Apple cider vinegar is an amazing health supplement that I highly recommend taking daily for optimum health and vitality as it has so many amazing benefits when it comes to acne.

To get the most out of ACV you need to make sure you buy organic, unheated, unfiltered and unpasteurised. Look for one that contains “the mother” (In the UK I like Raw Health and Biona brands) – if it’s cloudy in colour and contains fine fibres floating near the bottom it will most likely contain “the mother”! The mother is where all the beneficial enzymes, nutrients and minerals are so it’s important to remember to tip the bottle upside down once or twice each time you use ACV to distribute these elements. Alongside all of the other health benefits found in apples, the malic acid found in ACV gives it antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. This is a big part of what makes it so good for your skin.

The benefits of raw apple cider vinegar for acne

A healthy body isn’t optional for clear skin, it’s essential! Focusing on your gut health is the first, and most important step in your journey to clearer skin.

Digestion & Immunity:

I recommend taking a tablespoon of ACV in a large glass of water about 15 minutes before a meal. This will help stimulate digestive juices and help breakdown your food naturally. Better digestion = better skin! Consuming ACV diluted in water on a regular basis is said to help relieve low stomach acid conditions that can cause heartburn and discomfort. It’s important to remember to always dilute your ACV as it’s very acidic and may aggravate the stomach lining if taken undiluted. Apple pectin fibre, found in ACV soothes the entire gastrointestinal tract, helping to prevent stomach cramps, bloating and gas. Additionally, ACV is high in natural enzymes that can control candida in the body and helps encourage the growth of healthy bacteria, which in turn helps to minimise the overgrowth of candida.

The friendly bacteria in your gut are a big part of your body’s immune system. By improving the environment in your intestines and promoting the growth of friendly bacteria using ACV you can help improve your overall immune system, including conditions such as acne! Like I mentioned in the introduction, the malic acid found in ACV is a strong antiviral. This could be why many people say they experience fewer seasonal illnesses when taking ACV on a daily basis. ACV is also said to benefit your lymphatic system by breaking up excess mucus in the body and cleansing the lymph nodes – over time this can lead to reduced symptoms from sinus congestion, colds and allergies. I used to suffer a lot with my Maxillary sinuses, they used to get really inflamed and push against the roots of my teeth, causing all my teeth to feel weird and numb. I discovered this additional health benefit of ACV after I’d been taking it daily for a few months and realised I hadn’t suffered with my sinuses in weeks, I logged onto my computer to see if there was any possible connection and within minutes I had my answer!

Bonus benefits of apple cider vinegar:

ACV can also be used as a hair treatment. It is said to balance hair and scalp pH, remove product buildup and treat dandruff – not to mention it leaves your hair super soft and shiny! I recommend using an old jam jar to mix 1/2 Tblsp of ACV and then fill the rest of the jar with filtered water, pop the lid on and shake to mix. After shampooing, simply tilt your head back and pour the solution over your locks. Leave the ACV mix on your hair for a minute or two then rinse – there’s no need to even use conditioner!

Can I apply apple cider vinegar directly to my skin?

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar is often used in DIY recipes as a toner for those that suffer with acne or hyper-pigmentation but I do not recommend using ACV directly onto your skin. While raw ACV is highly alkaline when taken internally, it remains highly acidic when applied directly to the skin, causing further irritation. Whilst topical ACV has been shown to be a highly effective treatment for the removal of skin tags and wart, it’s not a good idea to use in high concentrations on a daily basis as it can permanently damage the skin. Stick to drinking your ACV as it will have a much better effect on your skin in the long run as it reduces inflammation, promotes healthy digestion, aids detoxification, and reduce excess acidity – all of which can contribute to skin problems such as acne.

As well as the benefits listed above, there a whole host of other ACV benefits including:

• Neutralising Bad Breath
• Aiding Weight Loss
• Reducing Blood Pressure
• Regulating Blood Sugar
• Increasing Stamina and Energy

Have you discovered the benefits of raw apple cider vinegar for acne? Have you found ACV has helped with other health conditions? Let me know in the comments below and spread the love for apple cider vinegar!

Peace, Love & Clear Skin