While scientific studies haven’t been done on the effects that apple cider has on acne breakouts, New York City M.D., board-certified dermatologist Sejal Shah suggests that the acid from apple cider vinegar has both antibacterial and keratolytic properties to potentially combat acne.
However, like all treatments applied to your skin, you should be careful when using apple cider vinegar as it can damage the skin if used improperly. “Apple cider vinegar can be very irritating to the skin and can even cause chemical burns,” explains Shah, “it should be diluted.”
As for creating an acne-zapping mixture, pour one-part vinegar with four parts water into a bowl. Depending on the texture of your skin, you’ll either have to dilute the mixture with more water if you have sensitive skin, or use more vinegar for a stronger concentration. Then, apply the mixture to your problem areas with a cotton ball, just as you would with a toner. Leave the treatment on for 15 minutes before rinsing, repeating these steps several times a week.
To ensure that your skin doesn’t have a chemical reaction to apple cider vinegar, try a test spot before applying the mixture all over your face.
With that said, apple cider vinegar does show promise when it comes to getting rid of acne, however it may be too harsh for certain skin types and should be used with caution.
