17 Surprising Ways To Use Vinegar For Your Skin

Why Use Vinegar For Your Skin?

Vinegar is a common kitchen condiment that is made by combining acetic acid, water, and trace compounds, and may sometimes include flavoring agents. Vinegar (both white and apple cider vinegar) helps in restoring the pH balance of your skin. This, in turn, helps treat itchy and dry skin, acne, and flaky skin. Compared to the commercially available soaps and face washes that are loaded with chemicals and preservatives, vinegar is a natural and safer way to rejuvenate your skin and make it glow. Caution: Never use apple cider vinegar or any other vinegar in the undiluted form as it might burn your skin. Let us now look at the benefits of using vinegar for your skin.

Benefits Of Vinegar For The Skin

1. Lightens And Prevents Blemishes, Acne, And Pimples

Vinegar has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which help in eliminating bacteria from your skin, thus keeping acne and blemishes at bay (1), (2), (3), (4).

Apple cider vinegar contains hydroxy acids that slough off the dead skin cells, thus lightening age-related spots.

3. Helps Maintain The pH Of Your Skin

Vinegar has a pH-balancing effect on your skin and helps prevent it from becoming excessive oily or dry (5). It unclogs your pores and works as a good skin cleanser.

4. Minimizes Wrinkles

Applying diluted vinegar regularly helps delay the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on your skin.

5. Removes All Toxins From Your Face

Regular use of vinegar draws out all toxins from your skin, leaving it radiant and youthful.

6. Soothes Sunburns

Vinegar has antiseptic properties and helps relieve pain. Simply dab some vinegar on your sunburn and watch it heal.

7. May Heal Skin Infections

Vinegar is rich in antioxidant and antimicrobial properties (1). This makes it a useful ingredient in treating bacterial and fungal infections. It has also been proven to aid in soothing pruritus (severe itching), stretch marks, and head lice removal.

8. May Help Remove Skin Tags

Anecdotal evidence suggests using apple cider vinegar for skin tag may work wonders. Applying vinegar or ACV to the skin tags regularly for extended periods may make them gradually fall off by themselves. However, there are no scientific studies to back the claim or vouch for the safety of the process.

9. May Help Treat Fungal Infections

Vinegar, particularly apple cider vinegar, is known for its antifungal properties due to its high acetic acid content (2). This acidic environment helps inhibit the growth of fungi. It is a popular natural remedy for treating fungal infections like athlete’s foot, nail fungus, and yeast infections. A blogger shared their experience of using vinegar to remove skin tags. They soaked a small piece of cotton pad in vinegar and secured it with a band-aid on the skin tag overnight. They said, “Skin tag turned black and fell off in about 3-5 days with no bleeding and no scarring (i)”. These were the magical uses of this simple ingredient. But how can you use vinegar to achieve glowing skin? Scroll down to find out.

How To Use Vinegar On Your Skin

1. As A Facial Toner

1 tablespoon of vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar) 2 cups of water 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel (optional)

1-2 minutes Do this it 2-3 times a day or every time you wash your face. Vinegar has astringenti The chemical property of a substance to shrink soft organic body tissues and skin cells that dry up secretions.
has astringenti properties, and it also contains hydroxy and acetic acids. As a result, it works as an excellent skin toner to minimize the appearance of pores and promote circulation.

2. To Heal Sunburns

Apple cider or white vinegar Water

1-2 minutes Do this 2-3 times a day. Vinegar has antiseptic properties and is a good sunburn remedy. It also restores the pH balance of your skin, promotes cell regeneration and healing, and prevents blistering.

3. As A Treatment For Acne And Blemishes

2 tablespoons of vinegar 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel Water

1-2 minutes Spray every 1-2 hours throughout the day. The acidity of the vinegar dries out the acne and pimples, and its antibacterial properties eliminate the pimple-causing bacteria (6).

4. To Heal Razor Bumps

Diluted apple cider vinegar 1 minute Twice a day or until the razor bumps disappear. Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties, which help in soothing irritated skin (7). The acetic acid in it softens the skin, thus facilitating easy removal of ingrown hair.

5. As An Antiseptic For Itchy Skin

Diluted apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar) 1 minute Until the rash heals. Bug bites, poison ivy, and rashes – anything can cause itchy skin. Apple cider vinegar exhibits excellent antiseptic and antifungal properties that kill the infection-causing fungi and heal the affected area (8). Note: Use raw and organic apple cider vinegar for best results.

6. For Eliminating Body Odor

A bucket of water 1/2 cup of white or apple cider vinegar

2-3 minutes Pour the cup of vinegar into a bucket of water and use it for bathing. Twice a day. Sweating and bacteria often result in body odor. Vinegar has antifungal and antibacterial properties that help in fighting these odor-causing bacteria.

7. As A Facial And Hand Scrub

1 tablespoon of white vinegar 2 tablespoons of coarsely grounded rice

2- 3 minutes Once or twice a week. Vinegar is excellent for skin exfoliation. It eliminates dead skin cells and helps rejuvenate your skin. This scrub makes your skin glowing and smooth without causing any irritation.

8. For Managing Dandruff

2 tablespoons of warm water 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar

1-2 minutes Twice or thrice a week or as long as the problem persists. Vinegar is known for its antifungal properties that help in destroying the dandruff-causing fungus (9). If you do not have vinegar, you may also try using apple cider vinegar for dandruff removal. Anecdotal evidence suggests it’s an excellent DIY solution.

9. To Eliminate Foot Odor

1 cup of apple cider vinegar Baby wipes or paper towels

1 day Do this every day. The acids in apple cider vinegar alter the pH of the skin on your feet and prevent bacterial growth (10). These wipes can also be used as deodorizers for your underarms. Note: Some of you may find the smell of apple cider vinegar disgusting, but don’t worry, the smell doesn’t linger for long.

10. To Reduce Oiliness

2 cups of water 1 cup of vinegar Cotton pads Spray bottle

1-2 minutes Twice or thrice a day. The acidic and astringenti The chemical property of a substance to shrink soft organic body tissues and skin cells that dry up secretions. properties of the vinegar help absorb excess oil, making your skin smooth. Quick Tip: Leave it on overnight to watch your age spots vanish.

11. To Heal Cracked Heels

1 cup of white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) 2 cups of water 1 cup of curd Pumice stone

25-30 minutes There are two ways you can treat your cracked heels: Repeat this process twice daily until the heels heal. Follow it up with a good moisturizer. The antibacterial and moisturizing properties of curd work in tandem with the vinegar to remove the dead skin cells and fill the cracks.

12. To Detoxify Your Skin

1 teaspoon of vinegar Bentonite clay (you may use Fuller’s Earth or any other clay)

2 minutes Twice a week. The vinegar exfoliates your skin and balances its pH, while the clay extracts all the impurities from the pores.

13. To Clear Skin Pigmentation

1 teaspoon of white vinegar 1 teaspoon of onion juice 2-3 teaspoons of rosewater

2 minutes Once a week. Rosewater has anti-inflammatory properties and absorbs excess oil from the skin. Vinegar has astringenti The chemical property of a substance to shrink soft organic body tissues and skin cells that dry up secretions. properties and works best as a hyperpigmentation treatment to reduce dark spots and patches (11).

14. To Remove Blackheads

2 ripe strawberries 1 teaspoon of white vinegar (diluted)

2 minutes Once a week. Strawberry contains folic acidi A form of vitamin B9 that helps develop new healthy cells in the body and prevents deficiency and pregnancy-related complications. and vitamin C that help in cell regeneration, remove harmful toxins, and aid collageni A protein in connective tissues, tendons, and the skin that promotes skin elasticity and prevents wrinkling. synthesis. Vinegar absorbs excess oil and cleans the pores, thus helping in getting rid of blackheads.

15. To Treat Dry And Flaky Skin

1 teaspoon of white vinegar 2 teaspoons of olive oil

1 minute Once a day. Olive oil moisturizes and rejuvenates your skin, and vinegar helps in restoring the natural acidity of your skin.

16. To Treat Skin Warts

1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar 2 teaspoons of water

1-2 minutes Daily (until the wart falls off). The acetic acid in the vinegar kills bacteria and viruses causing the wart, making the wart fall off in a few days (12).

17. To Treat Ringworm Effectively

Apple cider vinegar (dilute it a bit) Cotton pads

1 minute Repeat this 3 times every day. Apple cider vinegar has strong antifungal properties that help in curing ringworm when applied topically. Vinegar works wonders for your skin but only if you use it carefully. You need to keep a few things in mind before including it in your daily skin care regimen. They are as discussed below.

A Few Tips To Consider

Don’t forget to dilute the vinegar (unless advised otherwise by any skincare specialist) as it might cause a burning sensation. Always do a patch test before applying vinegar. Sprinkle a few drops on your arm and wait for a few minutes to ensure there isn’t any skin irritation. Avoid consuming it orally if you have diabetes, peptic ulceri A sore on the lining of the small intestine, esophagus, and stomach caused by damages from stomach acids in the digestive tract. , or heartburn. The acidic nature of vinegar might worsen the problem. If you are pregnant or nursing, consult a doctor before using vinegar. Avoid using strong perfumes or soaps while using vinegar as they might further irritate your skin. Although apple cider vinegar is touted as the best treatment to get rid of dandruff. You may use apple cider vinegar hair rinse, as it may help soothe the scalp and enhance shine. However, avoid using it excessively as it can make your hair brittle. If you have any skin ailment and are using any prescribed medication, consult the doctor before using vinegar along with the medicine. The acidic nature of the vinegar often reacts with the chemicals in the skin ointments and medicines. Always use organic vinegar for best results.

Can vinegar help with eczema? Vinegar may help soothe eczema by balancing skin pH and reducing bacteria, but it should be used with caution to avoid irritation. Does vinegar remove dark pigmentation? Dr. Natalie Carlton, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist, says, “From studies, the acetic acid present in apple cider vinegar may brighten pigmentation. Here’s how to use it: In a container, mix water and apple cider vinegar in equivalence. Apply to your dark areas, then wait two to three minutes before washing it off.” What are the risks of using apple cider vinegar? Dr. Carlton says, “Apple cider vinegar can irritate, dry out, and harm the skin. Never use it without first diluting it with water. However, diluting the vinegar does not make it safe; it still has the potential to be harmful. A dermatologist should be consulted before applying ACV to the skin.” How can I incorporate vinegar into my skin care routine? Dr. Carlton advises, “Apple cider vinegar works well as a face cleanser to remove dirt and bacteria from the skin. Mix the following ingredients to make a homemade apple cider vinegar face wash: a cup of hot water and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. As opposed to using harsh soaps or chemicals, use apple cider vinegar to clean softly.” Can I spray apple cider vinegar on my eczema? Yes, you may use it for eczema relief. According to Dr. Carlton, “Your skin’s pH is raised if you have eczema, which prevents this barrier from working correctly. Without it, irritants enter, and moisture escapes. Since apple cider vinegar is acidic, applying it to the skin could assist in restoring its pH balance.” Can apple cider vinegar damage your face? Yes. Direct application of apple cider vinegar can cause skin irritation, redness, and dryness. Ensure that apple cider vinegar is diluted with water before application (13). How long does apple cider vinegar take for dark spot treatment? While current scientific evidence indicates that apple cider vinegar may treat dark spots, there is no information to tell us how long it will take to show results. You will have to use apple cider vinegar a few times before it starts working (14). Is apple cider vinegar good for dark inner thighs? Possibly. Anecdotal evidence suggests that apple cider vinegar may lighten your inner thighs over time.