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apple cider vinegar acne
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #16863
4 days ago
24

apple cider vinegar acne - #16863

Raghav

I am starting to really wonder if apple cider vinegar acne remedies actually work. A few weeks ago, I saw this article claiming that apple cider vinegar can clear up acne fast, and I was super curious since I’ve struggled with breakouts for years! My skin has been a mess—like, I’ve tried everything under the sun from over-the-counter creams to fancy treatments but nothing sticks, you know? So, I decided to give this apple cider vinegar thing a shot, mixing it with water like they say to. At first, it felt alright but then I noticed my skin kinda reacted—like a bit of redness and burning. Is that normal? Do you have to build up to it or something? I've also read some people say to use it directly, which seems intense... but am worried about how that affects the apple cider vinegar acne treatment stuff! I really want to make this work because nothing else has done much for my breakouts. Has anyone had good or bad experiences with apple cider vinegar for acne? What’s the best way to apply it without making my skin worse? Just trying to figure this out before I do something that’ll mess it up further.

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Doctors’ responses

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has gained popularity as a home remedy for acne, but its use is not without some potential risks and lacks strong scientific backing. ACV is known for its acidic properties which can help exfoliate the skin and reduce oiliness, which may give some hope to those with acne. However, the downside is that its acidity can also irritate the skin, especially if not properly diluted. What you experienced—redness and burning—can occur due to its acidic nature. This is a signal your skin may need a gentler approach. It’s generally advised to dilute ACV in a 1:3 to 1:4 ratio with water to reduce the risk of irritation. You can patch test it first on a small area to see how your skin reacts. Applying it full strength directly onto the skin should be avoided, as it can lead to significant irritation or burns.

For treating acne, it’s often safer and potentially more effective to use treatments with proven efficacy, such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids. These are available over the counter or via prescription and tend to be more reliable in terms of both effectiveness and safety profile. If you haven’t yet, consulting a dermatologist can also provide personalized treatment options tailored to your skin type and severity of acne. Remember, consistency is key with these treatments, and sometimes finding the right one takes experimentation under guidance.

Keep in mind, managing acne often requires a holistic view—consider your skincare regimen, diet, stress levels, and hormonal factors. Also, any new treatment should be given time to show results, often 6 to 8 weeks, before assessing its effectiveness. If irritation from ACV persists or intensifies, discontinue use and seek medical advice. Stay cautious with home remedies that aren’t well-studied, especially when they cause adverse reactions. Your skin deserves safe, effective care.

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