Debunking the Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar Face Wash
Apple cider vinegar is a liquid that is commonly used as salad dressing, or in some cases, an alternative low-cost cleaning product. However, many people have started using this product as part of their daily skincare and beauty routine.
Even when diluted with water, this product isn’t suitable for our skin. In fact, its usage carries more risks than benefits. Dermatologists have stressed that there is no scientific evidence to suggest that apple cider vinegar has any benefits for skin health.
Among the more dangerous uses that have been suggested for this product include: a make up remover, cleanser, acne treatment, and wound disinfectant.
The supposed benefits of apple cider vinegar
According to popular belief, this acidic liquid may have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, capable of “combating” a range of skin conditions, from bruises to skin blemishes. However, there is no scientific basis for any of these beliefs and, as such, they lack all credibility.
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, a corrosive substance that can causes skin burns, irritation of the mucous membrane, permanent damage, etc.
It eliminates age spots?
Some studies support the idea that, in certain doses, the alpha hydroxy acid present in apple cider vinegar may have some benefits for the skin. However, more clinical studies are needed to investigate this topic further.
For the moment, the use of apple cider vinegar as a facial toner (whether diluted or not) is not recommended.
It reduces acne and pimples?
While it is believed that this liquid can be used to “cleanse” the skin and remove excess oil, it doesn’t really help to reduce impurities, or prevent them from developing in future. In fact, it is very harsh on the skin, acting as an irritant and making it even more susceptible to additional issues.
The malic acid present in apple cider vinegar is NOT a miracle cure against acne or oily skin.
3. It stimulates the circulation?
Applying apple cider vinegar to the face won’t stimulate the circulation, improve blood flow or rejuvenate the skin in any way. This is a myth.
It’s important to remember that if the components that make up apple cider vinegar were capable of producing so many benefits for the skin, it wouldn’t just be as simple as dabbing it on your face. It would need to be used under certain conditions for the components to act in a specific way.
Daily use of apple cider vinegar
The daily use of apple cider vinegar can cause burns, irritation, exacerbate existing infections, and make skin look dull, dry, wrinkled, and much older. Furthermore, applying this liquid and then exposing the skin to direct sunlight can cause it to get damaged more easily.
Other dangerous uses of apple cider vinegar
- As a sunscreen or after sun lotion.
- To “disinfect” open wounds and blisters.
- As a bug repellent.
- To treat skin and nail infections.
- Reduce inflammation, relieve pain and speed up wound healing.
- To eliminate bug bite scars.
- As a weight-loss or detox drink etc.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Toledo, J. L. V., Rojas, L. L., & Yépez, Z. T. (1995). LOS ALFA HIDROXIACIDOS: SUS USOS TERAPEUTICOS EN DERMATOLOGIA. Dermatología Venezolana, 33(4).
- Grimalt, R. (2007). Acné. Protocolos de Dermatología/ Protocolos de La AEP, 2, 7–13. Retrieved from https://www.aeped.es/sites/default/files/documentos/acne.pdf.
- National Eczema. (2018). Get the Facts: Apple Cider Vinegar. https://nationaleczema.org/get-facts-acv/