I’m always keen to find more natural products to use on my skin since I have eczema and allergies. Apple cider vinegar (I’m gonna call it ACV for the rest of this post as I’ll get sick of writing it’s full name by the end!) is one of things I’ve found that has a load of skincare uses. It can be a potent weapon in the fight against acne (mask life amiright ?), and it can help soothe sunburnt skin. I thought I’d run through some of the uses for this cracking product which you can often pick up very cheaply. I usually order mine online but you can get it from shops such as Holland and Barrett in the UK.

🪒 Get rid of razor bumps

ACV has anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it an effective remedy against razor bumps. Put a few drops of ACV on a cotton pad, then apply it to the affected area. The anti-inflammatory effects will minimise signs of razor burn, and the ACV’s acid levels will soften the skin, helping to prevent ingrown hairs.

🧴 Toner for acne-prone skin

Instead of paying a fortune for fancy facial toners, use ACV as the first step in your post-cleanse skincare regimen. In its undiluted state, ACV is too strong for the skin on your face. To make it a suitable toner, mix one cup of water with ½ tablespoon of ACV, then apply it to your face with a cotton pad. Make sure you mix the toner thoroughly before every application. Because ACV contains natural alpha-hydroxy-acids, this toner will help to exfoliate your skin and tighten the pores. This minimises breakouts and gets rid of existing blemishes.

🦶🏼 Get rid of athlete’s foot

ACV also has anti-fungal properties. If you have athlete’s foot or other fungal infections, try using a footbath filled with an ACV mixture. For best results, mix one cup of ACV with four cups of water. Soak your feet in the mixture for 20 to 30 minutes, and then rinse them in water. Because ACV has antiseptic properties, this also helps to deodorise your feet. Perfect for those hot summer days!

👎🏼 Eczema

A lot of people find that ACV is an effective remedy for eczema and itchy skin. Because it contains everything from acetic acid to mineral salts, ACV can reduce eczema-related inflammation and restore the skin’s pH levels. This helps to soothe eczema-prone skin. To use ACV as an eczema remedy, add two cups to a warm bath. Soak in the bath for 30 minutes or more, and then apply an emollient to your skin afterward.

💆‍♀️ Get rid of dandruff

Dandruff is often caused by fungal growth and damage to the scalp’s acid mantle. ACV can help to mitigate both of those problems. To use it as a dandruff treatment, mix equal parts water and ACV. Rub it into your scalp before you have a shower. Leave it on for about ten minutes, and then shampoo your hair and scalp as usual. Do this several times a week until the dandruff is gone. If you want, you can also add a few drops of tea tree oil.

🌞 Sunburn

The acetic acid in ACV helps to balance the pH level of the skin. When you apply it to the sunburnt skin, it helps to restore the damaged skin to the appropriate level of acidity, which minimises blistering and peeling. To use ACV as a sunburn relief, mix one cup of vinegar with four cups of water. Then apply the mixture to the affected areas of your skin using a warm flannel. Alternatively, you could put it in a spray bottle and spray directly onto your skin.

🦟 Bug bite remedy

ACV is an effective anti-itch treatment for eczema and rashes. It’s no wonder, then, that it’s also a great way to treat bug bites. Apply undiluted ACV to an inflamed bite. It will speed healing, minimise itchiness, and reduce swelling.

🧖🏼‍♀️ Clay mask for acne

Combining ACV with bentonite clay or fullers earth creates a blemish-banishing facial mask. Bentonite clay and fullers earth have healing properties, and go deep into the pores to get rid of impurities and blemishes. ACV reduces inflammation and irritation. For a powerful at-home facial, combine equal parts ACV and clay. The mixture should have the consistency of a paste. Apply it to your face, and leave it on your skin until it dries. Once it’s dried, gently rinse it off with warm water. You’ll immediately notice that your pores look tighter, your skin looks clearer, and your face feels refreshed.

Let me know if you give any of these a go and what results you get. Do you use any other natural remedies or products?