Eczema is a common cosmetic issue that affects millions around the world. As conventional treatments usually prove ineffective when it comes to this skin condition, most people resort to natural medicine, and, it’s for a reason. For one thing, apple cider vinegar, a staple in every kitchen, is one of the most effective natural remedies for eczema.
How ACV Treats Eczema
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic, malic and lactic acid, as well as beta-carotenes, which are extremely beneficial for stimulating cell regeneration. In addition, this common kitchen ingredient provides amazing antiseptic and antifungal properties owing to which it’s great against infections, inflammation and itchiness.
ACV has been part of natural medicine for thousands of years. It’s proven effective in treatment of a wide array of skin issues. Plus, it’s abundant in vitamins and minerals including magnesium, iron, potassium, pectin, calcium, phosphorus, sodium and sulphur, all of which work together to strengthen the immune system. Its high fiber content is beneficial for removing toxins out of the body.
5 Reasons to Wash Your Face with Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV makes a great face wash, only that you have to be cautious not to use it on your face undiluted. It’s also extremely useful for skin regeneration. The best way to use it on your face is dilute it with water in a ratio 1:1 and always try it on a small skin area to check for sensitivity.
These are the 5 reasons why you should use ACV for your face:
1. Reduces age spots
Washing your face with ACV on a regular basis can help you reduce the appearance of age spots. This kitchen ingredient is full of alpha hydroxyl acids, which is why it’s great for removing dead skin cells and stimulating skin regeneration. What you do is soak a cotton ball in ACV mixture then apply it on the affected areas, leave it on for 30 minutes then wash your face with cold water. For optimal effects, do the treatment twice a day for six weeks.
2. Fights acne, pimples and blemishes
ACV has powerful antifungal and antibacterial properties, which is why it’s just as effective as commercial products. For one thing, it reduces and prevents acne and pimple breakouts and clears blemishes. On the plus side, it’s safer than chemical-laden commercial products, which is why it should always be your first option.
3. Balances the skin pH
ACV balances your skin’s pH levels and sebum production, thus preventing skin to become too dry or too oily.
4. Fights against wrinkles
Washing your face with diluted ACV on a regular daily basis will help you remove wrinkles and fine lines from your face. This will eventually make your skin smooth.
5. Removes toxins
Using ACV regularly will eliminate all toxins from your face thus preventing further skin complications.
How to use ACV for eczema
If you are dealing with eczema, use ACV to treat the condition. There are several ways to use this common ingredient for this condition, but these are the most effective:
1. ACV diluted in water
Ingredients:
2 tsps. ACV
1 cup of water
a cotton ball
Instructions:
Soak a cotton ball in diluted ACV; you can use a small bowl for this. Apply the mixture on your face. Repeat the treatment until the condition improves.
If you have sensitive skin, mix 1 tsp. ACV with half a cup of water.
2. Apple cider vinegar bath
Ingredients:
½ cup of ACV
any moisturizer of your choice
Instructions:
Mix the apple cider vinegar in your bath and soak for 15 minutes. Towel-dry then apply a moisturizer. For optimal results do the treatment every day. Adding some coconut oil in your bath will only add more benefits to the treatment.
3. Take apple cider vinegar orally
Ingredients:
1 tsp. ACV
1 cup of water
Instructions:
Drink the solution 2-3 times a day to improve your immune system and to relieve any skin issues.
4. Apple cider vinegar and baking soda
Ingredients:
2 tsp. ACV
¼ tsp. baking soda
1 cup of water
1 tsp. honey (optional)
Instructions:
Mix the ACV and baking soda with water and drink it. Do this every day until you see desired effects. Optionally, add a teaspoon of honey to improve the taste.
5. Apple cider vinegar and honey
This is an extremely powerful combination that provides a number of medicinal properties including treatment of eczema. It’s highly beneficial because it can relieve skin inflammation and irritation, as well as kill any bacteria in case of a bacterial infection.
Ingredients:
2 tsps. ACV
1 tsp. honey
1 glass of water
Instructions:
Mix ACV, honey and water until honey dissolves and drink 3 times a day with meals. Do this until your condition improves.