Apple Cider Vinegar for Pimples: Does It Work?

Updated on March 16th, 2020
apple cider vinegar for pimple

Apple cider vinegar can be tried effectively for pimples. Pimples remain a common problem that impacts the skin. It is, therefore, critical for warding off this problem. Acne affects 40-50 million individuals in the United States. Apple cider vinegar for pimples is essentially fermented apple cider or unfiltered juice from pressed apples. Primarily, this natural cure can ward off bacteria that cause blisters in the first place. The organic compounds found in apple cider vinegar are excellent for curing acne.

Why Try Apple Cider Vinegar for Pimples?

Studies in international journals show apple cider vinegar for pimples is an extremely effective cure. Through apple cider vinegar, pimples overnight are banished. Research shows acids like acetic, lactic, and succinic kill P.acnes(1), a bacteria causing the pimples. Apple cider vinegar is rich in these acids.

Additionally, it has been found those applying lactic acid lotions, an essential constituent of apple cider vinegar, experienced a reduction in the intensity of acne eruptions. Chemical peeling by the ACV suppresses acne scarring.

This organic vinegar can kill certain bacteria 90% of the time and viruses, 95% of the time. Bacteria P.acnes is implicated in a lot of acne eruptions. Acids in apple cider vinegar kill this bacteria’s capacity to multiply. When the acne heals, scars can be warded off through chemical peeling. This form of peel removes external damaged skin layers and promotes regeneration.

Apple cider vinegar has succinic acid, which reduces scarring caused by inflammation. Further, lactic acid in this form of vinegar boosts the texture and appearance of the skin, besides staving off superficial scars and hyperpigmentation.

[ Read: Benefits of ACV ]

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Pimples?

apple cider vinegar benefits
Image:ShutterStock

Apple cider vinegar should be diluted before it is applied on the skin. On account of its high acidity, apple cider vinegar should be mixed with water in the ratio 1:3 for healthy skin and higher ratios for sensitive skin.

[Read: Get Rid Of Pimple On Nose]

Once you clean the face with a mild face wash, apply apple cider vinegar in diluted form using a cotton swab for 5-20 seconds. Rinse this with water and pat dry. This process can be repeated 1-2 times a day.

Apple cider vinegar also contains a cloudy substance called the mother, created when the vinegar is distilled. It sinks to the bottle’s bottom. The mother contains enzymes, proteins, and good bacteria that help in improving skin quality. Filtered and refined apple cider vinegar, therefore, may not be beneficial.

[ Read: Get Rid of Pimples Naturally ]

Topical Applications

1. Apple Cider Vinegar Toner

For this remedy, use two tablespoons of organic ACV with the mother and 2 cups of water along with one teaspoon of aloe vera gel. Mix all these ingredients and store the mixture in a spray bottle. Spray the toner over the face and neck in vast quantity. The astringent properties of ACV kill acne-causing bacteria and lower inflammation. The toner can be tried for back acne as well. It suits different skin types. Ensure the spray is not used for dry or broken skin.

[Read: Apple Cider Vinegar Toner for Skin Problems]

2. Baking Soda and Apple Cider Vinegar for Pimples

Baking soda and apple cider vinegar
Image:ShutterStock

Try two tablespoons of ACV in organic form and three tablespoons of baking soda(2). Mix these two ingredients in a bowl. Apply the mask to the impacted area, and leave it on for 20 minutes. Then, wash off the affected area. Next, use a moisturizer. With apple cider vinegar, baking soda has anti-inflammatory agents that reduce swelling, and it also exfoliates the skin, removing toxins and maintaining the acidity-alkalinity balance of the skin.

[ Read: Baking Soda for Pimples ]

3. Overnight Pimple Treatment

Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of filtered water. The vinegar should be mixed in the water and stored in a spray bottle. Soak a cotton swab in the mixture and only apply the solution to the affected acne. Spray it on the affected area, in case the pimples cover a large area of your face. Then, leave the spray on overnight and wash it off for the best outcomes.

Oral Ingestion

Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon

Take one tablespoon lemon juice, a cup of water, half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder, a dash of cayenne pepper, and a single teaspoon of honey. Mix these ingredients and add honey for a tangy flavor. Your apple cider vinegar-lemon drink is ready!

Apple Cider Vinegar & Green Tea

Mix one tablespoon of ACV, with one cup of green tea, and one teaspoon of honey. Add ice if you prefer the drink chilled. Mix it well and drink it regularly for detoxing your skin.

Precautions and Safeguards

Precautions that you need to undertake

  • Always opt for organic apple cider vinegar for pimples. This ACV is unfiltered and non-pasteurized. Raw ACV contains no chemicals or artificial flavors.
  • Never opt for apple cider vinegar in plastics, which may interact with the vinegar and opt for a glass bottle instead.
  • Always do a patch test before using apple cider vinegar on your skin. Never use raw vinegar. Always dilute the apple cider vinegar before applying it.
  • Dilute the ACV using water. Use apple cider vinegar in moderation. It is strongly acidic and can cause burns if applied too generously.

Bottom Line

Thus, apple cider vinegar can be just what the doctor ordered if you’re having acne problems. However, bear in mind that while natural cures like organic ACV can work, it is also essential to consult dermatologists before proceeding with treatment, if the acne attack is severe. Always use natural remedies under medical guidance!

[ Read: Reduce Pimple Redness Naturally ]


FAQs

1. Is lemon good for pimples?

Lemon can be combined with apple cider vinegar for pimples. Make your apple cider vinegar and lemonade drink or add a sprinkle of antioxidant-enriched lemon to your ACV skin spray for the best way to get rid of acne.

2. Can Apple cider vinegar damage your face?

Many sources claim that because apple cider vinegar is natural, it has no side effects. If you put undiluted apple cider vinegar on your skin, it can cause a nasty burn. Even ACV diluted in water is strong enough to burn skin that is sensitive to it.

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