Fighting Acne and Dark Spots
I believe most of you know or have heard or have used Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV). Well, up to December 2012, I was a non-believer. A few months prior, all of a sudden I had few pimples every single day. I'd tried using all kind of acne ointment (Oxy, Clearasil, Clean & Clear, Proactiv), you name it. I even tried toothpaste! Pimples would come and go, but at least I still had three active pimples a day. It was so embarrassing as if I never take care of my face and it makes me feel dirty. The more I stressed out, the more acne would show up. In Dec 2012, my roommate suggested trying ACV which she had in the fridge. So, I gave it a shot. I used it every night after shower as toner (3 water : 1 ACV) and I let it on my face until right before going to bed. I would brush teeth and rinse my face and then I put my night cream. Hence, the ACV usually stayed on my face at least two hours. It was a miracle. The pimples didn't add up and the active ones were healing in 3-4 days! I did some research and found out that the acidity in ACV helps reducing pore size which also makes my face cleaner. Now, I've been using ACV for over a year and I have changed the ratio into 1:1 since my skin is now used to ACV. Some people are comfortable with 2 water : 1 ACV. You can decide your own ratio by adjusting water to the most comfortable your skin with. I've noticed that ACV has helped to even out dark spots that caused by those damn pimples. Really! I've never felt my face so clean ever. I must admit during my period, I get one or two pimples. However, since I use ACV, pimples never grow bigger as they used to. I am very pleased. So, here's some notes from me about ACV and my face skin
1. Acid level in ACV helps reducing pore size, it means skin will be much cleaner. This is how ACV fights acne.
2. You can adjust your own ACV toner. As beginners, start from 4 water : 1 ACV. Here’s a good toner recipe, use 2 water : 1 ACV ratio with few drops of Essential Oil of your own pick. Lavender Essential Oil is a good choice since it has good smell and works as an antibacterial agent. I personally use cotton ball when applying, others use spray bottle. Again, your choice!
3. ACV helps to even out dark spots. It may not be as quickly, however, slowly but sure!
4. As starter, get Organic ACV.
Fight Warts
I’m using ACV to fight my wart. I use a small piece of cotton ball and soak it with ACV, put on top of the wart and use a bandaid to fasten and let it overnight. I do this right before I sleep. I will update once I get rid of my wart, about how long it takes to completely get rid of it.
(Update on 02/20/14, I probably didn't do it right, somehow I got my skin burnt after using over a week, I scratched my skin a lot and I think that caused the burn and all that. However, I do notice a smaller wart now even though I stop using it. I recommend to stop using if you feel uncomfortable/burn or if it doesn't help with warts. I mean it works to some people, so I think you still can give a shot, why not? But don't hurt yourself. In the experience of burning, I found a good remedy to soothe the pain, I use my conditioner formula: 2 water, 1 ACV and mix it with alcohol, it worked! I was amazed!)
Health Booster
Every now and then I take a teaspoonful of ACV to help boosting my health. It is believed that ACV helps from the inside regarding our skin and health. ACV can help to detoxify and help lymph systems (allergies and stuffed nose). According to Reader’s Digest, ACV prevents indigestion just by sipping before eating. Try drink this 30 minutes before you eat: 1 teaspoon ACV with 1 teaspoon of honey and a glass of warm water.
Hair Conditioner
It sounds weird but some people use ACV as conditioner. Kiki also use it as conditioner to make her hair smooth and shiny. She says to mix half water and half ACV (with few drops of Lavender/Chamomile Essential Oil) after shampooing. I have to admit that she does have smooth and shiny hair. She adds to use Coconut Oil mixed with (raw) honey once a week for hair mask. Microwave it a little bit and apply to hair by massaging and leave it about 15-20 minutes. Then wash off with shampoo and conditioner. Coconut Oil is believed to cleanse
and help scalp, and in her case, she uses it to fight her split-end hair.
Foot Bath
Yes! Literally. Not only it helps soothing ache and swollen feet, ACV works as antibacterial agent when combined with warm water for foot soak. You could use either half water half ACV or 2 water : 1 ACV. It takes about 15-20 minutes to soak feet. For toenails with problem, I recommend to put a drop of Tea Tree Oil overnight. I think ACV works to clean through and helps with the healing process meanwhile TTO works as antiseptic. I am currently dealing with my husband toenail that almost detached from its nailbed and will keep this blog updated.
My note: since I don’t feel comfortable with soaking (too much trouble), I soak a cotton ball then put one drop on each clean toenail and let it dry by itself. Eventually, I put TTO overnight. Now you all know why I consider ACV as my best friend. Not only it has tons of benefits, it’s easy to find ACV and seriously, you don’t need to pay expensive skincare (yet may contain harsh chemical ingredients) to be healthy and look pretty! Give it a chance! Good luck!!
-dora-
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