Why cider vinegar is better than your expensive beauty products

Many conventional care products promise beautiful, radiant skin, or even full, smooth hair. Often, however, there are questionable ingredients in the products, which dry out, seal, or irritate the skin. A natural and inexpensive alternative is apple cider vinegar. We will tell you why you should use this household remedy in the future for more than just a salad dressing.

What is cider vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar or ACV is produced when apples are pressed into cider. By adding acetic acid bacteria, cider then ferments to cider vinegar. This produces the tannic acid tannin, ferments, and organic acetic or citric acid. Even though ACV contains more active ingredients than the original apple, the amount of vitamins and minerals contained is lower.

What are the advantages of cider vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar has been valued as a remedy for centuries. In ancient times and in the Middle Ages, it was said to have a healing effect. Its areas of application vary: from cosmetics to cleaning agents, household remedies and food supplements, the fruit vinegar has made a name for itself! It is said to stimulate digestion, melt abdominal fat, help lose weight and make the skin glow.

All these positive effects are not surprising, many valuable ingredients such as folic acid, calcium, vitamin C, iron, sulphur, and beta-carotene are contained in apple cider vinegar - and they are all completely natural!

How does cider vinegar work on the skin?

ACV can be used both for cleansing and care. As an elixir it soothes the skin. It has a disinfectant and antibacterial effect thanks to its sulphur content. Plus the fruit acid tightens the pores. Therefore, cider vinegar can help with acne as well as fine lines.

Apple cider vinegar is also said to reduce psoriasis after just one week of daily use (dabbing). As ACV has a similar pH value to our skin, its natural acid mantle is not weakened, but strengthened! In comparison with many other conventional cosmetic products, this is a decisive advantage.

Facial toner with apple vinegar

To improve the texture of your skin, a self-made facial toner made from apple cider vinegar and water is recommended. To do this, simply mix equal parts of still mineral water and ACV in a small glass bottle. Pour onto a (reusable) cotton wool pad and spread it over the face morning and evening - do not rinse.

Please note: if you have sensitive skin, first test the mixture in the crook of your arm overnight to be sure you tolerate the acid.

Other external applications of apple vinegar

When apple cider vinegar is applied to your hair, it gives it a beautiful shine! In addition, it can help reduce the issue of dandruff or hair that quickly gets greasy. Simply mix 1-2 tablespoons of ACV (organic, naturally cloudy) with one litre of water. After washing, rinse the hair with it and massage it in gently. You do not have to rinse after application unless you find the smell disturbing.

Keep in mind, the smell of apple cider vinegar disappears quickly since it only smells when wet. As soon as your hair dries, the pungent smell is gone.

How does cider vinegar help from the inside?

It has yet to be confirmed that consuming apple cider vinegar has a positive effect. Nonetheless, there are animal tested studies that show the insulin metabolism is positively influenced. A reduction of inflammatory processes in the body has also been proven. However, as the useful bacteria from the vinegar culture hardly survive the stomach acid of humans, metabolism-promoting effects are questionable. When used as a drink or in the form of tablets, ACV is said to cleanse and purify the body and skin as well as promote wound healing.

For well-founded results, studies with a larger number of people would have to be conducted. Presumably, larger amounts of apple cider vinegar are necessary for undoubted health benefits.

What you should pay attention to when buying cider vinegar

Since conventional apple cider vinegar usually consists of apple residues mixed with artificial vitamins, go for organic! This way, you can be sure that fresh apples were used for production. The label "from whole apples" makes it easier for you to buy a good vinegar. In addition, ACV should preferably be naturally cloudy, which is an indication that the product has not been processed any further and still contains all the natural vitamins.

Related links:

• Study on the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect of apple vinegar
• Study on the effect of apple vinegar on insulin metabolism
• Study on the anti-cancer effect of cider vinegar