Exploring the Use of Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne

Introduction

One out of every two individuals is affected by acne, especially adolescents. It is said that approximately 85% of teenagers suffer from acne¹. In some individuals, acne may even persist into adulthood. 

We try different home remedies to manage this bothersome condition. One such home remedy is apple cider vinegar (ACV). In this article, we will discuss how we can use apple cider vinegar in the management of acne. 

What Is Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)?

Apple cider vinegar is prepared by fermenting crushed apples with yeast². This converts the sugars in the apple into alcohol and finally into acetic acid, the main active compound in ACV. Most of the health benefits of apple cider vinegar come from its acetic acid content. ACV may be useful in lowering blood sugar levels, weight loss, and the management of acne. 

How Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Can Help You Manage Your Acne?

Apple cider vinegar may help in acne management due to its antibacterial and keratolytic (helping peel away outer skin cells) properties. Let’s look at each of these properties. 

• One of the main causes of acne is the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes or P. acnes. It can cause inflammation and scarring of the skin. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, lactic acid, chlorogenic acid, polyphenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, and glycosides (antibacterial compounds), which can kill the bacteria P. acnes³. 
• Clinical studies⁴ have shown that lactic acid causes a significant reduction in acne when applied to the face. However, specific evidence on the use of ACV in acne is lacking. 
• ACV may also be helpful in removing dead skin cells. Skin discolouration and scarring are the main concerns after the healing of acne. Apple cider vinegar may also be able to remove the damaged cells of the outer layers of skin, reduce inflammation, and promote the growth of normal cells⁵. This may help to reduce scarring from acne. This process of applying organic acids to the skin is called “chemical peeling⁶.” 

The above-mentioned benefits are backed by some clinical studies. However, more studies are needed to confirm these findings. 

Can People with a Severe Form of Acne Benefit from Apple Cider Vinegar?

ACV may not be effective in the management of severe acne. Please consult your doctor if you have a severe form of acne. 

Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Here are some health areas where ACV has been studied 

1. ACV helps in killing bacteria

Vinegar can help kill pathogens, including bacteria. People have traditionally used vinegar for cleaning and disinfecting. Vinegar is also used as a preservative in foods. Studies show that it inhibits bacteria from growing in and spoiling food⁷. 

2. ACV may help lower blood sugar levels and manage diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is characterised by high blood sugar levels caused by insulin resistance or the inability to produce insulin. One of the most useful applications of vinegar is helping manage type 2 diabetes. Apple cider vinegar has shown positive results in improving insulin sensitivity and helping lower blood sugar responses after meals⁸. 

3. May aid in weight management

Several studies⁹ show that vinegar may be helpful in weight management. Some studies have also shown that vinegar can increase feelings of fullness. This may lead to the consumption of fewer calories. 

What Precautions Should Be Taken While Applying ACV to the Skin?

Before applying apple cider vinegar directly to your face, try it on some other part of your skin. Check for any adverse reaction. People with sensitive skin need to be more careful, as it can damage the skin in some cases. Always consult a dermatologist before trying apple cider vinegar on your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin or existing skin conditions 

Apple cider vinegar helps in removing excessive sebum and it should be used only after dilution and after consultation with your dermatologist.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)

What Is the Best Method to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne?

As ACV contains organic acids, it should be diluted with water before its use on the skin. Mix one part of ACV with three to four parts water. People with sensitive skin may need a more diluted solution. Clean your face with water and allow it to dry. Gently apply apple cider vinegar to the acne site with the help of a cotton ball. Leave it on your face for 5 to 15 minutes and then rinse it off. The process can be repeated one to two times a day. 

Are There Any Safety Concerns With Apple Cider Vinegar?

As we have discussed earlier, apple cider vinegar is acidic. It can cause burns if left in contact with the skin for a long duration. To prevent skin damage, it should be diluted with water before application. If you experience a burning sensation after applying ACV, you should dilute it further. 

Apple cider vinegar, apart from helping to manage acne and the associated scarring, can be helpful in reducing dark spots and evening out the skin tone, but using it in moderation with the consultation of a dermatologist is essential.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

Conclusion

Apple cider vinegar may be used as a home remedy for acne management, as it may help in managing acne-causing bacteria and reducing scarring from acne. People with severe acne should seek medical advice, and ACV should only be applied after proper dilution and with guidance from a dermatologist. 

Also Read: 7 Reasons Why Vitamin C Is Good For Your Skin 

References

1. Lynn DD, Umari T, Dunnick CA, Dellavalle RP. The epidemiology of acne vulgaris in late adolescence. Adolesc Health Med Ther. 2016 Jan 19;7:13-25. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4769025/ 
2. Saelee N, Cheong LZ, Chaijan M. Optimized Acetic Acid Production by Mixed Culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae TISTR 5279 and Gluconobacter oxydans TBRC 4013 for Mangosteen Vinegar Fermentation Using Taguchi Design and Its Physicochemical Properties. Foods. 2023 Aug 29;12(17):3256. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10487089/ 
3. Prabowo I, Shaliha A, Puspita OS. ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECTIVENESS OF APPLE CIDER VINEGAR IN THE GROWTH OF Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes. JRPPS; 1(1):13-20. Available from: https://ejournal.upnvj.ac.id/JRPPS/article/view/4171 
4. Garg T, Ramam M, Pasricha JS, Verma KK. Long term topical application of lactic acid/lactate lotion as a preventive treatment for acne vulgaris. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2002 May-Jun;68(3):137-9. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17656910/ 
5. Dardas A, Bae GH, Yule A, Wright J, Straughn N, Day CS. Acetic acid iontophoresis for recalcitrant scarring in post-operative hand patients. J Hand Ther. 2014 Jan-Mar;27(1):44-8. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24373451/ 
6. Dayal S, Singh S, Sahu P. Efficacy and Safety of 25% Trichloroacetic Acid Peel Versus 30% Salicylic Acid Peel in Mild-to-Moderate Acne Vulgaris: A Comparative Study. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2021 May 20;11(3):e2021063. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8172016/ 
7. Entani E, Asai M, Tsujihata S, Tsukamoto Y, Ohta M. Antibacterial action of vinegar against food-borne pathogenic bacteria including Escherichia coli O157:H7. J Food Prot. 1998 Aug;61(8):953-9. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9713753/ 
8. Arjmandfard D, Behzadi M, Sohrabi Z, Mohammadi Sartang M. Effects of apple cider vinegar on glycemic control and insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials. Front Nutr. 2025 Jan 30;12:1528383. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39949546/ 
9. Jafarirad S, Elahi MR, Mansoori A, Khanzadeh A, Haghighizadeh MH. The improvement effect of apple cider vinegar as a functional food on anthropometric indices, blood glucose and lipid profile in diabetic patients: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Front Clin Diabetes Healthc. 2023 Nov 13;4:1288786. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10679383/ 

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