Apple Cider Vinegar...a natural solution for Summer Skin!

Is anyone noticing a change in their skin with the increasingly humid and hot days? If you're like the average woman, then you probably are noticing more oil production, larger pores and redness. The heat (and sun) causes a dilation (opening) in the blood vessels in the face - this changes the appearance and quality of the skin on our face and may require you to change your daily routine a little bit.

I like to experiment with making some of my own beauty products, others I like to purchase from brands that I know are natural and non-toxic (we have many fabulous products at our local health food stores). But this all-natural beauty solution is so simple that anyone can do it. All you need is a bottle of raw unpasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar (I'm currently using Filsinger's, but Bragg's makes one as well).  Apple Cider Vinegar is the end product of apple fermentation - it's full of beneficial enzymes and acids (like alpha-hydroxy acids, known to exfoliate the skin) - you can't get any more natural! Remember, anything you put ON your skin ends up INSIDE your body! Traditional big-name toners are full of chemicals and synthetics - I would avoid them.

Using Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) on the skin is tip I learned from our Holistic Spa Therapist several years ago, but am recently really enjoying its use with the humidity.  ACV has many uses, but here's some of the main points of how it works on the skin:

• helps minimize the appearance of pores (dissolves dead skin cells)
• balances the skin's pH
• lightens sun spots and acne scarring
• helps kill the bacteria that can cause acne and blemishes
• dissolves skin oils

 Here's how you make it:

• Get a clean glass bottle, and funnel ACV to fill the bottle halfway
• Top up the bottle with filtered or distilled water
• Shake the bottle to mix it up, and it's ready for use
• After washing your face, gently pat it dry and then apply your ACV toner with a cotton pad avoiding the eyes. Let it dry before applying your moisturizer.

*Note - this method produces a 1:1 ratio ACV toner, but some people like to make it even weaker, depending on your skin type. If your face feels too tight, use less ACV and more water.

I moisturize my face with oils on a daily basis, but this time of year I find that it's just too much for my face - I cut back on the amount of oil I'm using, but also add this little extra step after washing!
 
*Tip - you can use your ACV solution anytime that you need to remove excess oil or makeup from the skin!