APPLE CIDER VINEGAR BEAUTY HACKS

Apple Cider Vinegar or ACV has been associated with a lot of health benefits from weight loss, to blood sugar regulation etc, apart from being used in salad dressings, baking, cooking and as a preservative. But have you tried apple cider vinegar for a beauty hack? Using apple cider vinegar for the skin and hair maybe something new to many. So read on to find out more about it and also ways to use it.

What is apple cider vinegar?

Apple Cider Vinegar (also known as ACV) is nothing but apple juice with added yeast, which turns the sugar in the juice, into alcohol. This process is called fermentation. The alcohol contains bacteria which turn the alcohol into acetic acid, which is what gives the vinegar its strong taste and smell.

For beauty use: Remember to buy apple cider vinegar that is organic, raw, unfiltered and unpasteurized containing ‘The Mother’.

Here are some beauty hacks using apple cider vinegar:

1. How to use ACV for the hair:

Using apple cider vinegar for the hair can help boost hair volume, increase hair shine, reduce frizziness and dandruff and keep the hair healthy while also keeping scalp infections at bay.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of filtered water
• ⅛ cup or 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  (Raw and unfiltered)

Method: In a cup of filtered water, add in the apple cider vinegar and mix it well.

Method: Add this mixed apple cider vinegar and water solution into a spray bottle and spray it all over your scalp and hair evenly. When applying it on your hair, use downward strokes and gently rub it in. Then, let it sit for 30 minutes before washing your hair with a mild shampoo and conditioner. Pat dry your hair with a towel.

Please Note: Do not overdo it. The apple cider vinegar hair rinse should be used just once a month or maximum twice a month and not more than that, as too much acidity for the hair too is not good, as it will cause the hair cuticle to contract and damage the hair.

2. For the feet: Apple cider vinegar has exfoliating properties that can help remove dead skin and soothe the skin making it supple.

To use: Soak your feet in a bucket which contains apple cider vinegar and water in the ratio 1:2 respectively. Soak your feet in for 15 to 20 minutes and then wash off with plain water.

3. For healthy and brighter nails: Apple cider vinegar can help strengthen the nails, improve nail health and give it a better shine.

To use: Soak your nails in a small bowl that contains equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water for 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse off with plain water.

4. Take a soothing bath:

Apple cider vinegar can help exfoliate the body as it contains alpha hydroxy acids that act as a chemical exfoliator and thereby, it can help remove dead skin cells, in turn making way for the new and rejuvenated skin cells below. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe and calm the skin. Taking a warm bath with apple cider vinegar can help make the skin soft and supple. READ MORE – TURMERIC SOAP RECIPE – skin brightening and clearing

To use: Add around 200 ml of apple cider vinegar into your bathtub filled with warm water and relax for 15 to 20 minutes and let the apple cider vinegar do its job.

5. Detox armpits:

If you sweat alot or you are transitioning towards natural deodorants then it is important to detox your armpits. Using vinegar under your armpits helps to reduce body odor, detoxifies the skin, reduces sweat and also brightens the skin.

To use – Add 1 /2 cup of rose water to a spray bottle along with 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar with the mother. Shake it really well and spray it on your armpits. Leave it on for 15 mins and rinse off.

6. For back acne reduction:

Apple cider vinegar can help improve skin tone, skin texture and appearance. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can exfoliate the skin, absorb excess oils and unclog the pores.

To use: Into a small spray bottle, add in apple cider vinegar and water in the ratio 1:4 (1 tsp apple cider vinegar and 4 tsp of water). Shake well before use.

Then for application, wash your back with a mild cleanser and as it is drying, spray little bit of this apple cider vinegar toner onto a cotton pad and apply it evenly over your back. Once this has dried you can use your regular moisturizer or you can wash it off after 10 to 15 minutes after application and then moisturize.

7. For ingrown hair:

Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the inflammation and bumps caused from shaving or waxing and can make it easier for the ingrown hair to grow out.

To use: In a bowl, take 1 to 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar and dip in a cotton pad and then apply this all over the patches of ingrown hair and let it dry out. REDA MORE – OVERNIGHT HAIR SPRAY to stop hair fall, thinning hair and regrow thicker hair

General caution when using apple cider vinegar:

These beauty hacks are general and do not usually cause any irritation. But certain skin types react differently to different ingredients and therefore doing a patch test before complete application or usage, is advisable. If it causes any irritation, rinse off immediately with plain water and discontinue its usage with immediate effect.