17 Surprising Ways To Use Vinegar For Your Skin

Vinegar has multiple benefits on your skin. You can use vinegar for skin issues like body odor and dullness. As a common item found in almost every kitchen, it is a wonderful solution to attain that much-loved skin glow and radiance. Wondering how to incorporate it into your skin care routine? We can help you. This article will help you find different ways to include vinegar in your beauty regimen. Keep reading!

Why Use Vinegar For Your Skin?

Vinegar is a common kitchen condiment that is made by combining acetic acid, water, and trace compounds, and may sometimes include flavoring agents. Vinegar (both white and apple cider vinegar) helps in restoring the pH balance of your skin. This, in turn, helps treat itchy and dry skin, acne, and flaky skin. Compared to the commercially available soaps and face washes that are loaded with chemicals and preservatives, vinegar is a natural and safer way to rejuvenate your skin and make it glow.

Caution: Never use apple cider vinegar or any other vinegar in the undiluted form as it might burn your skin.

Let us now look at the benefits of using vinegar for your skin.

Benefits Of Vinegar For The Skin

1. Lightens And Prevents Blemishes, Acne, And Pimples

Vinegar has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which help in eliminating bacteria from your skin, thus keeping acne and blemishes at bay (1), (2), (3), (4).

2. Eliminates Age-related Spots

Apple cider vinegar contains hydroxy acids that slough off the dead skin cells, thus lightening age-related spots.

3. Helps Maintain The pH Of Your Skin

Vinegar has a pH-balancing effect on your skin and helps prevent it from becoming excessive oily or dry (5). It unclogs your pores and works as a good skin cleanser.

4. Minimizes Wrinkles

Applying diluted vinegar regularly helps delay the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on your skin.

5. Removes All Toxins From Your Face

Regular use of vinegar draws out all toxins from your skin, leaving it radiant and youthful.

6. Soothes Sunburns

Vinegar has antiseptic properties and helps relieve pain. Simply dab some vinegar on your sunburn and watch it heal.

7. May Heal Skin Infections

Vinegar is rich in antioxidant and antimicrobial properties (1). This makes it a useful ingredient in treating bacterial and fungal infections. It has also been proven to aid in soothing pruritus (severe itching), stretch marks, and head lice removal.

8. May Help Remove Skin Tags

Anecdotal evidence suggests using vinegar for skin tag removal, especially apple cider vinegar. Applying vinegar to the skin tags regularly for extended periods may make them gradually fall off by themselves. However, there are no scientific studies to back the claim or vouch for the safety of the process.

A blogger shared their experience of using vinegar to remove skin tags. They soaked a small piece of cotton pad in vinegar and secured it with a band-aid on the skin tag overnight. They said, “Skin tag turned black and fell off in about 3-5 days with no bleeding and no scarring (i)”.

These were the magical uses of this simple ingredient. But how can you use vinegar to achieve glowing skin? Scroll down to find out.

How To Use Vinegar On Your Skin

1. As A Facial Toner

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 cups of water
• 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel (optional)

Time

1-2 minutes

Method

1. Mix all the ingredients and store in a bottle.
2. Dab a cotton ball with the toner.
3. Apply it to your face and neck.

How Often?

Do this it 2-3 times a day or every time you wash your face.

Why This Works

Vinegar has astringentⁱ  XThe chemical property of a substance to shrink soft organic body tissues and skin cells that dry up secretions. has astringenti properties, and it also contains hydroxy and acetic acids. As a result, it works as an excellent skin toner to minimize the appearance of pores and promote circulation.

Quick Tip

Since vinegar may dry your skin, you may follow it up with a moisturizer (like jojoba or olive oil) to prevent dryness.

2. To Heal Sunburns

You Will Need

• Apple cider or white vinegar
• Water

Time

1-2 minutes

Method

1. Mix apple cider vinegar with water (there is no fixed ratio, but make sure the vinegar is well diluted).
2. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray it on the sunburned area.
3. You can also dip a cloth in the mixture, wring it and pat it on the sunburned area.
4. Or you can add the diluted mixture to a bucket of water and take a bath with it.

How Often?

Do this 2-3 times a day.

Why This Works

Vinegar has antiseptic properties and is a good sunburn remedy. It also restores the pH balance of your skin, promotes cell regeneration and healing, and prevents blistering.

3. As A Treatment For Acne And Blemishes

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
• Water

Time

1-2 minutes

Method

1. Mix the ingredients and transfer the mixture to a spray bottle.
2. Spray it on your face.

How Often?

Spray every 1-2 hours throughout the day.

Why This Works

The acidity of the vinegar dries out the acne and pimples, and its antibacterial properties eliminate the pimple-causing bacteria (6).

4. To Heal Razor Bumps

You Will Need

Diluted apple cider vinegar

Time

1 minute

Method

1. Splash the affected area with diluted apple cider vinegar.
2. Leave it to air dry.

How Often?

Twice a day or until the razor bumps disappear.

Why This Works

Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties, which help in soothing irritated skin (7). The acetic acid in it softens the skin, thus facilitating easy removal of ingrown hair.

5. As An Antiseptic For Itchy Skin

You Will Need

Diluted apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)

Time

1 minute

Method

1. Saturate a cotton pad with diluted apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar).
2. Dab the pad on the affected area and let it dry.

How Often?

Until the rash heals.

Why This Works

Bug bites, poison ivy, and rashes – anything can cause itchy skin. Apple cider vinegar exhibits excellent antiseptic and antifungal properties that kill the infection-causing fungi and heal the affected area (8).

Note: Use raw and organic apple cider vinegar for best results.

6. For Eliminating Body Odor

You Will Need

• A bucket of water
• 1/2 cup of white or apple cider vinegar

Time

2-3 minutes

Method

Pour the cup of vinegar into a bucket of water and use it for bathing.

How Often?

Twice a day.

Why This Works

Sweating and bacteria often result in body odor. Vinegar has antifungal and antibacterial properties that help in fighting these odor-causing bacteria.

7. As A Facial And Hand Scrub

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of coarsely grounded rice

Time

2- 3 minutes

Method

1. Take a bowl and mix the ground rice with vinegar.
2. Massage your face and hands with this scrub for 15 minutes.

How Often?

Once or twice a week.

Why This Works

Vinegar is excellent for skin exfoliation. It eliminates dead skin cells and helps rejuvenate your skin. This scrub makes your skin glowing and smooth without causing any irritation.

8. For Managing Dandruff

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of warm water
• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar

Time

1-2 minutes

Method

1. Mix the water and vinegar in a bowl.
2. Massage the mixture into your scalp and leave it on for at least 5 minutes.
3. Wash with lukewarm water.

How Often?

Twice or thrice a week or as long as the problem persists.

Why This Works

Vinegar is known for its antifungal properties that help in destroying the dandruff-causing fungus (9). Therefore, it may work as an excellent DIY dandruff treatment.

9. To Eliminate Foot Odor

You Will Need

• 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
• Baby wipes or paper towels

Time

1 day

Method

1. Soak the baby wipes or paper towels overnight in apple cider vinegar.
2. Store them in a ziplock bag in the fridge.
3. Use them to wipe your feet.

How Often?

Do this every day.

Why This Works

The acids in apple cider vinegar alter the pH of the skin on your feet and prevent bacterial growth (10). These wipes can also be used as deodorizers for your underarms.

Note: Some of you may find the smell of apple cider vinegar disgusting, but don’t worry, the smell doesn’t linger for long.

10. To Reduce Oiliness

You Will Need

• 2 cups of water
• 1 cup of vinegar
• Cotton pads
• Spray bottle

Time

1-2 minutes

Method

1. Mix the vinegar and water.
2. Dab a cotton pad in this solution and wipe your face with it.
3. You may even use a spray bottle to spray it on your face.

How Often?

Twice or thrice a day.

Why This Works

The acidic and astringentⁱ  XThe chemical property of a substance to shrink soft organic body tissues and skin cells that dry up secretions. properties of the vinegar help absorb excess oil, making your skin smooth.

Quick Tip: Leave it on overnight to watch your age spots vanish.

11. To Heal Cracked Heels

You Will Need

• 1 cup of white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 cups of water
• 1 cup of curd
• Pumice stone

Time

25-30 minutes

Method

There are two ways you can treat your cracked heels:

Method 1

1. Mix the white vinegar with lukewarm water.
2. Soak your feet in this for 20-25 minutes and then scrub the dead skin cells with a pumice stone.

Method 2

1. Mix the white vinegar with a cup of curd.
2. Apply it on the cracked heels, leave it on for a few minutes and then scrub it off.

How Often?

Repeat this process twice daily until the heels heal. Follow it up with a good moisturizer.

Why This Works

The antibacterial and moisturizing properties of curd work in tandem with the vinegar to remove the dead skin cells and fill the cracks.

Quick Tip

Apply a rich moisturizer, preferably cocoa or shea butter after wiping your feet. This will ensure proper hydration and help heal the cracked heels.

12. To Detoxify Your Skin

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of vinegar
• Bentonite clay (you may use Fuller’s Earth or any other clay)

Time

2 minutes

Method

1. Mix vinegar with clay and make a thick paste.
2. Apply the pack all over your face.

How Often?

Twice a week.

Why This Works

The vinegar exfoliates your skin and balances its pH, while the clay extracts all the impurities from the pores.

13. To Clear Skin Pigmentation

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of onion juice
• 2-3 teaspoons of rosewater

Time

2 minutes

Method

1. Mix all the ingredients and pour into a spray bottle.
2. Spray it on your face.
3. Leave it on for a while and then wash it off.

How Often?

Once a week.

Why This Works

Rosewater has anti-inflammatory properties and absorbs excess oil from the skin. Vinegar has astringentⁱ  XThe chemical property of a substance to shrink soft organic body tissues and skin cells that dry up secretions. properties and works best as a hyperpigmentation treatment to reduce dark spots and patches

(11).

14. To Remove Blackheads

You Will Need

• 2 ripe strawberries
• 1 teaspoon of white vinegar (diluted)

Time

2 minutes

Method

1. Make a paste of the strawberries and mix white vinegar in it. Blend well.
2. Apply the paste on the affected area.
3. Gently massage for a few minutes and then wash it off.

How Often?

Once a week.

Why This Works

Strawberry contains folic acidⁱ  XA form of vitamin B9 that helps develop new healthy cells in the body and prevents deficiency and pregnancy-related complications. and vitamin C that help in cell regeneration, remove harmful toxins, and aid collagenⁱ  XA protein in connective tissues, tendons, and the skin that promotes skin elasticity and prevents wrinkling. synthesis. Vinegar absorbs excess oil and cleans the pores, thus helping in getting rid of blackheads.

15. To Treat Dry And Flaky Skin

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of white vinegar
• 2 teaspoons of olive oil

Time

1 minute

Method

1. Blend the oil and vinegar and apply it to your face or the affected area.
2. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then wash with lukewarm water.

How Often?

Once a day.

Why This Works

Olive oil moisturizes and rejuvenates your skin, and vinegar helps in restoring the natural acidity of your skin.

16. To Treat Skin Warts

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons of water

Time

1-2 minutes

Method

1. Mix water with apple cider vinegar and soak cotton balls in the solution.
2. Apply the cotton ball to the wart.
3. Cover it with a bandage and leave it on overnight.

How Often?

Daily (until the wart falls off).

Why This Works

The acetic acid in the vinegar kills bacteria and viruses causing the wart, making the wart fall off in a few days (12).

17. To Treat Ringworm Effectively

You Will Need

• Apple cider vinegar (dilute it a bit)
• Cotton pads

Time

1 minute

Method

1. Soak the cotton pad in undiluted vinegar.
2. Gently brush the pad over the affected area.

How Often?

Repeat this 3 times every day.

Why This Works

Apple cider vinegar has strong antifungal properties that help in curing ringworm when applied topically.

Vinegar works wonders for your skin but only if you use it carefully. You need to keep a few things in mind before including it in your daily skin care regimen. They are as discussed below.

A Few Tips To Consider

• Don’t forget to dilute the vinegar (unless advised otherwise by any skincare specialist) as it might cause a burning sensation.
• Always do a patch test before applying vinegar. Sprinkle a few drops on your arm and wait for a few minutes to ensure there isn’t any skin irritation.
• Avoid consuming it orally if you have diabetes, peptic ulcerⁱ  XA sore on the lining of the small intestine, esophagus, and stomach caused by damages from stomach acids in the digestive tract. , or heartburn. The acidic nature of vinegar might worsen the problem.
• If you are pregnant or nursing, consult a doctor before using vinegar.
• Avoid using strong perfumes or soaps while using vinegar as they might further irritate your skin.
• Although apple cider vinegar is touted as the best treatment to get rid of dandruff, avoid using it excessively as it can make your hair brittle.
• If you have any skin ailment and are using any prescribed medication, consult the doctor before using vinegar along with the medicine. The acidic nature of the vinegar often reacts with the chemicals in the skin ointments and medicines.
• Always use organic vinegar for best results.

Infographic: How To Use Vinegar For Common Skin Problems

Vinegar is one of the most commonly available home remedies you can use for several skin issues. Be it for bleaching or eliminating body odor, vinegar can do it all. However, out of all the ways discussed above, a few important methods can solve your common skin problems. Check out the infographic to know about the most effective ways in which you can use vinegar.

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does vinegar remove dark pigmentation?

Dr. Natalie Carlton, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist, says, “From studies, the acetic acid present in apple cider vinegar may brighten pigmentation. Here’s how to use it: In a container, mix water and apple cider vinegar in equivalence. Apply to your dark areas, then wait two to three minutes before washing it off.”

What are the risks of using apple cider vinegar?

Dr. Carlton says, “Apple cider vinegar can irritate, dry out, and harm the skin. Never use it without first diluting it with water. However, diluting the vinegar does not make it safe; it still has the potential to be harmful. A dermatologist should be consulted before applying ACV to the skin.”

How can I incorporate vinegar into my skin care routine?

Dr. Carlton advises, “Apple cider vinegar works well as a face cleanser to remove dirt and bacteria from the skin. Mix the following ingredients to make a homemade apple cider vinegar face wash: a cup of hot water and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. As opposed to using harsh soaps or chemicals, use apple cider vinegar to clean softly.”

Can I spray apple cider vinegar on my eczema?

Yes, you may use it for eczema relief. According to Dr. Carlton, “Your skin’s pH is raised if you have eczema, which prevents this barrier from working correctly. Without it, irritants enter, and moisture escapes. Since apple cider vinegar is acidic, applying it to the skin could assist in restoring its pH balance.”

Can apple cider vinegar damage your face?

Yes. Direct application of apple cider vinegar can cause skin irritation, redness, and dryness. Ensure that apple cider vinegar is diluted with water before application (13).

How long does apple cider vinegar take for dark spot treatment?

While current scientific evidence indicates that apple cider vinegar may treat dark spots, there is no information to tell us how long it will take to show results. You will have to use apple cider vinegar a few times before it starts working (14).

Is apple cider vinegar good for dark inner thighs?

Possibly. Anecdotal evidence suggests that apple cider vinegar may lighten your inner thighs over time.

Discover the amazing benefits of apple cider vinegar for your skin and hair. Click the video to see how it can help you look and feel your best!

Personal Experience: Source

i. At-home skin tag removal experiment with Apple Cider Vinegar
https://dailywanderlust.wordpress.com/2012/05/02/at-home-skin-tag-removal-experiment-with-apple-cider-vinegar/

Sources

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Dr Jovana MajstorovicMD

     

Jovana Majstorović is a board-certified dermatologist with 10 years of experience. She is also the founder and owner of Derma Style in Belgrade, Serbia. She is also a fellow of the European Academy of Dermatology. She believes that the skin is the main mirror of an individual’s overall health. Her main postulate is that a doctor must educate patients about...more

Ramona SinhaEditor

 

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...more

Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru. Her passion for writing and editing and her background in psychology help her create content that...more

Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content. She loves reviewing skin care and hair care products and constantly endeavors to provide...more