Many of us underestimate the power of natural remedies. In the old days, there were not a lot of over-the-counter medications or treatments for skin issues. In fact, our grandparents had to use what they had on hand to feel better and look better.
They came up with some wonderful ideas that really do work. One of those ideas is the use of apple cider vinegar in your skincare routine.
Apple cider vinegar has many properties that make it great to use on your skin. The vinegar’s mild acidity is enough to fight bacterial and fungal infections but does not hurt your skin. It also removes dead skin cells, cleans out your pores, softens skin, and balances your natural pH level. Here are a few of the ways that vinegar can be used:
Cure cracking heels and elbows – Anyone who has dry and cracked heels or elbows knows how painful that is. A soak in a dilution of apple cider vinegar can be just the cure. Fill a tub of warm water and mix in a liberal amount of vinegar. Then let your feet soak for thirty minutes or so. Continue for a week and you will see a marked improvement.
Treat fungal infections – Athlete’s foot and toenail fungus are unpleasant parts of life. However, there is no need to turn to over-the-counter medications. Instead, soak your feet in a strong vinegar and water solution for fifteen minutes a day for two weeks. In the same amount of time as the medication, you will be free from your infection.
Prevent breakouts – Acne breakouts and eczema breakouts are very unpleasant and unsightly. However, you can treat and prevent them with vinegar. Apply undiluted vinegar directly to the problem areas after breakouts happen or use a half and half dilution of water and vinegar every day to prevent breakouts.
Soothe burns and bites– You would not usually think of pouring something acidic on a burn but vinegar is a great way to take the sting out of sunburns, minor burns, bee stings, and bug bites. Apply the full concentration directly to the skin to cool, soothe and relieve pain.
Shiny, Flake Free Hair – The skin on your scalp can also benefit from treatment with apple cider vinegar. Simply dilute it with a two to one solution in water and pour it over your head. Let it sit for five minutes and then rinse out. Not only will your hair be shinier and smoother, but your scalp will also be less itchy and dandruff will disappear after several treatments. This is because the vinegar solution helps to regain your scalp and hair’s natural pH balance and removes the buildup that shampoo leaves behind.
Remove Body Odor – While many of us use antiperspirants and deodorants, those can be harsh on our skin. For a natural way to remove body odor simply dab a vinegar solution on your underarm pits. The vinegar helps to kill bacteria that causes the odor and works to minimize and absorb lingering smells. It also does not block up your sweat glands with harsh chemicals, allowing your skin to look smoother and feel better immediately as opposed to antiperspirant use.
These are just a few of the ways that apple cider vinegar can be used to help your skin. Traditional remedies are often overlooked for trendier ways, but they usually work just as well. The next time you are in need of toner, burn treatment, fungus medicine or anything else skin-related why not turn to vinegar?
