There are a lot of products out there these days promising to give us radiant, glowing skin. Fortunately, there is an unlikely a candidate for a beautiful complexion waiting for your local organic grocer’s pantry: unpasteurized, raw, organic apple cider vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar, or ACV, is an incredible concoction. It consists of crushing apples, collecting the juice and the adding beneficial bacteria and yeast cultures to initiate the fermentation process. The resulting apple cider vinegar is full of calcium, magnesium, potassium and enzymes.
ACV also has powerful antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties, and has been used since antiquity as a “cure” for everything from digestive discomfort to prevention of flu. It is also a staple in a detox plan as it gently cleanses the toxins from the body while providing essential nutrients. For the skin, it is hard to find anything better.
Here are a few ways to take your apple cider vinegar internally to start the health of your skin from inside, and also ACV skin care basics. However, when you buy your apple cider vinegar, make sure it is organic, raw and unpasteurized, because the refined stuff is no comparison to the real thing.
You can tell your apple cider vinegar is good if you see a substance like spider web floating in the dark brown liquid. This is called the “mother of vinegar” and the ACV is infused with benefits.
Clean the skin from the inside
Once taken internally, ACV emptied the toxins from the body. This includes skin, of course. Detoxify with ACV can restore the skin problem for health if the toxins have been responsible for outbreaks and other skin related issues. As ACV is also a powerful anti-inflammatory tonic, it can help clear acne and inflammatory conditions of the skin, including psoriasis and eczema, from the inside.
The basic elixir
The best way to drink your apple cider vinegar is to mix 2 teaspoons with 16 ounces of purified water. This mixture can be drink all day. In addition to reducing inflammation and elimination of toxins, drinking this can help fight cravings, reduce LDL cholesterol levels and even reduce belly fat.
ACV skincare
When topical application, ACV can help to balance the pH of your skin. Cleanses the pores deeply and provides nutrients to repair the skin. It has been traditionally used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, acne scars and age spots, soften the skin and tone the skin.
Toner
Simply pour a little of ACV on a cotton ball and apply to your face after cleaning. You can do it every day to keep your pores looking their best, and dab in the hot spots if they arise.
ACV chilled green tea
Prepare a cup of your favorite organic green tea, adding a few leaves of peppermint or spearmint if desired. Let cool. Add 1 or 2 teaspoons of ACV to the chilled tea. Sweeten with crude honey, local if desired.
Detoxification “super syrup”
This concoction is a powerful stimulating immunity, relieving digestive discomfort, supporting cardiovascular health and combats inflammation throughout the body. You can also bring that healthy glow back to your skin. Simply mix 2 cups of ACV, 2 teaspoons of organic cinnamon and 2 cups of raw, local honey. Store in a cool, dry place.
Facial mask
Mix equal parts of ACV and Aztec Secret Indian Clay. Apply to the face, leave to act for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Exfoliating scrub
In a jar or small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of ACV and 2 spoons of raw honey. If you are fighting redness, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Add enough coconut crystals to make a scrub. Apply to clean skin, rub gently, then leave for 10 minutes before rinsing. The scrub can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
With all the uses for apple cider vinegar and the many ways you can keep your skin feel its best, there is no reason you shouldn’t have this superfood in your pantry.
