In the ‘war against acne’, vinegar is a historic weapon. Traced back to ancient China and Egypt, it has been used by ancient peoples for thousands of years. Similar wine, vinegar is made from alcohol based liquids. It is highly acidic and usually sold diluted with water – often to around 5 percent.

How Vinegar Works to Cure Acne

Although no conclusive scientific answer exists at this time, there are four primary methods by which vinegar is believed to reduce acne.

1. Vinegar lowers skin PH. The first and primary method by which vinegar reduces acne is by lowering PH in the pores of your skin. This is where bacteria first begins to multiply, after the pore becomes clogged by sebum, dead cells, and other debris. Since low Ph is unfavorable to the growth of bacteria, vinegar stops it at the source.

2. Vinegar Unclogs Pores Vinegar has been found to be rich in alpha-hydroxy acids. These acids control sebum production and assist in exfoliation of dead skin cells. Since sebum and dead skin cells are the first two components in the acne formation process, it follows that vinegar helps prevent acne from forming.

3. Vinegar Improves Health A third method by which vinegar can be of benefit to acne conditions is by improving your health. It does this mainly through your digestive system. Along with a range of vitamins and minerals which are absorbed upon consumption, vinegar has indicated an ability to reduce the glycemic load of carbohydrate foods. Combined with regulating intestinal bacteria and breaking up phlegm throughout the body – this results in waste being removed more efficiently from your body and a healthier immune response.

4. Vinegar Moisturizes and Revitalizes Skin In addition to being an acne inhibitor, vinegar can also make a good moisturizer. Moderate application results in a healthy glow, helps regulate surface PH balance, prevents dryness, and depending on the type – allows absorption of healthy vitamins and minerals.

What Results can I Expect with Vinegar?

So at this point, you wouldn’t be alone to think: what benefits could vinegar have in comparison to conventional acne medications if it’s so much cheaper? The reality is, a very large number of people have used it successfully to treat their acne for centuries. Many users find they can reduce bacne and facial acne by 90% in between 2 weeks to a month. In addition, when diluted with water acne can actually assist in the moisturizing process thereby reducing flaking skin and clogged pores.

Everyone’s response to the various acne treatments is different, and vinegar is included. A large percentage of people who try it find it works very well. Those who don’t often find their failure caused by using vinegar undiluted – so try mixing with (3 parts) water so its acidic properties do not irritate your skin. There are also many types, and natural apple cider vinegar is currently the most popular for acne treatment.