Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has become a popular home remedy for many health conditions. Some people claim that applying ACV directly on the skin, including the face, can help with issues like acne, sunburn, age spots, and wrinkles. However, there are potential risks to putting undiluted ACV directly on your face. This article will explore what happens when you use ACV as a facial treatment.
What is apple cider vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is made from apples that have been crushed, distilled, and fermented. The main active component is acetic acid, which gives ACV its sour taste and strong smell. Although ACV has been used for centuries as a health tonic, it has gained particular popularity recently as a cure-all remedy for a wide range of conditions.
Purported benefits of apple cider vinegar for skin
Here are some of the ways people claim that apple cider vinegar improves skin health:
Acne
The acetic acid in ACV is said to have antibacterial effects that can help fight acne-causing bacteria. The alkalizing properties may also help balance skin pH levels to discourage bacterial growth. Applying diluted ACV is thought to dry out and heal acne lesions.
Age spots and sun damage
ACV contains alpha hydroxy acids, mainly malic acid, that act as a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells. This may help reduce the appearance of age spots and improve uneven pigmentation. The antioxidants in ACV may also neutralize some of the skin damage caused by UV exposure.
Wrinkles
Malic acid in ACV offers mild exfoliation to help smooth fine lines and wrinkles. ACV is also said to tighten pores and balance skin pH, which can reduce signs of aging.
Skin toning
Some claim that wiping skin with diluted ACV can help tone and firm the skin by tightening pores and balancing pH levels. This may impart a healthy, glowing look to the complexion.
However, many of these purported benefits are anecdotal and lack scientific evidence. More research is needed on the mechanisms and effects of using ACV on the skin.
Risks of applying undiluted apple cider vinegar to the face
While using properly diluted ACV as a skin treatment is generally considered safe, applying it to the face undiluted or in very high concentrations carries some risks:
Skin burns
The acetic acid in ACV can cause chemical burns when used in high concentrations. Undiluted ACV has an acidic pH around 2-3. This can disrupt the protective acid mantle of the skin and damage the outer layers. Burns from ACV will appear as redness, inflammation, and peeling.
Increased sun sensitivity
ACV may make skin more sensitive to UV light, increasing your risk of sunburn. The exfoliating properties also make it easier for UV rays to penetrate the uncovered skin layers underneath.
Irritation
For those with sensitive skin, undiluted ACV may cause irritation, stinging, and redness. It can be too harsh for dry or delicate skin types.
Damage to the skin barrier
The acidic components of ACV could harm the skin’s protective moisture barrier. This can lead to increased water loss and dryness. A damaged barrier also leaves skin vulnerable to environmental damage.
Eye injury
Getting undiluted ACV in the eyes can cause severe eye irritation and injury. The acidity is likely to cause painful burning and stinging of the eye surface.
To avoid these risks, it’s important to use proper dilution and prevent contact with the eyes when using ACV on the face.
How to dilute apple cider vinegar for facial use
When using ACV as a topical treatment, it’s essential to dilute it to avoid skin damage. Here are some tips:
– Always mix with water – use at least 1 part ACV to 2 parts water.
– Start with lower concentrations like 1:4 or 1:8 ACV to water first.
– For dry/mature skin, use more dilution such as 1:10.
– Do a patch test before wider application.
– Use weaker mixes around delicate areas like eyes (1:10).
– Mix a fresh solution each time to prevent bacterial buildup.
– Use glass, stainless steel, or plastic to dilute – ACV can corrode metal.
– Don’t apply ACV to open wounds or broken skin.
How to use apple cider vinegar on your face
When used correctly, there are a few ways to incorporate diluted ACV into your facial regimen:
Apple cider vinegar toner
After cleansing, wipe the skin with a toner soaked cotton pad to help restore pH balance and absorb excess oil. Mix 1 part ACV with 2-4 parts water. Start with a weaker dilution and adjust as needed. Avoid contact with eyes.
Spot treatment for acne
Dip a Q-tip in diluted ACV and dab directly onto pimples. This can help dry out and disinfect localized breakouts. Use a 1:3 ACV to water solution.
Facial soak
Add 2-4 tablespoons ACV to a bowl of warm water. Submerge a washcloth and wring it out until damp. Apply the cloth to your face like a compress for 5-10 minutes to soothe and brighten the skin. Keep eyes closed to prevent stinging.
Apple cider vinegar peel
Mix equal parts ACV and water. After cleansing, soak a cotton pad and wipe over face, avoiding eyes. Leave on for 1-2 minutes before rinsing. Repeat 1-2 times per week to gently exfoliate.
Be patient when using ACV on skin – it may take several weeks of consistent use to see results. And keep in mind that ACV is not a cure-all – talk to your dermatologist about proven medical treatments for any persistent skin issues.
The effects of using undiluted apple cider vinegar on the face
Applying ACV directly without diluting carries greater risks. Here’s what can happen when you put undiluted ACV on your face:
Extreme irritation and burning
The high acidity of undiluted ACV can quickly cause redness, stinging, and burning when applied. This irritation occurs within seconds to minutes after applying, and is a sign of chemical damage.
Pain and blistering
With prolonged contact, undiluted ACV can chemically burn the skin’s surface layers. This leads to swelling, local pain, and fluid-filled blisters. The depth of injury depends on concentration and duration.
Peeling and scarring
A chemical burn from undiluted ACV destroys the upper layers of facial skin, leading to dead tissue that peels away over 1-2 weeks. If the burn reaches deeper layers, scarring is possible.
Hyperpigmentation
The inflammatory reaction provoked by an ACV chemical burn often leaves behind skin discoloration as the damaged layers heal. This post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may persist for months.
Infection risk
The compromised skin barrier left after a chemical burn is prone to ingress of bacteria and viruses. This leaves the raw facial skin vulnerable to potentially serious secondary infections.
Photosensitivity
Undiluted ACV can make facial skin extremely sensitive to sunlight for up to a week after use. Even minor UV exposure can cause severe sunburn.
Eye injury
Splash injury with undiluted ACV quickly causes severe eye pain, blurred vision, redness and tearing. It can damage the outer corneal layer and leave eyes prone to infection.
So while diluted ACV may offer some benefits for skin, applying it undiluted quickly causes significant chemical burns and damage. Proper dilution is vital.
What to do if you’ve put undiluted apple cider vinegar on your face
If you’ve accidentally applied undiluted ACV to your face, follow these first aid tips:
– Immediately rinse your face with cool water for at least 15 minutes to dilute the acid.
– Wash with a gentle milk or cream cleanser to further neutralize acidity.
– Apply a cool compress to soothe burning and reduce inflammation.
– Take an antihistamine like Benadryl to relieve itching or swelling.
– Apply aloe vera gel to increase healing and reduce risk of scarring.
– See your doctor if you experience severe pain, blistering, eye irritation or visual changes.
– Monitor for signs of infection like pus, fever or spreading redness and seek medical care promptly if they develop.
– Avoid picking at peeling or blistered skin to prevent scarring.
– Once skin has healed, use sunscreen daily to prevent dark spots from sun exposure while skin is sensitive.
With prompt first aid, you can minimize damage from undiluted ACV on the face. But always dilute ACV properly in the future – start low with a 1:4 ratio until you know your skin can tolerate higher concentrations. Perform a patch test before wider application. And keep ACV away from your eyes!
Conclusion
While using diluted apple cider vinegar on your face may offer some potential benefits, applying it undiluted can quickly cause chemical burns and skin damage. Always mix ACV with water before applying it to face – start with at least a 1:2 ratio of ACV to water. Perform a patch test, and increase the dilution for sensitive skin. Avoid getting ACV in eyes. If you do happen to put undiluted ACV on your face, rinse immediately with cool water and follow up with first aid measures like aloe vera gel. With proper precautions, you may be able to take advantage of ACV’s beneficial components without causing harm to your facial skin.