If You've Never Taken An Apple Cider Vinegar Bath, You Might Be Missing Out
Apple cider vinegar seems to have become known as an all-around wellness superstar, with social meeting and some experts touting its ability to treat a sunburn, help improve acne, and even assist in weight loss. But perhaps you've never considered adding it to your bath (totally understandable considering how strong the odor is, BTW.)
But soaking in apple cider vinegar is a thing, and as it turns out, ACV isn't a terrible bath-time companion.
If this is your first time hearing about ACV baths, you might be wondering what all the hype is about and how safe it really is. Lucky for you, we chatted with three skincare experts to answer all your burning questions. Read on to learn more.
Meet the experts: Navya Mysore, MD, is a New York-based primary care physician at One Medical and Women's Health Advisory Board member. Dendy Engelman, MD, is a New York-based board certified dermatologic surgeon. Hannah Kopelman, MD, is a New York-based dermatologist.
Is it safe to bathe using apple cider vinegar?
ACV baths are generally safe to do, but dermatologist Hannah Kopelman, MD, says they may not be the best option for people with sensitive skin. She notes that even with all the benefits that are said to be attached to the ingredient, more research still needs to be done.
Additionally, you should avoid ACV baths if you have any scraped, burned, broken, or cracked skin. "Even though it's a diluted bath, it can be too irritating for the skin," Dr. Kopelman says. "You don't want it to sit on your skin for a prolonged period of time because it can cause a chemical burn." That said, if you experience any side effects such as stinging or burning, get out the bath, and rinse off with cool water.
Benefits of bathing in apple cider vinegar
Yep, there are some pretty major benefits to drawing an apple cider vinegar bath—if you can stomach the smell. Here are a few to keep in mind:
It relieves dry skin: Apple cider vinegar can help restore the proper pH of your skin, says Navya Mysore, MD, a primary care physician at One Medical and Women's Health Advisory Board member. It's acidic, and your skin should be slightly acidic in order to hold in moisture. If you have dry skin, soaking in ACV can help soothe it. That's what makes it so effective for people with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
It can fight dandruff: Scrubbing your scalp with apple cider vinegar is a smart move if you have dandruff (which is why there are many shampoos with apple cider vinegar). It helps balance your scalp's pH, and like the skin all over your body, helps it retain moisture. Even better, because apple cider vinegar has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, it attacks the fungus that sometimes causes dandruff, says Dr. Mysore. Still, Dr. Kopelman notes that dandruff is already a sign of irritation on the scalp, so it may be best to try a dermatologist-recommended alternative.
It can fight acne and warts: If you have inflammation from acne on your face or body, an apple cider vinegar bath can be a great way to cleanse and calm your skin. ACV will draw out any excess oil, and help fight bacteria, says Dr. Mysore. That makes it a great home treatment for warts as well.
It's a natural exfoliant: Dendy Engelman, MD, a board certified dermatologic surgeon, previously told Women's Health that apple cider vinegar also contains alpha hydroxy acids that can help exfoliate the skin. Translation: You'll have smoother skin, and possibly fewer razor bumps along your swimsuit line or anywhere else you shave.
It might help nix bad body odor: Dr. Engelman also says that soaking in apple cider vinegar can help neutralize foot odor thanks to its antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. An ACV bath will also take the stink out of your sweaty pits, FWIW.
Check out these five surprising ways to use apple cider vinegar:
How to take an apple cider vinegar bath
While some recommend adding two to three cups of apple cider vinegar to a hot bath, Dr. Mysore suggests starting with a half cup to one cup if it's your first time. That way, you can see how your skin reacts to soaking in it, and then add more the next time. Dr. Kopelman adds that it's best to use an unfiltered apple cider vinegar with no additives.
You can also add Epsom salt if you want the added benefit of soothing achy joints or sore muscles, she says. Soak for at least 30 minutes, and if want to rinse off afterward, just make sure not to use soap—that'll strip all the pH-balancing ACV benefits off your skin.
You know apple cider vinegar as the drink tons of celebs are obsessed with for its wellness properties, but you may not have thought of it as your next bath add-in. But soaking in apple cider vinegar is totally a thing, and it turns out, some of the qualities that make it so good for you to drink, also make it a healthy bath time companion. Here, all the benefits you can expect from an apple cider vinegar bath and how to draw one.
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