Is apple cider vinegar an effective treatment for acne?
I made a video about this a long time ago, but I’ve somewhat shifted my opinion on it and decided to make a new video – especially because it seems to be such a popular natural remedy. I’ve been enjoying using it a spot treatment lately, so I talk a little bit about that!
Plus I found a hill with an incredible view behind me, so this vid is at least worth checking out just for that!
Do you have any experience with apple cider vinegar for acne?
Jessica says
November 10, 2011 at 8:20 amHey Tracy! Loved the video. I’m jealous of where you are! Haha
I also used acv internally (2 tbsp mixed with water twice a day) for about
3-4 months and I noticed no change it my skin. I was, however, really bloated after I drank it. I also used it as a spot treatment and didn’t really notice anything except an increase in whiteheads. I cant say if it was from that or not, but it happened the same time. Anyway, I’d be willing to consume again and see if it helps as my acne has mysteriously changed types (unfortunately, now it’s worse and painful)
Tracy says
November 10, 2011 at 7:55 pmhaha okay good luck Jessica! let me know if it works for you!
Lizzy says
January 1, 2012 at 2:05 pmI’ve been using ACV on my face at least once a day for three weeks. Initially I thought it did wonders for my face–I could almost see my zits shrinking. But after the first week nothing seemed to be changing anymore. All of the zits I had before I started using ACV are still there, just smaller, less red, and drier, and will not heal at all they just get more inflamed and less inflamed different days. I also had an increase in the number of whiteheads all over my face. I have waaaaaay more….like way more than I’ve ever had. I think my zits might have disappeared faster if I had just not used ACV at all, and I probably wouldn’t have as many whiteheads.
I’m glad to know that I wasn’t the only one who this didn’t work for!
Konica says
November 10, 2011 at 11:12 amHey Tracy!
How can I increase stomach acid or enzymes in my diet for better digestion without taking a supplement.
And what is the difference between stomach acid and digestive enzymes? If there is any.
and which one is better or do we need both?
Tracy says
November 10, 2011 at 8:52 pmHi Konica!
They are different, and we need both. But the stomach acid is really important for breaking down proteins in particular, and undigested proteins are usually the most problematic because they go on to cause allergies. But anyway…. you can try apple cider vinegar, raw unpasteurized sauerkraut, sea salt… overall healthy diet… probiotics …… these should all help stimulate stomach acid. you can read more about healing your digestion in my book 🙂
Jeff says
November 10, 2011 at 2:06 pmI haven’t watched the video yet, but here’s my two cents.
I’ve taken it orally for periods of time, and I’ve stopped. Reason? It’s stained my teeth a LOT, lol. Even with using straws, I was getting pretty ugly marks on my teeth.
I’ve also used it on my face, and it seems to work from time to time. If I use it for extended periods, it seems to lose its effectiveness. And plus, it smells … lol. I’ve used it as a spot treatment, and it seems to remove the spots pretty quickly, but it seems to make the afterspot a LOT darker. Maybe that’s just me?
mostly the smell is making me >.> I started using rosemary (from annmarie gianni) and it’s really really good. it’s pretty spendy though. haha
Tracy says
November 10, 2011 at 8:53 pmHi Jeff… yeah, I’ve been using it as a spot treatment, but other than that, it just doesn’t seem worth the hassle.. to me anyway.
magda says
November 11, 2011 at 1:04 amtracy and all of you guys!!
I NEED YOUR HELP! i am desperate to improve my digestion and fix my gut.i think this is the cause of all problems.i suspect i have leaky gut and i am researching on how to fix this.it seems really difficult and i am really confused on where to start.i just found out the GAPS diet but it seems very restrictive.the problem is that i am almost allergic to any food, not just common allergens.so what do i do? probiotics, digestive enzymes and glutamine? tracy i really need your advice. i panic and feel guilty with anything i eat. i ve read that it might take years to fix leaky gut and balance the good flora and also that killing candida doesnt mean that you have fixed your leaky gut…
i am sorry for the long post.i always have questions.another thing that i worry about is all the supplements i need to take.i mean i cant spend all that money on supplements..i wish i could live a normal life.i am so depressed and confused.i feel like i will never beat acne like you did,ots just so hard…
RB says
November 11, 2011 at 2:17 amI just wanted to let you know that I’ve been battling similar issues for the past couple of months. And I’ve done the really restrictive diets and it is TOTALLY worth it. It is hard and it takes awhile to figure out, I’m lucky I know a few people who have/are going through it and we’ve helped to support each other (might look online for a support group because it will make you feel alone and a little crazy sometimes). But each person’s experience with it is different so it’s really important to listen to your body. I haven’t gone yet, but I would also recommend getting a Naturopath to help you figure it out because there are so many avenues to take and (what I’ve experienced) is that it changes as the process goes along and each case is different.
Some resources that I’ve used are the Body Ecology Diet (mostly just for info not for eating ritual) and The Yeast Connection Diet and Cookbook. Also my Mom, who has managed candida for years, suggested getting ALCAT testing for food sensitivites (if you haven’t already done something similar)…it’s expensive so I would talk to a Naturopath first but it helped her have some guidance.
Keep your chin up – it’s a hard and it may get harder but it will be worth it. : )
magda says
November 11, 2011 at 1:09 ami also cant have a normal bowel movement if i dont drink cofee.it sucks.i want to quit it but whenever i try i get constipated
Tracy says
November 11, 2011 at 1:23 pmHi Magda…. I’m so sorry you’re going through such a rough time with all this. Unfortunately there is just so much more to know before I can really help you individually….. but anyway. You’ll get through this, you’re just going through a low point. Don’t think of this restrictive diet stuff in terms of YEARS.. you don’t know how long it will take you. Don’t just assume it’s years or you’ll give up right away.
What I would recommend is definitely going to see a naturopath for some testing, if you haven’t already… I’m posting an article about this tomorrow. Also, if you’re looking for a good gut healing regimen with all whole foods and no supplements, check this out: http://heal-thyself.ning.com/notes/14_Steps_for_Healthy_Guts
This is a really helpful website.
RB says
November 11, 2011 at 2:06 amI’ve had really good experiences with ACV. I use it daily both internally and as a toner. I just put a little (1-2 tsp) in my drinking bottle. Sometimes I add a little stevia or lemon juice just for variety but with such a little bit I haven’t had any real problems with the taste or teeth staining or anything like that. And my digestion has improved a lot.
Topically – I use it diluted as a toner put it on and let it dry and sometimes just leave it but if I’m going to be working out or something where I”m going to be sweating (because it will smell like vinegar) I’ll wash it off again. And sometimes I use it strait as a spot treatment too. In addition to being an exfoliant, apparently it also pushes impurities out of your skin too. It’s helped me a lot in addition to diet changes. I’ve seen it mentioned on a lot of natural “spa” skin care type blogs if you’re looking for different ways to use it.
Aryana says
November 24, 2011 at 4:42 amhow does ACV help as a spot treatment? Does it make the spot smaller or less red or something?
Tracy says
November 24, 2011 at 8:13 amIt just seems to dry them out and make them not seem so angry
leeanna says
January 18, 2013 at 10:25 amTrying it!
leeanna says
January 18, 2013 at 10:26 amhoping it works i need somthing that can really help
yeng says
February 28, 2013 at 7:46 pmHi there,
i started drinking acv with honey just this week. how long will it take to see improvement in my skin? Hope this will really work for me.
Thanks 🙂
Chelsea Erin says
July 31, 2013 at 11:49 amHi, Tracy!
I drink ACV every morning to prevent heartburn (another side effect of low HCl) and I just wanted to offer my recipe for a tasty vinegar drink with lots of Vitamin C.
I mix 3 cups of ACV with 1 cup of honey and 5 lemons (rinds and all; blended with a little water until they’re almost completely liquid). I put this in a gallon jug and fill the rest of it up with filtered water. I like to dissolve the cup of honey in some warm water on the stove so that everything mixes up nicely. Then I just shake it in the morning and pour!
It’s great for taking my Natural Calm magnesium and I also add a pinch of a cinnamon-ginger-tumeric mixture for stomach health. I heat it up a little before mixing in my supplements and drinking. I’ve been doing this for over 3 months and have almost no heartburn now!
I thought this recipe might be a little easier to handle for anyone who wants to try ACV but can’t get over the taste.
Thanks!
Tracy says
July 31, 2013 at 12:17 pmThat’s awesome, thanks Chelsea 🙂
Lee Affleck says
August 9, 2016 at 12:47 pmHello!
I was prescribed *Tactupump* which is an Adapalene and Benzoyl Perozide topical gel. I am currently on an all natural face care regime and do not want to break this cycle as it has actually been working. I do, however, agree with the doctor that my skin is being clogged by keratin. Is apple cider vinegar an alternative to this type of topical gel? If not, is there anything that you can recommend for this?
Thank you! 🙂