13 Beauty Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has earned a reputation as a versatile natural remedy for health and beauty concerns. In addition to its health benefits, ACV is also a powerful tool for attaining glowing skin and healthy hair.

With its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and pH-balancing properties, it helps counter problems such as acne, dandruff, pigmentation, and hair loss.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your beauty regimen or resolve specific concerns, apple cider vinegar offers effective, natural solutions.

This article explores incredible beauty benefits of ACV and provides simple DIY remedies to incorporate into your skincare and haircare routines.

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Table of Contents

1. Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin
   1. Acne
   2. Cold Sores
   3. Eczema
   4. Warts
   5. Sunburn
   6. Face Whitening
   7. Pigmentation
   8. Wrinkles
   9. Pimples
2. Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair
   1. Dandruff
   2. Hair Fall
   3. Hair Re-Growth
   4. Shiny and Smooth Hair

Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin

Like the health benefits mentioned above, apple cider vinegar’s skin benefits are equally promising. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties play a key role in healing various skin issues.

1. Acne

The antibacterial (R) properties of apple cider vinegar are beneficial in eliminating the microbes that cause acne.

The acetic, succinic, and lactic acids present in apple cider vinegar effectively target the primary bacteria responsible for acne, P. acnes. The proper composition of these organic acids contributes to alleviating the problems associated with acne.

Ingredients

• Half a cup of apple cider vinegar
• 1 glass of water

Procedure

1. Cleanse your face and wash it thoroughly.
2. Pat dry with a towel.
3. Mix the water and the apple cider vinegar.
4. Soak a cotton pad in it and apply it on the affected area of the acne.
5. Leave it on for 10 minutes.
6. Wash off with water.

How Often?

Do this once or twice daily to notice promising results. 

Side Note: If you have sensitive skin, it is always best to dilute the apple cider vinegar even more.

2. Cold Sores

One remarkable benefit of apple cider vinegar is its ability to treat cold sores. Cold sores, a common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, typically appear on the lips.

Thanks to its antimicrobial properties (R), apple cider vinegar is considered one of the most effective remedies for cold sores primarily caused by viral infections. Additionally, ACV helps balance the skin’s pH, which further contributes to shrinking the size of the cold sores and drying them out, aiding in their healing.

Ingredients

• 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• 2-3 tablespoons of water

Procedure

1. Mix the apple cider vinegar and water in a bowl.
2. Dip a cotton pad in it and apply it directly on the cold sore.
3. Leave it on for 15 minutes.
4. Wash it off with water.

How Often?

Repeat this process 2-3 times a day until all the signs and symptoms of a cold sore disappear.

Also, Read: 8 Effective Ways to Treat Cold Sores Overnight

3. Eczema

While apple cider vinegar offers numerous benefits in treating various skin conditions, eczema is certainly one of the most notable. It is believed that the anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar play a key role in its effectiveness.

The potassium in apple cider vinegar also plays a crucial role in relieving the itching and irritation associated with eczema. Additionally, ACV contains beta-carotene, which helps promote the growth of healthy skin cells after eliminating dead and scaly ones.

Ingredients

• Half a cup of Apple cider vinegar
• Half a cup of water

Procedure

1. Mix both ingredients.
2. Wet a cotton pad or cotton ball and apply it on the affected area of the eczema.
3. Leave it on and let it soak into the skin for 10-15 minutes.
4. Wash it off with normal water

How Often?

Repeat this process twice daily for best results.

Also, Read: Apple Cider Vinegar – Types, Nutritional Values and More 

4. Remove Warts

Warts are quite common in both men and women. Fortunately, apple cider vinegar can help address the issue gradually.

Apple cider vinegar is rich in antimicrobial properties and “salicylic acid”-like compounds, which contribute to eliminating skin warts. Additionally, the irritation caused by the ACV application stimulates the body’s immune system, helping it fight off the causative agent behind the wart.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
• Half a cup of water
• Cotton pad
• Bandage

Procedure

1. Mix the apple cider vinegar and water in a bowl.
2. Soak the cotton pad with that and place it over the wart.
3. Bandage the area and leave it overnight or as long as you can.
4. Remove the bandage the following day.

How Often?

Repeat this process every other night until the skin wart falls off.

Also, Read: Warts on Face – Causes and Home Remedies

5. Sunburn

Apple cider vinegar’s mild acidic properties, along with its beneficial anti-inflammatory effects, help treat conditions related to sunburn.

Be cautious about the ratio of vinegar to water, as improper proportions can cause further irritation or burns. It is always best to consult a doctor before using apple cider vinegar as a home treatment.

Ingredients

• Half cup apple cider vinegar
• Half cup water
• Spray bottle

Procedure

1. Mix the apple cider vinegar and the water in a bowl first.
2. Transfer this to the spray bottle.
3. Spray the mixture onto the affected areas of the sunburn.
4. Let it seep into the skin.

How Often?

Repeat this once a day or as needed until the redness completely reduces.

Side Note: If your skin is burning more than tolerable, it’s best to stop applying the apple cider vinegar, as it may be causing further irritation or burning.

6. Face Whitening

The presence of glycol (R) in apple cider vinegar is a key factor behind its skin-lightening properties. It is one of the ingredients with the highest concentration of glycol.

Additionally, the mild acidic properties of ACV contribute to lightening the skin tone (R), helping to even out the complexion. It also helps reduce skin blemishes and correct uneven skin tone.

Ingredients

• Half a cup of apple cider vinegar
• Half a cup of water
• Cotton pads

Procedure

1. Mix the apple cider vinegar and the water in a bowl.
2. Soak the cotton pad in it and apply it to your face.
3. Leave it on for 10 minutes.
4. Wash it off with water.

How Often?

Repeat this process twice or thrice a week to witness promising results.

Also, Read: 6 Dermatologists Recommended Skin Care Routine – Decoding The Best From Professionals!

7. Skin Pigmentation

Hyperpigmentation, or the presence of dark spots on the skin, is caused by various factors, including acne scarring, sunburn, and the overproduction of melanin.

One of apple cider vinegar’s remarkable benefits is its skin-lightening and astringent properties, which work together to reduce the appearance of excess pigmentation on the skin (R).

Ingredients

• Half a cup of apple cider vinegar
• Half a cup of water

Procedure

1. Mix the apple cider vinegar and water in a bowl.
2. Rinse the hyperpigmented area with it and let it stay like that for 5 minutes.
3. Wash it off with water.

How Often?

Repeat this process twice daily for noticeable changes in the skin tone near the pigmentation-prone area.

8. Wrinkles

One of the most common signs of aging (R) is the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The primary cause of this is the loosening of skin, particularly on the face and other areas of the body.

Applying apple cider vinegar can help tighten the skin to some extent, though no scientific studies explain how or why it works.

Ingredients

• 3-4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• Half a cup of warm water
• Cotton pads

Procedure

1. Mix the apple cider vinegar into the warm water.
2. Dip a cotton pad into it and apply it over the most wrinkle-prone areas.
3. Leave it on for 5 minutes.
4. Wash it with water, and pat dry the skin with a towel.

How Often?

Repeat this process 3-4 times a week for promising results in tightening the facial skin and removing wrinkles.

Also, Read: 7 Best Foods To Prevent Wrinkles

9. Pimples

A poor diet, overproduction of sebum, and clogged pores primarily cause pimples on the face. The bacterial growth in these clogged pores leads to pimples and acne.

One of the amazing beauty benefits of apple cider vinegar is its ability to treat pimples. ACV’s antibacterial properties effectively stop the growth of bacteria in pimple-prone areas, helping to arrest the process and promote complete healing.

Ingredients

• Half a cup of apple cider vinegar
• Half a cup of water
• Cotton pads

Procedure

1. Mix the apple cider vinegar and water and store in an airtight bottle.
2. Wet a cotton pad with it and apply it over the pimples.
3. Leave it on for 10 minutes or so.
4. Wash it off with water and pat dry with a towel.

How Often?

Repeat this process at least twice a day to notice beneficial results in the treatment of pimples on your face or even other parts of the body.

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair

Now that we’ve reached the final section on apple cider vinegar’s beneficial remedies, let’s explore its amazing hair benefits.

10. Dandruff

One of apple cider vinegar’s primary benefits is its ability to help eliminate dandruff on the scalp. Dandruff is primarily caused by an imbalance in the scalp’s pH levels.

Apple cider vinegar (R) helps balance and regulate the scalp’s pH, preventing the recurrence of dandruff. It not only regulates the pH but also relieves the irritation and itching that often accompany dandruff.

Ingredients

• A cup of apple cider vinegar
• Half a cup of water
• Spray bottle

Procedure

1. Mix the water and the vinegar and transfer it to the spray bottle.
2. After shampooing your hair, spray the ACV mixture onto the scalp and leave it on for 10 minutes.
3. Wash it off with water after that.

How Often?

Repeat this process twice or thrice a week for promising results.

Also, Read: 8 Best Home Remedies For Dandruff And Flaking

11. Hair Fall

Hair fall is a common issue resulting from various factors, including weather conditions and lifestyle-related issues. Often, clogged hair follicles weaken the hair, leading to breakage.

Apple cider vinegar helps address this condition by cleansing the clogged follicles on the scalp, strengthening the hair roots, and preventing further hair loss.

Ingredients

• One cup of apple cider vinegar
• Half a cup of water
• Spray bottle

Procedure

1. Mix the ingredients in the spray bottle.
2. Spray it on the scalp and let it seep into the scalp for 5-10 minutes.
3. Wash it off with water while showering.

How Often?

Do this three to four times a week for promising results and to improve your hair’s condition.

12. Hair Re-Growth

Like hair loss, hair growth also depends on the scalp’s health. If your scalp is clean and healthy, you’re less likely to have concerns about hair growth.

Unclogged hair follicles and strengthened roots are crucial in promoting healthy hair growth.

Ingredients

• One cup of apple cider vinegar
• Half a cup of water
• Spray bottle

Procedure

1. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and clean the scalp first.
2. Spray the mixed solution of water and apple cider vinegar onto the scalp.
3. Leave it on for 5 minutes.
4. Wash it often under the shower thoroughly.

How Often?

Repeat this process twice or thrice a week to notice promising results.

13. Shiny and Smooth Hair

Apple cider vinegar smoothes hair cuticles, reduces frizz, and enhances shine. Its acidity restores the hair’s pH balance, sealing moisture within the hair for a silky, glossy finish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup of water
• Spray bottle

Procedure

Mix apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle.

Spray the mixture all over your hair after shampooing

Leave on for 5 minutes before rinsing with cool water

How Often?

Use this rinse weekly to have beautifully shinier hair and healthier overall locks.

Also, Read: 45 Must-Try Natural Remedies For Hair Growth 

Conclusion

Apple cider vinegar is more than a kitchen staple; it’s a beauty enhancer that addresses various skin and hair concerns. From treating acne and sunburn to promoting hair re-growth and eliminating dandruff, ACV’s natural properties make it a powerful addition to your beauty routine.

By incorporating it into your daily regimen, you can achieve healthier skin and hair naturally and affordably. However, always use it in moderation and consult a dermatologist if you have sensitive skin or scalp issues. Experience the transformative benefits of ACV and let its natural goodness boost your beauty from the inside out.