White Vinegar vs Apple Cider Vinegar Baths: Benefits and Risks

The Benefits of Vinegar Baths

Vinegar baths have become increasingly popular over recent years as an easy and natural way to care for skin and treat certain conditions. The two most common types of vinegar used are white vinegar and apple cider vinegar (ACV). But what's the difference, and is one better than the other?

The Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties of Vinegars

One of the main reasons people take vinegar baths is because of the antibacterial and antifungal properties. Both white vinegar and ACV contain acetic acid, which gives vinegar its sour taste and pungent smell. Research indicates acetic acid can kill bacteria and fungi, helping treat infections and prevent them from spreading.

Studies also found vinegars have antiseptic abilities and can help prevent pathogens like E. coli and S. aureus from growing. This suggests vinegars may help sanitize and disinfect skin, preventing issues like body odor.

Treating Skin Conditions

Due to their antimicrobial effects, vinegar baths may help treat common skin conditions like:

• Athlete's foot
• Body odor
• Acne
• Dandruff
• Eczema
• Psoriasis

The acetic acid in vinegar helps kill bacteria on the skin, reduces inflammation and redness, and removes dead skin cells. This helps treat existing skin issues and prevent future breakouts.

Soothing and Detoxifying Effects

Many people take vinegar baths simply for the soothing, detoxifying effects. The vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and acids in vinegars can help:

• Draw out toxins
• Balance pH levels
• Exfoliate and soften skin
• Increase circulation

Vinegar also contains important skin-boosting nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, iron, and calcium. When you soak in a vinegar bath, your skin absorbs these beneficial nutrients.

White Vinegar vs Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin

Both white vinegar and ACV offer the antibacterial, antifungal, detoxifying properties that make vinegar baths useful. But is one option better than the other? Heres how they compare:

Nutrient Profile

The main difference between white vinegar and ACV lies in their nutrient profile. White vinegar comes from corn or other grains and only contains acetic acid and water. Meanwhile ACV is made by fermenting apple juice, keeping many of the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients intact.

This gives ACV a slight edge when it comes to healthy skin benefits. The additional antioxidants, vitamins and minerals your skin can absorb may provide extra anti-aging, protective, and rejuvenating abilities.

Acetic Acid Content

Research indicates you need a vinegar with at least 5% acetic acid to get medicinal antimicrobial effects. Both white vinegar and ACV typically fall within this recommended range:

• White vinegar: 5-8% acetic acid
• ACV: 5-6% acetic acid

So while ACV contains more nutrients, white vinegar can actually have more antibacterial acetic acid in some cases. But both clearly meet the research-backed minimums to take advantage of the antimicrobial benefits.

Skin Benefits

Overall, both white vinegar and ACV show potential for improving skin health. Benefits can include:

• Killing acne-causing bacteria
• Balancing skin pH
• Removing dead skin cells
• Treating fungal infections like athlete's foot
• Providing key nutrients like vitamin C and magnesium
• Increasing blood flow and circulation

Theres little evidence showing that either ACV or white vinegar baths work significantly better than the other. While ACV contains more nutrients, white vinegar has more antibacterial acetic acid.

How to Take a Vinegar Bath

If you want to test out the potential skin benefits of vinegar baths, heres a simple process to follow:

What Youll Need

• 1-2 cups vinegar (white or ACV)
• Bathtub filled with warm water

Instructions

1. Fill your bathtub with warm water the temperature should be comfortable, not too hot.
2. Pour in 1-2 cups of vinegar as the tub fills.
3. Soak for at least 20 minutes to allow the nutrients to fully absorb into your skin.
4. Rinse off with clean water after your bath.
5. Be sure to shower as normal using gentle soap afterward.
6. Moisturize with a gentle, fragrance-free lotion if your skin tends to dry out.
7. Take vinegar baths as needed, or make part of your regular self-care routine.

Extra Tips

• Add essential oils for additional skin-boosting effects and relaxing aroma.
• Pour vinegar on problem skin areas halfway through your soak to target treatment.
• Use lukewarm water instead of hot to avoid drying out your skin.

Should You Use Vinegar on Your Face?

While vinegar baths can benefit your entire body, putting vinegar directly on sensitive facial skin comes with some warnings. Vinegars acetic acid content makes it highly acidic with a pH around 2-3. In comparison, your facial skin needs a pH between 4.5-6 to retain moisture and protect your acid mantle.

This means putting undiluted vinegar directly on your face could erode top layers of facial skin, cause redness and irritation, trigger breakouts, and disrupt your skins pH balance. So vinegar facial soaks, toners, or cleansers typically arent recommended.

However, some people dilute ACV with water and use sparingly to help treat acne. If you want to experiment with this, only use highly diluted solutions of 1 part vinegar to 8-10 parts water. And patch test on a small area first to check for reactions.

Risks and Considerations

Vinegar baths come with relatively little risk for most people when used properly. But keep these safety precautions in mind:

• Avoid getting vinegar in your eyes, as this can damage your cornea.
• Rinse vinegar off after your soak, as leaving it on too long could erode top layers of skin.
• Patch test vinegar on a small area before full baths if you have sensitive skin.
• Dont use vinegar if you have open cuts or wounds, as it will sting.
• Consult your doctor before using if pregnant, breastfeeding, or on certain medications.

The Bottom Line

White vinegar and ACV contain similar antibacterial acids shown to treat skin conditions, kill germs, and detoxify. ACV brings some extra nutrients, while white vinegar may offer more potent antibacterial abilities in some cases.

Overall, both vinegars can benefit your skin when used properly in baths. The convenience and typically lower cost of white vinegar makes it easier for regular use. But if you want extra nutrients and antioxidants, spring for raw, organic ACV instead.

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.