With so many products and remedies available, it can be difficult to know what actually works as a home remedy for treating acne.
One popular natural remedy is a mixture of apple cider vinegar and lemon, within your skin care routine.
But, does apple cider vinegar and lemon cure acne? I’m going to share the science behind ACV and lemon for acne treatment, and whether it’s a safe and an effective treatment option for those looking to clear up their skin.
What Are The Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar For The Skin?
If you’re looking for a natural and affordable way to improve your skin’s health, apple cider vinegar (ACV) might be the solution for you.
Here are some of the health benefits of using ACV on your skin:
- Balances skin’s pH: ACV is acidic, which helps to balance the pH level of your skin, and helps with combatting sebum. This is important because your skin’s natural pH is slightly acidic, and using products that are too alkaline can disrupt its balance and lead to issues like dryness, irritation, and acne.
- Exfoliates: ACV contains alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA’s), which are natural exfoliants that can help to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. This can improve the texture and appearance of your skin, and also prevent acne and other blemishes.
- Reduces inflammation: ACV has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe and calm irritated skin. This is especially beneficial for people with conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
- Antibacterial and antimicrobial: ACV has been shown to have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which can help to kill bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause acne and other skin infections.
- Reduces hyperpigmentation: ACV can help to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation (dark spots) on the skin. This is because it contains acetic acid, which has been shown to inhibit the production of melanin (the pigment that gives the skin its color).
ACV can be a great addition to your skincare routine if you’re looking for a natural and effective way to improve your skin’s health.
What Are The Benefits Of Lemon For The Skin?
Lemons are a great source of vitamin C, citric acid, and other nutrients that offer several benefits for the skin.
Here are a few benefits of using lemon for your skin:
- Exfoliation: Lemon contains citric acid, which can help exfoliate dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. This can help brighten your complexion and give you smoother, softer skin.
- Antioxidant properties: The vitamin C in lemons is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals. This can help reduce the signs of aging and improve the overall appearance of your skin.
- Lightening properties: Lemon juice has natural bleaching properties that can help lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation. This can help even out your skin tone and give you a brighter, more radiant complexion.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Lemon juice has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness and inflammation caused by acne and other skin conditions.
Lemon juice can be very acidic and may irritate sensitive skin.
It is always a good idea to do a patch test before using lemon juice on your face, and to dilute it with water or other ingredients to reduce its acidity.
Does Apple Cider Vinegar And Lemon Cure Acne?
If you’re looking for a natural remedy to treat acne, you might have heard about using apple cider vinegar and lemon.
While both of these ingredients have some benefits for the skin, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that they can cure acne.
Apple cider vinegar has been shown to have some antibacterial and exfoliating properties, which can help reduce the appearance of acne.
However, applying undiluted or diluted apple cider vinegar, directly to the skin can be irritating and cause more harm than good.
It is recommended to dilute apple cider vinegar with water before using it as a toner or spot treatment for clearer skin.
Lemon juice has some antibacterial and exfoliating properties, but it can also be irritating to the skin.
Applying lemon juice directly to the skin can cause photosensitivity, which increases the risk of sunburn and skin damage. So, always dilute lemon juice with water before using it on your skin.
While apple cider vinegar and lemon juice may have some benefits for the skin, they are not a cure for acne.
Acne is a complex skin condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, hormones, and lifestyle.
So, it could be a good idea to work with a dermatologist to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses the underlying causes of your acne.
How To Make A DIY Apple Cider Vinegar And Lemon Acne Treatment
If you’re looking for a natural way to treat acne, you may want to consider using a DIY apple cider vinegar and lemon acne treatment. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup of water
- Cotton pads or balls
Instructions:
- Mix the apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and water in a small bowl.
- Dip a cotton pad or ball into the mixture and apply it to your face or affected area.
- Leave the mixture on your skin for about 5–10 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water and pat dry.
This treatment may not work for everyone and can cause skin irritation if not used properly.
It’s recommended to do a patch test on a small area of your skin before applying it to your entire face.
Make sure you use a moisturizer after using this treatment, as apple cider vinegar and lemon can be drying to the skin.
If you experience any discomfort or irritation, discontinue use immediately.
How To Make A DIY Apple Cider Vinegar And Lemon Toner
If you’re looking for a natural and affordable solution to help clear up your acne, a DIY lemon juice and apple cider vinegar toner may be worth a try. Here’s how you can make your own:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup of distilled water
- 2–3 drops of tea tree oil (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients together in a clean glass jar or bottle.
- Shake well to ensure everything is well combined.
- Apply the toner to your face using a cotton ball or pad.
- Let the toner sit on your skin for a few minutes before rinsing it off with cool water.
- Follow up with your usual moisturizer.
Lemon juice can be irritating to some people’s skin, so it’s a good idea to do a patch test before using this toner all over your face.
Due to the acidic nature of both apple cider vinegar and lemon juice, always dilute them with water to avoid damaging your skin.
While some people may see improvements in their acne with the use of this toner, remember that everyone’s skin is different and what works for one person may not work for another.
Ensure you maintain a consistent skincare routine and to consult a dermatologist if you have persistent or severe acne.
How To Make A DIY Apple Cider Vinegar And Lemon Face Scrub
If you are looking for a natural and affordable way to fight acne, you might want to try making your own apple cider vinegar scrub using apple cider vinegar and lemon.
This DIY scrub is easy to make and can help exfoliate your skin, unclog your pores, and reduce skin inflammation too.
Here is how you can make it:
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1/2 cup of sugar
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the apple cider vinegar and lemon juice until well combined.
- Add the honey and mix again.
- Add the sugar and stir until you get a thick paste.
- Apply the paste to your face and gently massage it in circular motions for a few minutes.
- Rinse your face with warm water and pat it dry with a clean towel.
Tips
- You can adjust the amount of sugar depending on your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, you might want to use less sugar or switch to a finer sugar like brown sugar.
- You can also add other ingredients to customize your scrub. For example, you can add a few drops of tea tree oil for its antibacterial properties, or a tablespoon of coconut oil for its moisturizing benefits.
- Be careful not to get the scrub in your eyes, as the lemon juice and apple cider vinegar can be irritating.
This DIY apple cider vinegar and lemon face scrub can be a great addition to your skincare routine if you are looking for a natural and effective way to fight acne.
However, keep in mind that everyone’s skin is different, and what works for one person might not work for another.
Can Apple Cider Vinegar And Lemon Reduce Acne Scars?
If you’re struggling with acne scars, you might be wondering if apple cider vinegar and lemon can help.
While there is some evidence to suggest that both of these ingredients can be beneficial for both reducing acne and the appearance of scars, it’s wise to approach them with caution.
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which has been shown to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
These properties may help to reduce the inflammation associated with acne and prevent future acne breakouts.
Apple cider vinegar may help to exfoliate the skin, which can improve its texture and reduce the appearance of scars.
Lemons are also rich in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from damage.
The citric acid in lemons may help to exfoliate the skin and reduce the appearance of scars.
However, lemons can be irritating to the skin, so always dilute lemon juice before using them on your face.
If you’re interested in using apple cider vinegar and lemon to get oily skin to reduce the appearance of acne scars, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Dilute both ingredients before applying them to your skin. Undiluted apple cider vinegar and lemon juice can be too harsh for the skin and may cause irritation.
To dilute apple cider vinegar, mix apple cider vinegar dry, one part vinegar with three parts water.
To dilute lemon juice, mix one part juice with two parts water. You can apply the diluted mixture to your skin dry, using a cotton ball or pad.
How To Do A Apple Cider Vinegar Steam for Curing Acne
If you’re looking for a natural way to treat acne, apple cider vinegar (ACV) might be a good option.
One way to use ACV is by doing a steam treatment. Here’s how:
- Boil a pot of water.
- Once the water is boiling, remove it from the heat and add 1–2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
- Drape a towel over your head and lean over the pot, with your face about 12 inches away from the water.
- Stay in this position for about 5–10 minutes, breathing in the steam.
- After the time is up, rinse your face with cool water and pat dry.
If you have sensitive skin, you may want to start with a lower concentration of ACV or try a patch test first.
Does Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar And Lemon Juice Help Acne?
You may have heard that drinking apple cider vinegar and lemon juice can help clear up your acne.
While there is some evidence that apple cider vinegar and lemon juice may have benefits for your skin, we need to remember that these remedies are not a cure-all for acne.
Apple cider vinegar is known for its antibacterial properties, which means it may help kill the bacteria that contribute to acne.
Some people believe that the acidity of apple cider vinegar can help balance the pH of your skin, which can also be beneficial for acne-prone skin.
Lemon juice is also believed to have antibacterial properties, as well as being a natural astringent. This means that it may help remove excess oil and dirt from your skin, which can contribute to acne.
Drinking apple cider vinegar and lemon juice is not a substitute for other acne treatments, such as topical creams or prescription medications.
Plus, drinking too much apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can be harmful to your health, as they are both very acidic.
If you’re interested in trying apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for your acne, it’s best to start with small amounts and dilute them with water.
You can also try using them topically as a toner or spot treatment. However, if you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation, it’s best to talk to your dermatologist before trying any new home remedies.
Which Home Remedies Will Actually Help Treat Acne?
Acne is a common skin condition that affects many people. When it comes to treating acne, there are several home remedies that can be used to reduce and clear up acne prone skin.
One of the main causes of acne is dirt clogging the pores, so removing dirt from the face should be one of the first steps in treating acne.
Doing this can help prevent further accumulation of dirt and balance your skin’s pH levels, which reduces the chance of an inflammation developing.
Using baking soda as a facial scrub is a popular home remedy for acne because it helps remove dead skin cells, which can unclog pores and reduce breakouts.
Applying apple cider vinegar to affected areas may also help kill off bacteria causing breakouts, as it contains anti bacterial properties.
Aloe vera gel is another great natural remedy for those suffering from acne due to its lactic acid content, which helps gently exfoliate the skin and reduce redness while still being gentle on sensitive or dry skin types.
Green tea extracts are known to have anti inflammatory properties, which are beneficial for calming down inflamed cystic acne and reducing oil production on oily skin types.
Salicylic acid products such as cleansers, creams and masks are also often recommended for treating mild or moderate cases of chronic bacne because they help penetrate deep into pores, dissolving away debris that has clogged up pores like excess sebum or bacteria.
Glycolic acid is found in many over-the-counter skincare products aimed at fighting blemishes too, as it’s beneficial for removing dead cells that form layers on certain areas of our skin.
Making them prime spots for bacteria buildup, leading to infected pimples if you don’t remove them regularly with an AHA product like glycolic acid based treatments.
Summary
There is no scientific evidence that apple cider vinegar and lemon can cure acne.
However, both of these ingredients have some beneficial properties for the healthy skin too, such as exfoliating, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects.
If you’re looking for a natural and inexpensive way to treat your acne, you may want to try using apple cider vinegar and lemon topically as a toner or face scrub. Always dilute them with water beforehand to avoid damaging your skin.
Drinking apple cider vinegar and lemon juice may also have some benefits for the skin, but should be approached with caution due to their acidic nature.
If you’re interested in trying this remedy, it’s best to start with small amounts and always dilute them with water before drinking.
All products featured on Gemma Etc. are PR samples or gifted items, unless otherwise indicated. This post may contain affiliate links. If you wish to find out more, please see my Disclaimer within my navigation bar.