Why Apple Cider Vinegar is My Ride Or Die

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) was the very first product I started using that really began my all natural skin care journey. Basically, ACV has been my homie from day 1. Well, almost. My first merry go round with the stuff was not the most beneficial experience. That was my own fault though.

It was back in the earlier two thous which we all know was a very notorious “hype fest”. By this, I mean that access to internet information was EVERYWHERE and people started getting their “reliable information” via their friends moms coworkers Facebook status (who by the way most likely got it from watching another episode of Dr. Oz), rather than a credible source. One lucky Lucy goes singing praises about how they beat aging skin by letting a bunch of leeches suck on their face and all of a sudden everyones jumping in the lake like a bunch of parasite bait. Speaking of, thank you Kim K for scarring America for life by showing all of us your horrifying vampire facial on national television

(EW!?)

The problem with this is that everyone has different skin types, diets, lifestyles, stress levels and so many other contributing factors I don’t even know where to end. Anyways, all of a sudden word around town was that Apple Cider Vinegar was liquid gold and I needed it in my life. I remember reading the benefits on Wikipedia (not always credible by the way) and thinking all of my life problems would soon vanish after digesting this miracle potion daily. My friends and I would each take a shot glass, fill it up and pound it down throughout the day. We were in college so this motion was no stranger to us. First off, BARF!… and I was a girl who loved straight whiskey so this was really saying a lot. We shortly found out that digesting ACV straight without diluting it in water was actually really dangerous. It is highly acidic so it basically burns the tissue in your mouth and throat. Another embarrassing part of this monstrosity, is that we weren’t even using organic ACV. Unless the Apple Cider Vinegar is raw, unfiltered & organic… it’s basically crap. GREAT… here I was force feeding myself disgusting flaming shots of vinegar that were tearing the lining of my esophagus up for NO REASON. UGH. Thanks a lot HEINZ. So even though that flop was all entirely my own fault due to lack of educating myself properly, I was still like F this and never looked back.

Just kidding, I totally looked back and I’m so happy I did. About a year ago I was fed up with buying toners that were making my face either too oily or too dry. So as I began to google my life away (now, with more web surfing experience and knowledge) and came across another Apple Cider Vinegar buzz. My first thought was PASS, I know your dirty reindeer games internet and I think I’ll leave the burning throat sensations to the Dragons. But then I found myself reading more into it and started realizing ACV might be exactly what I’m looking for. For topical use at least. Why?: An essential part of skin care is trying to balance your PH levels.

Why it is important to make sure your skins PH levels are balanced

This is something that a lot of people don’t consider and really should. Without having to get into any science lessons, I’ll explain why it’s important to keep your acid to water level on your face stabilized the best I can, but keep in mind, I am no Bill Nye. (PS- Where the hell was THIS lesson on PBS, Bill!?) Anyways, there is a very fine “film” layering your face made up of natural producing oils, sweat and dead skin cells called the Acid Mantle. Balancing this and keeping it in check is important because this is how our skin protects itself from bacteria and loss of moisture which aids in helping prevent damaging the skin. The goal is to keep the skin at about a 5.5 PH level, as bacteria grows slower in those conditions compared to a PH level closer to 7 which allows the skin to become less functional in killing bacteria, which causes acne-bacteria to multiply rapidly on the skins surface (no thank you!) SO, how does ACV come in to save this annoying balancing teeter-totter issue? Apple Cider Vinegar has a PH level of 3. Meaning, when diluted with water, it acts as a PH balancing savior which ultimately creates a perfect toner encouraging your skin to shed dead skin cells, repair damaged skin tissue and unblock your pores to kill bacteria, all without drying your skin out! BEST OF BOTH WORLDS!

The best part is, it is by far the most effective and inexpensive toner I have ever used and it’s chemical free! Which has actually become the most important factor in my skin products. It’s a great anti-aging tool (which I figure, it’s never too early ladies!) not to mention, it has helped improve my acne scarring significantly. I have truly noticed a difference in the appearance of my scarring when I have “wandered” and tested other toners opposed to ACV and I come crawling back every time. Luckily, ACV isn’t into practicing the teachings of “tough love” and accepts me with open arms each time. I won’t stray again though, I promise.

What you need SIMPLE and cheap!

1.) 1/2 cup of organic, unfiltered, raw Apple Cider Vinegar. (I always go for Braggs because it’s inexpensive and credible.) 2.) 1/2 cup Rose Water (if you are prone to excessive oily skin, I would recommend replacing rose water with pure distilled water.) The benefits of rose water are HEAVENLY, however I’ll save that post for a different day. 3.) Glass container/bottle

Apply to your face with a cotton ball when you wake up and go to bed and VOILA! Enjoy :)

Click here to read about even more amazing beauty benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar. (I recommend everyone to at least try the hair rinse)

PeaceLove&Beauty