Apple Cider Vinegar And Acne – Is it affective?

Sounds strange to think the apples can offer relief for acne sufferers around the world. You might be thinking “really acne and apple cider vinegar”. Yes this is a known treatment world over and recommended for its natural ingredients that our bodies crave and it is one of the best acne treatments. The apples are crushed traditionally and left to mature in wooden barrels. The apples are of course organic without the influence of fertilizers and third party enhancers. After maturity in the barrels the vinegar produced is called “mother”. Mother is a foam bacterial base. It is often added into other vinegars to quicken the maturity process.

Will Apple Cider Cure Acne?   

There is no known cure for acne but apple cider vinegar is one of the home remedies for acne with proven results to help treat painful lesions that acne causes. The mother within the vinegar (bacterial agent is called mother) helps adsorb the excessive oils secreted by the body onto the skin. It is the excessive oil that is the key factor for causing acne to flare up. Acne tends to effect people in their early teen years and normally flares up around the age of puberty. Most people out grow their acne in their early twenties but in cases acne rosacea (adult acne) will remain. Acne is classed as a chronic disease and although apple cider can ease symptoms and irritation it is by no means a cure but more like a pain relief agent. Once applied the vinegar eases irritation and reduces lesions and redness.     

How to Dilute Apple Cider Vinegar:

The simple way of mixing the vinegar is for one part vinegar to three parts water. It really depends on the severity of the acne. If your acne is really irritating and flaring you can use less water and more vinegar. It is recommended to try a minimum amount of apple
cider first to ensure you do not have a reaction to the vinegar. Very few people have reactions but its better safe than sorry. Once you apply a small amount first, wait for 10 to 15 minutes and once you suffer no ill effect you can continue using. Apart from applying the cider vinegar you can also drink it to help in detoxifying the body but it’s not for everyone’s taste buds. Apply twice daily. The draw back about the apple cider is the smell but once applied and left for a while it will die away.

Do not apply perfumes or aftershave straight away. Actually, it is not recommended to use perfumes on acne as the components within can cause acne to flare. Only apply away from the infected area.

How Does Apple Cider Vinegar Work?

The apple cider works well on acne as a treatment. The vinegar is classed to be rich in Alpha Hydroxy Acids. These acids are widely used in chemical peeling and helps in rejuvenating the skin. AHA also helps in the healing process of acne scars. The cider contains a bacterial agent called mother. This bacterial agent (apple cider) once applied to the skin will adsorb the excess oils secreted. It is the access oil that causes the redness and is the start for lesions and acne to develop. The cider also acts as an anti aging tonic for the skin but let’s face it, if you have acne reducing the pain and irritation is top priority.

Can I Use Apple Cider as a Treatment for Acne Along with Medicated Treatments:

The easy answer is: ask your doctor or Dermatologist. Different people have different toleration levels to products. In theory you should have no adverse effects from using the apple cider vinegar for acne but mixing with other products may cause issues. If you are on prescribed creams or antibiotics your doctor has you on them for good reason. You may have a more severe level of acne that home remedies such as apple cider cannot treat.  If you have a low level of acne and use over the counter creams, lotions etc you can try apple cider vinegar but only use one at a time. Remember the cider contains acid and so will other products. If you use more than one remedy at a time, too much acid will simply burn or flare up your acne.