Beautiful Skin Tip: Apple Cider Vinegar

For gorgeous skin, head to the kitchen and grab some vinegar!

The use of vinegar with a variety of plants or essential oils for cosmetic purposes can be traced back to the Romans and was fashionable during the 19th century as vinegar de toilette.

Vinegar has a tonic action that promotes blood circulation in the small capillaries that irrigate the skin. It is also antiseptic, preventing the proliferation of bacteria, viruses, or yeast that trigger infection. It can dissolve excessive fatty deposits at the surface of the skin and reduce scaly or peeling conditions. Lastly, vinegar regulates the pH of the skin. Vinegar is most effective when used with lavender, rosemary, rose, or elder flower. It is essential to use top-quality white wine or cider vinegar. Dry any fresh plant material for two days before using.

Measure and mix only dried plant material and then add the vinegar. Apple ciders composed entirely of liquids can be used at once. Those containing plant material must be left to macerate. Prepare the latter in a screw-top jar and leave on a window sill as instructed, strain, and then bottle. To use, add 1 teaspoon of apple cider to a cup of bottled or spring water to wash your face or pour 3-4 tablespoons into a bath.

Lavender, Rosemary and Rosewood
Vinegar: 17 1/2 fl. oz. good-quality white wine or apple cider vinegar
Essential Oils: 3/5 teaspoon each lavender and rosemary, 2/5 teaspoon rosewood
Plus: 2 tablespoons glycerin

Calendula and Elder Flower
Plant material: 2 oz. calendula flowers and 3 oz. elder flowers
Vinegar: 2 pints good-quality white wine or apple cider vinegar
Macerate: 2 weeks

Lavender, Rose, Pink, and Lime
Plant material: 1 oz. each lavender and lime (or linden) flowers, rose petals, pinks
Vinegar: 2 pints good-quality white wine or apple cider vinegar
Macerate: 2 weeks

Read more: Beauty, Skin Care

Excerpted from Anti-Wrinkle Treatments for Perfect Skin, by Pierre Jean Cousin. Copyright (c)2001. Reprinted by permission of Storey Books.
Excerpted from Anti-Wrinkle Treatments for Perfect Skin, by Pierre Jean Cousin.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Kati P.

7:01AM PDT on Jun 17, 2013

thanks for sharing and to Stixy also for the cholesterol recipe, will try it.

June 17
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Susan B.

1:59AM PDT on Jun 17, 2013

A very interesting article, thank you for sharing

Aletta K.

7:15PM PDT on Jun 15, 2013

Thanks !!

June 15
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Martha N.

5:40PM PDT on Jun 13, 2013

I like the idea, it's so natural!

June 13
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Natasha S.

11:39AM PDT on Jun 12, 2013

Thanks! Will give these a try...

June 12
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Winn A.

6:08PM PDT on Jun 6, 2013

Thanks

June 6
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Stixy P.

9:11PM PDT on May 29, 2013

Nobody I know will use cholesterol lowering drugs as they damage muscles. Instead we all mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1cup 100 % apple juice and 1 cup 100 % grape juice shake and drink 5 ounces each and every day without fail. Don't mix more as if it sits to long it gets to vinegary. Takes about 6 months to see results but does lower bad cholesterol. My cousin didn't believe but was in so much pain from his cholesterol med tried it and his cholesterol is now normal and no pain. Each person must weigh the health problems they have before deciding. Worked for my husband within 4 months so we are happy with this natural remedy.