Did you know that Miranda Kerr and Scarlett Johansson have sworn by the skin and health benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar? Yes, this humble staple has been a favorite among households for generations. Because of its versatility, its affordable cost, and it’s effectiveness, people just can’t get enough.
If you are an avid DIY fan, a mom, or just love trying natural ways to promote healthy living, this article is for you.
From removing dark spots and blemishes to eliminating foot odor, we rounded up 8 unexpected health and beauty uses of ACV that you probably don’t know about (PLUS our top product recommendations)!
1. Fight Bacteria Causing Blemishes
Apple Cider Vinegar contains acetic acid which helps in dissolving the excess oil from the face and kills acne-causing bacteria. ACV is acidic in nature that when applied topically on the skin, can flush out dirt and unclog pores that usually cause acne and blemishes.
DIY option: Add 1 tablespoon of ACV into a glass bowl and add 2 cups of water into it. Mix well and use this solution to wash your face.
Note: ACV is acidic and may sting and cause a burning sensation if applied directly onto skin. Dilute with water and patch test or use our gentle ACV clay mask:
2. Soothe Bug Bites
Vinegar can help with bug bites by mitigating the pain, specifically itching and burning. One study found that acetic acid, one of the compounds that make up vinegar, can inhibit histamine release. Histamines are responsible for the redness and itching associated with bug bites. Vinegar also reduces swelling and inhibits blood clotting which is why it's shown to treat insect stings.
DIY option: Dip cotton swab into vinegar solution and use to dab on bites. Place cotton ball between fingers and gently rub on bite.
3. Combats Dandruff, Dull and Frizzy Hair
This has been every mother’s favorite anti-dandruff trick for decades. Washing the hair with ACV was a favored method of the Romans in ancient times to cleanse the scalp and restore its natural shine.
ACV when used as a final rinse after washing your hair helps in restoring the hair’s luster and softness by closing the hair cuticles making it more manageable.
DIY option: You can use acv by adding 1 or 2 tablespoons of acv to a cup of water and then applying the acv solution to freshly washed hair after rinsing off shampoo using lukewarm water. Leave this acv treatment for around 15 minutes and then rinse off with cold water to bring back the shine of your hair.
You may also try using (our favorite) ACV Shampoo and Conditioner:
4. Can Be Used as a Toner For Skin
ACV, when used externally, helps in lighten the skin tone and reduce dark spots, blemishes, and acne scars. Not only does it help with lightening the skin, it also helps restore the skin’s natural pH balance, making it one of the best natural ingredients for treating hyperpigmentation.
DIY option: You can apply acv mixed with raw honey or aloe vera gel on your skin regularly
5. Maintain Blood Sugar
A 2017 study suggests that vinegar ingestion before bedtime may help reduce insulin level and post-meal blood glucose [*] Though there are only a few studies about this, ACV is showing a promising candidate in regulating blood sugar levels and weight loss.
Pro-Tip: Try eating a vinegar-based salad!
6. Aid in Digestion & Detox
Many people suffer from digestive issues, including bloating, gas, and stomach pain. ACV is used as an aid to reduce these problems by helping increase the acidity of the stomach's contents. This may help prevent bloating or gas caused by foods that may be difficult to digest.
Not a fan of the ACV aftertaste? Try this Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies from Havasu Nutrition on Amazon. The brand says you can get all the same benefits of apple cider vinegar liquid without the yucky taste with their gummies.
7. Eliminate Foot Odor
Stinky feet? Apple Cider Vinegar can help too! Due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, it can help disinfect your feet and remove that pesky odor. It’s also a great home remedy for people with nail fungus or athlete’s foot.
How to make a foot soak bath: Use 1 part vinegar and 2 parts water for the foot bath. Wash your feet thoroughly with a gentle soap then soak your feet to your vinegar foot bath for 10-15 minutes daily.
8. Use It as Mouthwash to Whiten Teeth
There is a mixed opinion in using ACV as a tooth whitening agent. Although ACV can help whiten your teeth, its acidity may cause damage to your enamel if used frequently. Some use it as a mouthwash by mixing two tablespoons of ACV and one cup of distilled water. However, it is not recommended to use apple cider vinegar regularly for teeth whitening. Use no more than once a month and consult your dentist if this is the best teeth whitening plan for you.
Disclaimer: It is always recommended to consult with your doctor if you are trying a new diet plan or supplements. Do not consume pure ACV. Always dilute it with water.
Apple cider vinegar has many unexpected health and skin benefits. It can be used as a natural teeth whitener, hair conditioner, or acne treatment just to name a few! If you know of any other apple cider vinegar uses that we missed in this blog post, please let us know in the comment section below.
Sources:
Vinegar Ingestion at Bedtime Moderates Waking Glucose Concentrations in Adults With Well-Controlled Type 2 Diabetes
https://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/30/11/2814
Apple cider vinegar shown to significantly reduce post-meal blood glucose
https://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2020/aug/apple-cider-could-help-manage-type-2-diabetes.html