Clever Girl Beauty Essential: Apple Cider Vinegar

I just recently got into using apple cider vinegar for beauty after reading a few articles concerning its benefits. Mentioned in a number of these articles was the fact that actress Scarlett Johansson swears by apple cider vinegar when it comes to maintaining her glowing complexion. Similarly, sufferers of psoriasis turn to apple cider vinegar to control inflammation and heal their skin.

Using apple cider vinegar on your skin aids in reducing inflammation, treating and preventing blemishes and breakouts, while also promoting healing and fading age spots and scars. This multitasking beauty essential also fades and treats age and dark spots, as well as vericose veins. As an added perk, the acidity of apple cider vinegar balances the natural pH of your skin, so you don't have to worry about overdrying.

Apple cider vinegar can be used as a toner when mixed with water, a deep pore cleansing face mask when mixed with bentonite clay (my favorite being Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay), as well as a treatment for individual blemishes. When purchasing apple cider vinegar I recommend that you stick with organic brands like Bragg Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar. I also recommend shaking the bottle of apple cider vinegar to evenly distribute the vitamins and minerals that collect at the bottom of the bottle.

Apple Cider Vinegar Toner

In a bottle combine 1 part apple cider vinegar and 2 parts water. If you have sensitive skin you may want to consider diluting the apple cider vinegar further. Apply both day and night before moisturizing and after cleansing.

Clay and Apple Cider Vinegar Face Mask

In a bowl combine equal parts apple cider vinegar and bentonite clay such as Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay. Mix until all the clay has dissolved in the vinegar. After cleansing your skin apply the mask to your face (try doing it with a clean makeup brush and pretend you're at a spa). Leave it on 10-15 minutes, or as long as you can stand it, and rinse with warm water. Don't forget to moisturize, and you're good to go.

Apple Cider Vinegar Bath Soak

Apple cider vinegar can also be added to a hot bath for all over toning and moisturizing. The vinegar helps draw toxins out of the body, so add up to a cup to your next soak.

 Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

The next time you shower try spritzing your locks with 1 part water and 2 parts apple cider vinegar in lieu of shampoo and conditioner. Massage the spray into your scalp and leave it on up to 5 minutes before you rinse. Apple cider vinegar will help remove product residue, reduce frizz, promote shine, and encourage hair growth. You can even spray your shower down with the same solution to clear tiles and glass of soap residue and mold. BAM! Double usage!

More Uses Include:

Soothing sunburns!
Promoting weightloss through ingestion!
foot soaks!
wort and skin tag removal!
Disinfection and house cleaning!

Basically you need to go out now and get yourself a bottle, because you are missing out on this awesomely all-natural, multifaceted beauty essential.