Apple cider vinegar is one of the staple items in the kitchen.
Today, we use it for a variety of things, and that includes skincare routine.
ACV is praised by health and beauty gurus for its health benefits. And despite its strong smell, it is something you have to try.
Today, we will talk about how to make your own apple cider vinegar toner, why you need the toner, and how long until you reap the benefits.
Benefits of apple cider vinegar for your skin
Many of us keep apple cider vinegar in our kitchen.
After all, ACV is a staple in cooking.
There are many dishes and vinaigrettes that absolutely must have apple cider vinegar.
But in the past several years, apple cider vinegar has become much more than just a cooking ingredient.
The product has become a staple in DIY beauty and hair treatments as well.
The biggest benefit of apple cider vinegar for our skin is balancing our skin’s pH value.
Our skin is naturally acidic, but when the levels are in balance, the skin lives in a perfect balance of oily and dry.
When your skin is out of balance, that is when your pores get clogged, your skin becomes too dry, too oily, itchy, irritated, and when breakouts happen.
Apple cider vinegar has a pH value of 3.
When diluted, the acidity of this natural toner helps bring the pH value back to its normal levels.
This allows your skin to function at an optimal level, prevent bacteria, get rid of excess dead skin cells, and prevent pores from clogging.
Here are some quick benefits of apple cider vinegar for skin:
- Dissolves dead skin cells
- Balances the skin’s natural pH levels
- Lightens sun and age spots
- Improves acne and acne scars
- Minimize the appearance of pores
- Improves the skin’s healing properties
In order to reap all of these benefits, you have to make sure you are getting the good stuff.
That means purchasing organic, raw, and unfiltered apple cider vinegar.
Look for vinegar with the “mother”, which is naturally occurring strand-like enzymes that are only found in raw and unfiltered vinegar.
How to make your own toner
First off, let’s just say that this is not the only recipe for an apple cider vinegar toner.
There are countless recipes and ratios you can find online.
Some prefer 1:1 ratio, while others go for 1:3 ratio.
To be fair, it is best that you find your own ratio.
Start with something minimal, and then work your way up.
You have to remember that not all of us have the same skin.
We all have unique DNA, and we all have unique skin.
As a general rule of thumb, we suggest you start with something like 1 part vinegar, and 4 parts water.
If the solution is too strong for your skin, add more water.
If it doesn’t seem strong, and you do not see any results, you should add more apple cider vinegar.
Here is an example of how you can make your own vinegar toner:
- Pour 1 part of organic apple cider vinegar into a glass jar, container, or a bottle
- Add 4 parts of distilled or filtered water
- Shake it to combine the mixture for at least one minute
- Wash your face, and then apply the toner to the freshly cleansed skin. Use a cotton ball or cotton pad to apply the toner. Make sure to avoid the eye area
- Wait for the toner to dry, and then apply your usual and daily moisturizer
- Shake well before each use, and store the toner in a cool and dry dark place. There is no need to refrigerate. You can make a new batch on a monthly basis.
As mentioned previously, make sure to experiment with the ACV and water ratio to find what works best for you.
Some people hit the right ratio on the first try, others need a bit more experimenting.
You can try and customize your toner as well.
Add witch hazel, essential oils, green tea, or anything else you like to make it more potent.
You can also infuse the water with fresh herbs, which will add additional aroma to your toner.
We all know that the smell of apple cider vinegar is hard to bear, so try adding some herbs to make it easier for you.
If you want to infuse the water, bring it to boil, add the herbs, and then simmer for 30 minutes at low heat.
Strain the mixture and then let the infused water cool down before adding it to the vinegar.
Why you need a toner?
People often ask why they should use a toner.
After all, we use a cleanser.
But toner is an essential step of your skincare routine, and sadly, usually underrated.
Toners come between cleansing and moisturizing.
And toners have been used for thousands of years.
For example, ancient cultures used palm oil, olive oil, spices, and avocado for moisturizing, and botanical waters for toning the skin.
When they were introduced, toners were originally used to restore the skins natural pH after using a cleanser.
They became popular in the 1930s.
The problem with conventional toners is they usually are a chemical soup of alcohol and conventional astringents, parabens, hydrogenated oils, additives, and fragrances.
In other words, things you do not want on your face and skin.
These ingredients are definitely not necessary for anyone who wants to have clear and beautiful skin.
And because or skin’s pH can be disrupted due to many factors, including bad diet, lack of exercise, stress, dehydration, and much more, a natural toner will definitely bring benefits to your skin.
When will I see the benefits?
This is the question most people have when they plan to start a new beauty skin care routine.
How long does it take for apple cider vinegar to help you clear your skin?
Well, here is a quick idea.
Bear in mind, this doesn’t mean it will be the same for you.
But in most cases, your face will react to apple cider vinegar toner in the same way.
- On the first day, the smell will be pretty unbearable. This is the hardest part of trying the new skincare routine. On the first day, your skin will begin to tingle, and the smell will be hard to swallow. But, if you give this routine a real try, you will see the benefits
- You cannot expect overnight results, which is why you won’t see any real benefits in day two. This is also the day when you can try adding more water or ACV in order to experiment with the ratio. If the burning is too much, add more water. If you can handle, add more ACV
- By day three, you will start seeing results. For starters, the dark spots on your face will look lighter, and there will be fewer zits on your face
- By day four, if you are not convinced, you probably won’t be convinced further on
- You can expect a pimple or two to appear. One pimple in favor of the scars looking less grotesque is definitely a good deal
- The good news is that a pimple will start healing on the next day. And that is thanks to the healing benefits and antibacterial benefits of apple cider vinegar
