Skin is the largest human organ, a kind of barrier that protects all internal organs from the influence of the external environment. It is she who takes upon herself the main part of the aggressive impact. In addition, disruption of the internal organ system also greatly affects the condition of the skin. One such disorder is pigmentation. Modern cosmetology offers many products for skin protection and care, but they are not available to everyone. Fortunately, you can also maintain your beauty at home using natural substances. Among the many folk remedies, apple cider vinegar helps well against age spots. This product is economical and, when used correctly, is quite effective in combating pigmentation.
Cosmetic properties of apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar of natural origin without additives is a rather valuable product that is beneficial for the human body, in particular for the skin. It contains all the necessary substances for cleansing, rejuvenating and maintaining the acid-base balance of the skin.
It contains various acids, the main part of which is malic. It also contains ascorbic, citric, pantothenic and lactic acids. They help lighten the skin.
This product is rich in vitamins A, B, and E, which help restore the protective properties of the skin and make it elastic.
Apple cider vinegar contains many useful microelements (zinc, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron), which are nutritious for the cells of the human body.
Important! Such a rich composition is present only in a natural product. The presence of flavorings in vinegar is also not recommended, as they can cause an allergic reaction.
Exfoliates dead cells
“Since time immemorial, natural beauty followers have considered vinegar, especially apple cider vinegar, to be the best way to combat everything from dandruff to age spots,” says Imelda Burke, author and founder of natural beauty store Content Beauty. “The modern beauty industry remembered this universal ingredient, and it ended up in face toners.”
No surprise: malic acid is similar in composition to an alpha hydroxy acid (or AHA). These are natural biological substances that are found in sour milk, old wine and sugar cane. They weaken the connections between the scales of the epidermis, which facilitates the process of their separation. Thus, malic acid gently exfoliates the top layer of skin, giving the face freshness and radiance.
How does apple cider vinegar work against age spots?
The main effect that vinegar has on the skin is peeling. When applied, dead skin cells are removed and skin scales containing melanin are removed, which leads to subsequent lightening of the skin.
Also, the lightening of age spots occurs due to the fact that the acids present in vinegar are able to penetrate the epidermis. This leads to improved metabolism and accelerated blood circulation, which promotes rapid regeneration of damaged skin cells.
Thanks to these properties, apple cider vinegar is very useful in the fight against pigmentation on the face and other parts of the body. But it acts differently on different types of stains:
- completely removes acne spots;
- helps remove UV stains without leaving a trace;
- It can lighten freckles and spots that appear with age by several tones.
Causes of pigmentation
Treatment of age spots that appear on the skin of the face will be more successful if you first find out the cause of the pigmentation.
The following reasons lead to the development of this cosmetic skin defect:
- ultraviolet radiation;
- genetic factor;
- age-related changes;
- impaired metabolism;
- acne.
In the summer, all pigment spots become more pronounced, and with the arrival of winter they may fade. If facial skin pigmentation is not caused by a serious illness, it may go away on its own after some time. In all other cases, you will need the help of a dermatologist or a beauty salon specialist.
To establish an accurate diagnosis, you can take:
- blood analysis;
- Analysis of urine;
- biopsy.
After the doctor finds out the exact cause of the appearance of a pigment spot on the face, a suitable treatment method is selected.
It could be:
- professional peeling;
- laser facial cleansing;
- cosmetic whitening products and more.
If there is minor pigmentation or if it has appeared recently, traditional medicine will help replace expensive procedures in the salon or drugs for age spots. These include vitamin masks, herbal compresses and ointments.
How to remove age spots with apple cider vinegar
The method of using apple cider vinegar against pigmentation directly depends on which area of the body is affected, as well as on obtaining the desired whitening effect. It can be used in products for peeling and wiping the skin, as well as for preparing cosmetic masks.
Pure vinegar is an aggressive agent and can cause burns, so you should purchase a product with a 5% concentration of the natural substance and use it only in diluted form.
Important! A higher number indicates the synthetic origin of the product.
Vinegar wipe
The simplest method of using apple cider vinegar on the face, hands and other places on the body for age spots is rubbing. This procedure also helps to cleanse the face of acne and pimples without leaving any scars.
It is recommended to wipe with a solution of vinegar and water in a ratio of 1:4 no more than 2 times a day. If no changes are observed or they are insignificant, you can reduce the amount of water and use a solution at a ratio of 1:2.
Peeling with apple cider vinegar
A more effective method is peeling using apple cider vinegar. This procedure is recommended for normal skin 2 times a month, and for oily skin - every 5 days (no more than 10 times per course).
Attention! This procedure is not recommended for dry skin.
The peeling composition is prepared from 5% vinegar. For oily skin, make a solution half and half with water, and for normal skin - 1 to 4.
For this:
- 200 ml of vinegar diluted with water is poured into a clean bottle, 5 clove buds (dry) are placed in the solution.
- This product should be kept for 5 days in a dark place, shaking occasionally.
- After 5 days, remove the cloves from the bottle and leave the product for storage in the refrigerator, hermetically sealed.
Before using the resulting product, prepare a fabric mask. It can be made from a piece of linen, cotton or gauze folded in three. Be sure to make holes for the eyes and mouth.
The fabric is soaked in a vinegar solution and lightly wrung out. Apply it to the face, smooth it so that it adheres to the entire surface of the skin. Leave it for 15 minutes, then remove it, moisten it again in the solution and apply it for another 15 minutes.
After the procedure, the face should be massaged with a soft sponge, rinsed with cool water and lubricated with moisturizer.
Apple cider vinegar toner
You can remove age spots with vinegar using a specially prepared tonic. It is ideal for daily use. This product should also be tailored to your skin type.
To prepare a tonic, natural apple cider vinegar should be mixed with mineral water or a decoction of herbs; chamomile or green tonic tea is best. The product is made taking into account:
- for oily skin types – in a 1:1 ratio of vinegar and water;
- normal type – 1:5;
- dry skin – 1:10.
Tonic is best used before bed. First, the face should be washed with cool water (you can use a contrast wash), then the skin is wiped with the product and a moisturizer is applied to it.
Attention! You should not expect an immediate effect from this procedure, but with regular use, the spots will become lighter or disappear altogether.
Apple cider vinegar masks to remove age spots
For peeling and tonic, vinegar is used diluted with liquid. Such procedures are very beneficial for the skin, but they do not give quick results. Masks containing this product are more effective.
With onion
Onions are a healthy product that, due to its composition, prevents the growth of pathogenic bacteria. A mask made with apple cider vinegar and onion juice is a unique remedy that not only gets rid of pigmentation, but also helps destroy harmful microorganisms that damage skin cells.
The recipe for making a remedy for age spots using onions and vinegar is very simple. To do this, for 2 tbsp. l. onion juice take 1 tsp. vinegar. The components are mixed and applied to the pigmented area using a cotton swab. Leave for 10-15 minutes and wash off.
With strawberry
Strawberries are very nourishing for the skin, it moisturizes and tones it. A prepared mask with berries and vinegar will not only moisturize the skin, but also get rid of age spots.
The strawberry vinegar mask is easy to make:
- For this, 2 tbsp. l. vinegar mixed with 1 tbsp. l. water.
- The resulting solution is poured into 3 mashed strawberries and left to infuse for 1 hour.
- The infused mass is transferred to gauze, then the gauze is moved to the pigmented area of the skin.
- If your skin is sensitive, the product should be left on for no more than an hour. For normal skin, the mask can be left on overnight.
- After removing the mask, the area should be rinsed with warm water.
With honey
Honey is a food that has anti-inflammatory properties and is ideal for preparing a nourishing and whitening apple cider vinegar mask. Prepare the product by mixing 4 tbsp. l. vinegar with 2 tbsp. l. oatmeal and 1 tbsp. l. natural honey.
Before using the mixture, the skin should first be degreased with lotion. Then transfer the resulting mass to the area of skin with age spots and leave for 30 minutes. Wash off with warm water.
With lemon juice
It is recommended to use apple cider vinegar for age spots on hands with lemon juice. This mask is very aggressive for the delicate skin of the face and neck, so it is ideal for whitening the skin on the legs and arms.
The product is prepared for 2 tbsp. l. lemon juice 1 tbsp. l. vinegar. Apply the solution carefully, only to the area with age spots. Leave for 15 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Be sure to apply a moisturizer after the procedure.
If you were unable to purchase the product
If the vinegar on sale does not inspire confidence in you, then you can prepare a natural product yourself, but it will take time.
Necessary:
- chop apples with peel in any convenient way (grater, blender);
- Place in an enamel or plastic bowl, cover with gauze, leave for 72 hours in a dark place, stir the mass three times a day with a clean wooden spoon. The mixture will darken and foam will appear on top;
- squeeze the juice out of the mass, filter, taste. It should be slightly sweet. If you feel strong acid, add a little sugar (no more than 50 grams per liter);
- pour into a glass bottle, make a water seal, leave to ferment for 30-40 days;
- when the air stops escaping, drain the liquid without shaking the sediment (through a straw);
- pour the liquid into a basin or other wide-necked container, cover with gauze, and leave to sour;
- a film will soon appear on the surface, which will then settle to the bottom. The settling of the film and the disappearance of the pungent odor are a signal that the vinegar is ready (fermentation will take about another month);
- you need to carefully filter the liquid, bottle it, and seal it tightly. This product is completely natural and is ideal for cosmetic purposes.
Side effects and contraindications
Although apple cider vinegar is an effective remedy in the fight against age spots, it is not recommended in the following cases:
- dry and overly sensitive skin;
- there is an exacerbation of acute skin diseases;
- scratches and small cracks on the skin;
- strange new growths appeared that began to bother me.
Before using any product, it is best to consult a dermatologist and rule out the presence of dangerous diseases associated with the production of melanin.
The main side effect is skin irritation. And if, after applying the mask, burning and itching immediately appears, the product must be washed off immediately.
Prevention of pigmentation on the face
To care for your skin in the summer, it is advisable to use a cream with a high level of protection against ultraviolet rays and stay in the sun as little as possible. Proper nutrition and eating only foods that are healthy for the body will help improve the condition of the skin. These include vegetables, fruits, cereals, herbs, fresh juices and fruit drinks. You can avoid dry skin by drinking at least 1.5 liters of still water a day.
Cosmetics and facial skin care products should be chosen very carefully and preference should be given to the safest and most effective products. You can periodically take a break to let your skin rest and not use foundation or powder for at least one week. To avoid pigmentation, you should not squeeze out pimples yourself or visit a solarium if you have a genetic predisposition to age spots.
If pigment spots do not disappear for a long time, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist and find out the cause of the disease. The doctor will prescribe the optimal course of treatment based on the personal problem and the condition of the skin.
How to choose apple cider vinegar when purchasing
When choosing this product in a store, you should pay attention to:
- Color and material of the container. Natural apple cider vinegar should be in a dark glass bottle, since under the influence of the sun all beneficial microelements and substances are destroyed.
- Vinegar concentration. The real product cannot be more than 5-6%. If the percentage is higher, then it is not suitable for application to the skin, as it can cause burns.
- Presence of flavoring. Additives in vinegar can be a serious cause of irritation and cause an allergic reaction.
- Presence of sediment. The presence of sediment at the bottom of the container indicates the naturalness of the product, but you should not rush to purchase such vinegar, because it has been on the display case for a long time.
- Price. Natural vinegar should have a higher price than the artificial product.
Whitens
Apple cider vinegar contains amino acids as well as vitamins A, P, C, E and B and has excellent whitening properties. When used externally, it gently lightens the skin (keep in mind if you intend to get rid of pigmentation and freckles), and also accelerates the healing of wounds and scars, saturates cells with oxygen, smoothes out fine wrinkles and gives the skin elasticity.
Recommendations from cosmetologists
Many cosmetologists recommend using products based on apple cider vinegar. But it is advised to carry out the skin lightening procedure carefully. After all, the product itself in its pure form has a very aggressive effect on the skin. Therefore, most experts insist on testing the skin for sensitivity to this product. To do this, you need to drop a small amount of vinegar on your wrist, and if after 1-2 hours no irritation appears, then, in their opinion, you can use a product with vinegar.
Takes care of hair
Thanks to its rich content of vitamins and fruit acids, apple cider vinegar is a natural alternative to hair conditioner. It tames unruly curls, covering the scales, making them soft and silky. Ideal for those with oily hair, as well as those who suffer from dandruff. This is again because vinegar regulates the natural pH of the scalp and sebum production. Masks with vinegar help accelerate hair growth, and regular rinsing with it gives it a luxurious shine.
