We are going to kick off this series of articles all about how to make different remedies at home for your skin, with how to use Apple Cider Vinegar and it’s benefits.
We all get drawn into the trap of buying expensive products that we are told are good for our skin, our health or or bodies. There is nothing wrong in that of course, but for centuries people have used the ingredients around their homes and in nature to look after themselves too. Sometimes we need a quick fix solutions, everything we have tried fails, we are looking for affordability or want to simply have products for our skin that are more natural and we know what has gone into making them.
Making something at home can be extremely rewarding, not just because we know what we are putting on our skin, but the accomplishment of making a product that works for us. Not everything we try will work for everyone, but the creativity involved and the effort that we put in can really boost how we feel on the inside, as well as the results we get from a fantastic made at home item.
Apple Cider Vinegar
What is it? A vinegar that is made using the sugars created by fermenting apples. Apple Cider Vinegar has a variety of uses aside from cooking and making vinaigrettes, which can be extremely delicious. I love making a yummy salad and drizzling my favourite homemade vinaigrette over it – apple cider vinegar, sugar, wholegrain mustard and fresh garlic (you can sprinkle some fresh herbs like thyme in too).
It has lots of other health benefits too, reportedly being able to aid weight loss, improve insulin levels, it has anti-microbial properties, can lower cholesterol and give you a fuller feeling after eating.
In Skincare?
Yes! we are currently preparing a series to help you curate a Basic Buildable Skincare Routine, which will be released very soon (keep an eye on our Wellness & Self-Care page) and in it we talk about the basic building blocks for a healthy skincare routine. Number one is cleansing.
Apple Cider Vinegar has anti-microbial properties, meaning it is great for dealing with bacteria on the skin and around the home. In fact vinegar has been used for centuries in the home to clean, before we had all of these fancy products available to us. Mixing a little baking soda and vinegar tackles grease, or mixing with water and spraying on worktops will kill bacteria..
How?
This is where it gets so simple, add equal parts (you can increase the amount of water if you have normal skin by doubling it) of distilled or filtered water with the vinegar and pop it into a clean class container (spray bottle, jar, whatever you have to hand). Give it a good shake and it’s ready to go.
Now, you may be wondering about the smell and yes, it does. This can be remedied with some essential oils, but do your research and check which ones are safe to use on the skin. For example chamomile and lavender would be okay, but some other oils can cause irritation among other issues..
Using a cotton wool pad apply the ACV mix to your skin and leave it for around ten minutes, then wash off with warm water. It really does leave your skin nice and clean, ready for moisturising.
That’s it! This is a lovely, cheap alternative to expensive cleansers and soaps. Let us know how you get on if you try this over on our social media channels!
