Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne Reviews: Benefits and Risks

What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a type of vinegar made from apple must or crushed apples. The natural fermentation process converts the fruit sugars into acetic acid, which gives vinegar its sour taste and tangy aroma.

There are two main types of ACV:

• Filtered ACV - Clarified and filtered to remove apple solids and sediments
• Unfiltered ACV - Contains remnants of apples and a visible cobweb-like substance called "mother"

Both filtered and unfiltered ACV provide similar health benefits. But some believe the "mother" offers extra nutritional value with probiotics, enzymes, and minerals.

ACV has been used both internally and topically for centuries as a health remedy due to its antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. Proponents claim drinking diluted ACV may provide various benefits from weight loss to improved digestion.

ACV for Skin and Acne

Applying ACV to the skin may also offer certain benefits related to acne, aging, and other conditions. The acetic acid, vitamins, and minerals in ACV have the potential to exert positive effects on the skin.

Some of the possible dermatological benefits of ACV include:

• Killing acne-causing bacteria
• Regulating oil production
• Tightening pores
• Exfoliating dead skin cells
• Balancing skin pH
• Fading hyperpigmentation

Due to these mechanisms, using ACV topically may improve the appearance of acne, age spots, uneven tone, dullness, and enlarged pores. But does the research back up these purported ACV skin benefits?

Reviewing the Research on ACV for Acne

While ACV has gained popularity as a natural cure-all, rigorous evidence supporting its use specifically for acne and skin health is limited. However, some early research does suggest potential dermatological benefits.

Antimicrobial Effects

One key property of ACV relevant to acne is its antimicrobial effect against P. acnes bacteria. This bacteria proliferates in clogged follicles and contributes to inflammatory acne lesions.

Test tube studies reveal ACV and especially its main bioactive component acetic acid can inhibit growth of P. acnes. The antimicrobial activity occurred at concentrations as low as 2% in one lab study.

Researchers believe acetic acid penetrates deep into pores to exert antibacterial effects. The acidity of ACV may also create an unfavorable environment for bacterial growth.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Chronic inflammation plays a key role in the development of acne. ACV contains certain antioxidants that may help counter inflammation.

Specifically, chlorogenic acid found in ACV demonstrates anti-inflammatory activities based on preliminary research. This component inhibited inflammatory biomarkers in lab studies on cells.

By reducing inflammatory pathways, ACV could alleviate redness and swelling associated with inflammatory acne. However, clinical testing is still needed.

Exfoliating Ability

The acidic nature of ACV makes it a potential natural chemical exfoliant for removing dead skin cells. Acetic acid has a low pH between 2-3, making ACV highly acidic.

Chemical exfoliators like glycolic acid and lactic acid similarly have very low pH levels. This allows them to dissolve the bonds holding dull surface skin cells together to reveal brighter, smoother skin.

Applying diluted ACV may provide mild exfoliation without the irritation associated with harsh physical scrubs. But be aware that excessive acidity could also compromise skin barrier function.

Limitations of Current Research

While the ingredients of ACV offer theoretical benefits for acne-prone skin, most current evidence involves in vitro or animal studies only. Clinical testing on real acne patients is still lacking.

More rigorous, high-quality human trials are needed to substantiate claims about ACV for acne. Factors like optimal concentration, formulation, and frequency for topical use require investigation through controlled studies.

Until more robust clinical evidence is available, dermatologists recommend caution with putting ACV directly on your face. There are risks involved with using acids at home incorrectly.

Potential Risks of Using ACV on Skin

Although natural, ACV is still a harsh acid that can irritate and damage facial skin if used improperly. Potential side effects of using ACV for acne include:

• Burning or stinging
• Redness and dryness
• Increased sun sensitivity
• Damage to skin barrier
• Contact dermatitis reaction

Diluting ACV appropriately and limiting frequency of use are important to minimize negative effects on the skin. However, those with highly sensitive skin may still experience irritation and inflammation from topical ACV use.

ACV Can Disrupt Skin pH

Your skin maintains an acidic pH between 4-6 that keeps bacteria in check and protects against environmental damage. Topical application of highly acidic ACV could alter this natural pH balance.

This disruption can impair skin barrier function, leaving you more prone to moisture loss and external aggressors. ACV theoretically offers antibacterial effects, but so does your skin's natural pH when kept in balance.

Potential Photosensitivity

There is also some concern that ACV may increase photosensitivity, making your skin more susceptible to sunburn. This is a theoretical risk due to the phenolic acids in ACV.

One study found topical lactic acid heightened sensitivity to UV radiation, indicating other acids may have similar effects. More research is needed specifically on ACV, but photosensitizing effects are possible.

Insufficient Evidence of Efficacy

Perhaps the greatest risk with using ACV for acne is that it simply may not work well, if at all. Without clinical testing for acne treatment, any benefits are hypothetical.

You may end up exacerbating your acne or experiencing irritation while seeing no actual improvement in breakouts. Further research is required to prove ACV has any meaningful acne-fighting effects.

Expert Recommendations on Using ACV for Acne

In the absence of sufficient clinical evidence, dermatologists urge caution with at-home use of ACV for acne. Here are some expert recommendations regarding ACV:

• Dilute ACV before applying to skin - Mix with water at a 1:3 ratio initially.
• Limit use to once or twice weekly to start.
• Use only filtered, organic ACV if using topically.
• Do a patch test on your arm before facial application.
• Rinse off completely after 10-15 minutes.
• Moisturize well after to counter dryness.
• Always apply SPF after, even indoors.
• Stop if signs of irritation or allergy occur.
• Avoid using on broken skin.

Adhering to responsible usage guidelines reduces the risks of irritation and damage. But those with highly reactive skin may be better off avoiding topical use altogether.

What Dermatologists Suggest for Acne Instead

For active acne, dermatologists prefer treatments with proven clinical efficacy and established safety profiles. Examples include:

• OTC options: benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid
• Prescription topicals: retinoids, antibiotics, dapsone
• Oral antibiotics or contraceptives
• In-office treatments: photodynamic therapy, lasers, steroid injections
• Isotretinoin (severe, resistant acne)

Your dermatologist can evaluate your acne and develop a customized treatment plan using evidence-based therapies suited for your specific type and severity.

While natural remedies like ACV receive hype online, the consensus among skin experts is that ACV cannot substitute for proven medical therapies if you have moderate to severe acne.

Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne

Most ACV attention focuses on potential skin benefits from direct topical use. However, some advocate drinking ACV diluted in water for internal acne-fighting effects.

Oral ACV consumption has risks and drawbacks as well. Little scientific research exists demonstrating drinking ACV improves any skin condition, including acne.

Purported Benefits for Acne

Here are some theorized benefits of ingesting ACV for acne:

• Kills P. acnes bacteria from within
• Detoxifies the body
• Balances hormones related to acne
• Lowers blood sugar levels
• Reduces inflammation systemically

However, no clinical studies substantiate that drinking ACV can alter the microbiome, hormones, or inflammation enough to significantly impact acne. Any internal antibacterial or anti-inflammatory effects are likely negligible.

Potential Safety Concerns

Drinking undiluted vinegar daily long-term could have detrimental health effects, such as:

• Tooth enamel erosion due to acidity
• Digestive issues like nausea, reflux, and gastritis
• Low potassium levels
• Drug interactions
• Sore throat or esophageal injury

Never drink ACV straight. But even diluted, its acidity can damage tooth enamel over time. Start with no more than 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon diluted in water.

Those on medications or with gastrointestinal conditions need to be especially cautious and consult their physician before ingesting ACV.

Limited Evidence of Efficacy

As with topical use, there is minimal clinical evidence confirming drinking ACV delivers real benefits for acne. Any positive effects are theoretical and anecdotal.

While generally recognized as safe by the FDA, ACV is not a proven remedy. Look to lifestyle measures with more compelling data behind them for natural acne treatment, like diet and stress management.

Lifestyle Changes to Complement Acne Treatment

You can optimize results from your doctor-prescribed acne regimen by simultaneously focusing on lifestyle measures with clinical backing for acne:

1. Dietary Changes

Studies link acne severity to high glycemic load diets. Limiting intake of refined carbs, sugars, and dairy may help improve acne.

A Mediterranean style diet high in healthy fats, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains demonstrates protective effects against acne. Work with a dietitian for personalized diet strategies.

2. Stress Reduction

Managing psychological stress levels may benefit acne. Practices like meditation, yoga, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) reduce stress long-term.

3. Exercise

Physical activity is another key lifestyle factor for acne. Exercise balances hormones, lowers inflammation, and combats stress. Aim for 30-60 minutes most days.

4. Adequate Sleep

Get 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Poor sleep exacerbates acne by increasing cortisol and compromising immune function. Prioritize rest for holistic acne improvement.

5. Hygiene

Gently cleansing twice daily, avoiding excessive scrubbing, changing pillowcases frequently, and not picking pimples limits acne worsening from external factors.

Discuss comprehensive natural acne treatment to complement medical therapy with your dermatologist or primary care provider.

The Takeaway

At this time, insufficient clinical evidence exists to rate ACV as an evidence-based acne remedy. Anecdotal enthusiasm online outpaces objective data on efficacy and optimal use.

ACV shows some theoretical promise based on lab research. But experts urge caution with at-home use since facial application risks irritation, while drinking ACV has safety concerns and unproven effects.

For moderate to severe acne, stick to proven treatments like OTC and prescription products your dermatologist recommends based on your acne type and severity.

Lifestyle measures like a healthy diet, stress relief, exercise, and good sleep have stronger backing for complementing medical acne therapy.

While the potential of ACV for acne deserves further investigation, leave this acid out of your skin and health routines until more convincing clinical evidence emerges.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.