How Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help Get Rid of Acne

With so many at-home acne remedies and DIY acne hacks to try online, it is hard to determine what will actually work and what wont. There’s talk about Turmeric, Tea Tree, and Witch Hazel, but those are hard to come by for any DIY or at home solutions. (By the way, we’ve got the best organic & natural Turmeric and Tea Tree & Witch Hazel toners for you to try!)

 

Apple Cider Vinegar  is very popular in DIY skincare (and we know, since that’s exactly how we got started!).

But how does apple cider vinegar actually work for acne? 

 

Apple Cider Vinegar Skin Benefits for Acne 

1. ACV contains acne-fighting acids.

 Did you know that Apple Cider Vinegar contains many of the ingredients that dermatologists recommend when treating acne?

When I was creating my first batch of DIY Apple Cider Vinegar toner for my daughter, I found that apple cider vinegar contains antibacterial properties that help fight acne.

ACV contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). These acids have shown to kill acne-causing bacteria, making apple cider vinegar your natural acne-fighting sidekick.  

 

2. Those same acne-fighting acids help exfoliate and cleanse your skin.

Not only can Apple Cider Vinegar help kill your acne-causing bacteria, but it also helps you cleanse and exfoliate your face and skin in a much more natural way vs using store-brand face washes.

Acne forms when your pores are blocked by bacteria, dead skin cells, dirt, or external/environmental toxins.

When those pores are blocked, they are unable to excrete your skin’s natural oils (sebum). 

When that blockage is infected, acne is the result.

 

That exfoliating effect helps remove dead skin cells from your face and skin (including that pesky bacteria!), unblocking your pores and allowing your natural oils to work.

 

3. ACV helps reduce & prevent your acne scars: AHA acid 

α-Hydroxy acids, or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), are a class of chemical compounds that consist of a carboxylic acid substituted with a hydroxyl group on the adjacent carbon. They may be naturally occurring or synthetic. AHAs are well known for their use in the cosmetics industry. They are often found in products that aid in the reduction of wrinkles, that soften strong, defining lines, and that improve the overall look and feel of the skin. They are also used as chemical peels. AHAs have effective results through continuous treatment in the cosmeceutical industry.

 

AHAs in Apple Cider Vinegar serve to cleanse and exfoliate the dead skin cells and dead skin layers, which in turn helps to regenerate your skin and reduce the appearance of acne scars.

When your acne heals, you’re left with skin discoloration and acne scarring. 

The AHAs remove the dead and damaged skin layers, which helps your skin regenerate and heal. 

 

During this process, that excess pigment on your scars will begin to dissipate. 

 

Using apple cider vinegar proactively (before and during a breakout as well as afterwards), can help prevent acne scarring altogether.

 

The exfoliation process from the AHAs will help remove the excess dirt and dead/damaged skin before the scarring begins, helping to balance your skin tone.

Before you DIY your Apple Cider Vinegar Toner

 

Although Apple Cider Vinegar seems to everything you need to fight your acne, I strongly urge you to reconsider using ACV straight from the bottle.

 

Because of the acids in ACV, it may cause skin irritation or burning. 

 

If you want to make a DIY apple cider vinegar toner, please make sure to use it in very small amounts and dilute it with water, especially if you have sensitive skin.

 

Test on a small area, dabbing slowly with a cotton ball. Wait 15 seconds, then rinse and dry. 

The BEST way to use Apple Cider Vinegar

 

If you’d rather skip the measuring cups and spot-testing your skin, try Hello Cider’s Apple Cider Vinegar Face Wipes

 

I went through the DIY process with my daughter, and as a chemist and mom, I put my entire expertise and heart into finding a solution for her.

 

Our Apple Cider Vinegar toner is made with pure ACV (with the mother, of course!), and is diluted with just the right amount of water-based Chamomile, Rose, Lavender, Tea Tree, Witch Hazel, and Vanilla extract. 

 

I’ve used all of these botanical hydrosols that will help you fight acne, reduce acne scars, reduce inflammation, hydrate, moisturize, and cleanse.

 

Our products do not contain any artificial ingredients, parabens, chemicals, synthetic colors, or added fragrances.

 

It is all organic, natural and ready for use on all skin types as a toner, as face wipes, and face pads for all of your acne needs.