As compelling as these arguments may seem, this cheap and natural remedy may actually cause more harm than good when used for this purpose.
While it is clear that apple cider vinegar can help strip away excess skin oils, it has a pH of between 2.0 and 3.0, making it far more acidic than your skin can reasonably tolerate.
When exposed to this level of acidity, your body responds with inflammation to prevent infection and begin the process of wound healing. This can lead to redness and swelling of already-damaged skin.
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid. This differs from the salicylic acid or glycolic acid found in acne-fighting medications, which are heavily diluted and tend to have more favorable pH levels (between 3.0 and 4.0).
As much as skin oils (sebum) contribute to the development of acne, they also help maintain the barrier function of the skin by preventing bacteria and other microorganisms from penetrating the outer layer (stratum corneum).
By stripping away these protective oils completely, you compromise the skin barrier, which may allow bacteria entry to the lower layers of skin, leading to infection, inflammation, and a worsening of your acne.
Some contend that drinking apple cider vinegar can fight acne by decreasing bacterial colonization in tissue, but this is not proven. A 2017 study in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology reported that increased skin surface acidity promotes acne outbreaks and increases the risk of recurrence.
Consuming undiluted vinegar can also cause corrosive damage to the esophagus, stomach, and intestine, leading to coughing, reflux, indigestion, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and dark stools (a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding).
As cheap and available as remedies like this may be, don’t ignore the standard treatments recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology, some of which are free or low-cost. These include:
Washing your skin twice daily and after sweating with a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser Using only mild, non-alcohol-based astringents Using over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide either alone or in combination with a topical antibiotic for mild acne Keeping your hands off your face and letting your skin heal naturally Staying out of the sun and away from suntanning beds Reducing the amount of high glycemic index (GI) foods in your diet
If these interventions don’t help, make an appointment to see a dermatologist. While doing so may cost you a little, the long-term benefits to your skin (and your pocketbook) will almost always be well worth it.
