vinegar for face - #17246
I am kinda freaking out about this vinegar for face stuff! Last month, I started using apple cider vinegar on my skin after seeing some posts about how great it is for toning and clearing up acne. Like, I was desperate. I’ve had these stubborn breakouts and my skin always feels a bit oily—ugh, not cute! At first, it seemed to work wonders, but then I started noticing some redness and irritation, which was super annoying. I thought vinegar for face use was supposed to help, not make it worse! Did I use too much? The ratio thing confuses me. I read somewhere it should be mixed with water? Then, just yesterday, I tried doing a full-on vinegar for face mask, and now my skin feels like it’s on fire—might’ve left it on too long? I saw that vinegar for face benefits included brightening but I’m also worried about chemical burns or something because, honestly, that would be just my luck. Anyone else have experience with using vinegar for face issues? What’s the best way to use it without turning my face into a tomato?? Did I mess this up, or is this a normal reaction? Glad for any tips and experiences you can share!
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Doctors' responses
Using apple cider vinegar on the skin can be tempting due to its widely touted benefits, but it needs to be approached with caution. It acts as an astringent and has antibacterial properties, which might be why it seemed to work initially. That said, the key issue here likely revolves around the concentration and application method. Vinegar is an acid, and applying it undiluted can easily cause skin irritation or chemical burns. It’s common practice to dilute apple cider vinegar with water—typically a ratio of one part vinegar to three or four parts water as a starting point, although this can vary based on individual skin sensitivity. Your description of redness and irritation suggests you may have used it undiluted or in too high a concentration, and the full-on face mask might’ve prolonged exposure, exacerbating these reactions. I’d recommend stopping the use of apple cider vinegar for now, especially if your skin feels irritated. Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to help soothe and repair your skin barrier. If irritation persists or worsens, seeing a dermatologist would be prudent, as they can tailor treatment to your skin’s specific needs. Over-the-counter treatments with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can be effective for acne without the risk of burns, provided they’re used appropriately. If you wish to reintroduce apple cider vinegar in the future, definitely patch test first. Apply the diluted solution to a small area and wait 24 hours to ensure there’s no adverse reaction. Be wary also of the “burning” sensation—it’s a sign from your skin that something isn’t right. Balancing home remedies with medical-grade options, especially those backed by solid research, tends to be safer and more effective.
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