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You may have read some DIY skincare ideas that include using apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar, or cider vinegar, is a vinegar made from fermented apple juice. Yes, it is usually used as an ingredient in delicious salads and sauces, but did you know that apple cider vinegar contains potassium, antioxidants, and amino acids, all of which can be beneficial to the health of your skin? It also has antibacterial properties.
Diluted apple cider vinegar can be used in DIY face cleansers and acne treatments, due to its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. It has also been used as a folk remedy for some types of dermatitis. It could help combat acne caused by bacteria build up within our pores and around microscopic breaks in the skin. Apple cider vinegar also contains a natural antihistamine, called quercetin. Some dermatologists therefore recommend apple cider vinegar rinses to reduce breakouts associated with acne.
There is still a lot of research underway exploring the use and effects of apple cider vinegar as a skin care ingredient. Pure apple cider vinegar can cause chemical burns when applied to the skin in some people, so we don’t recommend using pure apple cider vinegar in a DIY skin care regimen without specific guidance from a dermatologist.
There are several different types and causes of acne. Cystic acne occurs when pores in your skin are clogged with sebum, dirt, and dead skin cells. This creates a perfect opportunity for the growth of bacteria, which can cause an infection. The infection can grow deeper into the skin, leading to inflammation and redness, causing raised acne bumps (AKA cysts) with pus that can be tender to the touch.
Benzoyl peroxide is a topical agent for fighting bacteria and can be good for some type of cystic acne. Jojoba oil and rosehip oil are also good for reducing inflammation, fighting bacteria, and keeping in moisture for healthier skin. Ingredients that help exfoliate dead skin cells and increase new skin cell production, such as Vitamin A/Retinol, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid, are good for treating cystic acne as well.
The secret to winning the battle against cystic acne is having the right regimen for your skin. Products that are too strong can be irritating and drying, causing your skin to overproduce oil, which leads to more acne. Picking the wrong active ingredients may have no effect. Using the right regimen for your acne type and skin tolerance can effectively clear acne while keeping your skin healthy and balanced.
apple cider vinegar may be effective for cystic acne, but there are many other factors that may affect whether this ingredient would work on your skin or if there are better ingredients that may work for you. Take this skin quiz to find the best ingredients for your skin and build your skincare routine.
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