Acne can be a hard to treat condition and you may have tried everything known to man to try and clear it up. It causes hard pustules on the skin, especially the face. It is caused by clogged oil ducts and may also have symptoms like redness, crater like scarring, and open lesions. You might be considering trying different home remedies, and apple cider vinegar may be an option for you.

Apple cider vinegar, known as ACV, has many different health properties that can benefit your body in many ways. Read further to see how ACV can work for acne, and how to use it for the best results.

How Does Apple Cider Vinegar Work for Acne? 

The skin has a naturally acidic environment to ward off bacteria and fungus. The use of daily washes, genetics, and acne medication can all change the skin environment and make it more susceptible to acne. Apple cider vinegar for acne can help improve the acidic environment of the skin, so it can protect itself from germs. It even has astringent properties that can open up clogged pores. The acidity works to help get rid of bacteria, dirt, any leftover makeup, dead skin, and oil. 

When you use ACV, you get the benefits of a tonic, a pH balancer, and nutrients your skin needs. Apple cider vinegar is rich in potassium, acetic acid, magnesium, enzymes, and probiotics that work together to nourish your skin. 

The nutrients in ACV work together to restore a healthy balance. The probiotics feed healthy bacteria to the skin surface, while the acetic acid gets rid of the unhealthy bacteria that can lead to acne breakouts. When you use ACV as a toner on your face, it works as an "all-natural" antibiotic getting rid of unhealthy bacteria on contact.

Apple cider vinegar can also help give your immune system a boost to fight off acne from the inside of your body to the outside. If you are using raw organic ACV, there is a good amount of beta-carotene that will help nourish healthy skin regeneration.

Other benefits of apple cider vinegar: 

• Detoxes any toxins and free-radicals that cause acne.

• It may seem drying, but is actually a natural skin protectant helping your skin breathe.
• It is a natural exfoliant containing alpha-hydroxy acids.
• Balances the pH of the skin which keeps oil production in check.
• Has natural anti-inflammatory properties to reduce inflammation and redness.

How to Apply Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne 

ACV is pretty easy to mix-up and keeps well, for just pennies per use. It is all-natural and a healthy way to combat acne. There are a few different ways to use it, try them all and decide which one works best for you. 

Apple cider vinegar works best and is safest when it is diluted. You can mix it with other helpful ingredients to give it even more acne fighting power and health benefits. Here are the different ways you can use ACV: 

1. Dabbing Solution 

• Mix ACV 1:1 with water.
• Dip a cotton ball into solution and dab directly on pimples.
• Allow to air dry.
• Rinse your face with cool water.
• Pat dry with towel.

Note: If your skin is very sensitive, try adding water in a 2:1 ratio.

2. Facial Steam

• Wash your face and pat dry.
• Boil a pot of water.
• Set water on heatproof area.
• Pour in ¼ cup ACV.
• Place towel over head and then face over steam.
• Keep your face in the steam for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Rinse face with cool water and pat dry.

3. Toner Spritz

• Dilute ACV 2 parts water and 1 part ACV.

• Put in a clean spray bottle.
• Spritz acne areas once daily.
• Leave for 15 minutes until dry.
• Rinse with fresh water.
• Pat dry.

4. Baking Soda and Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne

• Mix together 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar and ¼ tsp. baking soda.
• Stir in ½ cup spring water and allow to fizz.
• Stir into one 8 oz. cup of tea with honey.
• Drink once daily.
• You can also use this as a scrub for acne prone areas.

5. Oral Apple Cider Vinegar Drink 

• Take an 8 oz. glass of water and stir in 2 tbsp. ACV.
• Sip slowly through a straw to protect teeth.
• Follow with one-full glass of water.
• For better taste, add 1 tsp. honey.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar Oral Solution for Daily Use 

• Mix 32 oz. spring water with 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar.
• Stir in 2 tbsp. honey, maple syrup or molasses (your choice).
• Mix well and take 1 tbsp. 3 times daily before meals.
• Drink plenty of fluids with your meal.
• Store in sealed container in fridge for up to 1 week.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar Honey Mask 

• Clean your face with gentle soap and warm water.
• Spritz your face with ACV Spritz (recipe above).
• Pat skin dry.
• Take 2 tbsp. raw organic honey and smooth over your face.
• Massage honey into skin for 2 minutes until honey starts to dry.
• Allow honey to dry on face for 15 minutes.
• Rinse with warm water.
• Pat skin dry.
• Moisturize.
• This is best when done up to 3 times weekly.

Tips for Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne

• Always dilute apple cider vinegar with plain water before using. Always dilute at least 50/50 water to ACV.
• Buy high quality raw apple cider vinegar (contains “The Mother” which is strands of cloudy materials that are healthy)
• Use Sunscreen after applying to your skin
• Do not use near eyes
• If you experience any irritation, discontinue use
• Always use a straw when taking ACV orally. It can take the enamel off your teeth.
• Wash ACV off skin every time you apply it
• Take care not to spill ACV on your clothing, the smell lingers and it may stain
• The first time you apply ACV to your skin, only leave on 5 minutes, then rinse
• Apple cider vinegar can alter the pH of the body. Drink once daily or once every other day depending on how the body responds.