Sometimes we don't think about natural products when it comes to everyday routines. The fact is, many skin conditions can get treated with items you probably already have at home. You don't have to spend a ton of money on chemicals that may be dangerous for you.
When you realize how much you can save on natural remedies, and how good they can be for your health, it gets pretty exciting. You've already heard a lot about the benefits of apple cider vinegar for things like weight loss and sunburn, but there are many other uses for it as well. Many people don't want to talk about things like eczema and dandruff because they get embarrassed. Don't let it bother you. More people suffer from various skin conditions than you might think. Using this simple pantry staple has so many health benefits, and some may surprise you. Let's explore some of the ways apple cider vinegar can get incorporated into your healthy skincare routine.
Many of us have experienced this scenario before. You are at a gathering with friends, and you notice something flaky on your shirt. You try to brush if off but feel uncomfortable and wonder if anyone else saw it, too.
Now, the reason apple cider vinegar can help with dandruff is that it's thought to balance the ph levels of your skin. It also helps with the shedding of dead skin cells from your scalp. A study showed that apple cider vinegar has certain ingredients that prevent different kinds of fungus from growing. The acetic acid in an ACV bath helps get your skin back into proper ph balance, causing less dry skin, which means less dandruff.
It's easy to add this to your wellness regimen. You can add about half a cup of apple cider vinegar to one and a half to two cups of cool water. Pour the mixture onto pre-shampooed hair and rub it into your scalp. There is no need to rinse that out, but if you're concerned about the smell, you can condition your hair and then rinse. An added benefit you'll get is smooth, shiny hair that looks and feels healthy. This process will also remove dirt and oil from your scalp while working as a moisturizer for your skin. If you don't want to take the time to get a bath, you can always work this into your shower time. It's fast and easy, and once the ph levels get restored, you can use it on an as-needed basis.
Sometimes dandruff shampoos can worsen the issue because they contain chemicals that irritate and inflame the skin. Making skin conditions worse means it'll take even longer to fix the problem. Dandruff doesn't have to make you uncomfortable any longer. These home remedies can take care of the problem and make flaky skin a thing of the past.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is an immune response that gets exaggerated and causes itching and inflammation. It leaves the you with rashes and red spots all over the body.
If you want to use an ACV bath, you can pour two cups of apple cider vinegar into some warm bath water and mix with a cup or two of Epsom salt. Soaking in this solution is great for eczema, and the Epsom salt helps relax and soothe achy muscles and joints. You can also add in some essential oils to help you relax before bedtime. If you have sensitive skin, you can use less apple cider vinegar and gradually increase the amount you use over time. People with eczema often suffer from severe itchy skin, and using an ACV bath two to three times per week can reduce these symptoms. If you use a little warm water, it'll help soothe the skin. Don't get the water too hot because that can cause the skin to get more irritated. If you have especially severe skin problems, adding in some baking soda will also help. You can pour half a cup of baking soda into an ACV bath and soak for twenty to thirty minutes for relief. You should find that your skin's dryness resolves after a few times, and if not, it should at least get much better.
According to dermatology experts, for people who have eczema, moisturizers help to relieve the condition. For children, some dermatologists suggest reducing bacteria and skin inflammation. Apple cider vinegar has both antimicrobial properties and anti-inflammatory properties. Much like dandruff, eczema is another skin condition that often gets treated with harsh chemicals. Sometimes that treatment seems worse than the cure, especially for children. Their eczema can be so extreme that doctors have recommended a bleach bath to clean their skin. Using simple home remedies like an ACV bath could help you avoid putting dangerous chemicals on your skin.
Yeast infections come from candida overgrowth. We coexist with a natural balance of bacteria and yeast, and that balance keeps them both stable and in check. When that balance is off, we can get yeast infections. The use of apple cider vinegar has shown a reduction in candida growth.
Since apple cider vinegar has antifungal and antimicrobial properties, it can be helpful with bacteria and yeast. In one study, apple cider vinegar treated a yeast infection that didn't respond to traditional medical treatment.
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that many people experience. You may first notice it between your toes. It causes itchy skin and is very contagious. Gym floors and locker rooms are hot spots for spreading it. It can be a painful condition because sometimes the skin will crack and become inflamed. Many people end up with blisters.
Some bacteria on the skin barrier are normal and healthy. Sweating and keeping your feet in warm socks all day produce odors and can be a welcoming environment for infections to thrive. A foot soak that will detox and put the skin's ph back into balance can be highly beneficial.
You can prepare a foot soak at home using one part apple cider vinegar with four parts warm water. You soak the affected foot for twenty minutes a day until the athlete's foot is gone. A quick DIY foot soak can be as effective as a prescription treatment. It's one of many simple home remedies that get recommended by foot clinics to help with issues like these. Apple cider vinegar also works as a deodorant for the foot, removing the need for pharmaceutical lotions and sprays. Some people find it helps so much with body odor that they can replace store-bought deodorants.
Warts can cause people to feel self-conscious. Depending on where they're located, they can also be frustrating. Warts can appear in areas you shave, and you have to be careful not to cut them.
Instead of trying an expensive medicine, you may want to give apple cider vinegar treatment a shot first. You can dip a small piece of cotton in ACV and place it over the wart. Tape it with duct tape and repeat the process every four to six weeks. After some time has passed, the wart can become scabby and fall off. If you find the area is tender, leave the cotton on for a few hours each day.
When you want a treatment that works, apple cider vinegar can help with many conditions. A quick ACV bath can work wonders for a plethora of skin issues. It only takes a few minutes each day, or sometimes each week, to see tremendous health benefits. Apple cider vinegar can be safer and often as effective as prescription medicines.
There are many reasons to use an apple cider vinegar bath, but the most crucial is that it is good for your health. You can play around with the various ratios and find the perfect combination that works best for you. When buying apple cider vinegar, always make sure it contains the mother. That means it's unfiltered and unrefined, so you're getting the bacteria, yeast, and protein that makes it so healthy!
References
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https://www.healthline.com/health/apple-cider-vinegar-dandruff#acv-health-benefits
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788933/#__ffn_sectitle
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14717453/
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a26767903/apple-cider-vinegar-bath/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321398#overview
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/childhood/treating/treat-babies
https://www.verywellhealth.com/apple-cider-vinegar-for-yeast-infections-5121050
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/athletes-foot/symptoms-causes/syc-20353841
https://www.naturalinstinct.com.au/blogs/news/can-you-control-dandruff-better
https://www.spectrumfootclinics.ie/blog/2019/6/5/top-tips-to-take-care-of-athletes-foot
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/apple-cider-vinegar-foot-soak
http://bluefishmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Wart-Treatment.pdf