes before rinsing fully with water. No need to use conditioner — the apple cider vinegar will leave hair feeling smooth, soft and super glossy.
Apple Cider Vinegar Facial Toner
Try ACV for healthy, glossy hair. (Photo: Stockdisc)
Ingredients:
1 part apple cider vinegar
2 parts water
Directions:
The malic acid and enzymes in the ACV will leave your skin purified and refreshed. When lightly sprayed or dabbed on the face, the acidity of the vinegar will create a light layer on the skin, locking in moisture and restoring the skin’s acid mantle. It works best when used just after cleansing. The vinegar smell will dissipate after a few minutes. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to dilute the solution further, and stop using if you notice any redness or irritation.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey Masque
Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons raw, organic honey
1 Tablespoon ACV
Directions:
This masque moisturizes and gently exfoliates — it’s perfect for reviving dull skin. Combine the ingredients and apply to face and neck; leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water, followed by a cold rinse. For noticeable skin brightening, use the masque three times a week.
For nails
Make your nail polish last longer by soaking fingertips for 1 minute in 2 teaspoons vinegar and 1/2 cup warm water before applying the polish. Let your nails dry thoroughly before applying polish. You can also apply this to bare nails as an overnight treatment to whiten yellowing nails.
For Hands
Mix equal parts and ACV and hand cream to soothe chapped hands. You can also dab a mixture of equal parts ACV and water onto age spots to help fade them.
A native Washingtonian, Beauty Blogger Lia Phipps is an interior designer with an irrepressible, life-long fascination with health and beauty. When she is not selecting fabrics and paint colors for clients, she occupies herself with trying new products and dispensing beauty advice to friends, acquaintances and anyone who is willing to listen to “Tips from Phipps”.
