The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Iil0veeyou (Webster, Mass.) on 06/23/2010
★★★★★
A few months ago i went off of my birth control pills. The results of that were awful. I broke out all over my face chest and even back. Ive never had acne on my back. Generally i have extremely clear and smooth skin. I was so upset and went on this website. I saw that people were using ACV for acne and since i already had a bottle of organic ACV i thought id give it a try. I applied it to my skin a few times a day (my skin is very oily so it didnt dry it out)it wasnt mixed with water just straight out of the bottle. Used it for about 2 weeks didnt see significant results. But i didnt quit. I was desperate to get rid of my gross acne. So i kept using it topically and started drinking it 3 times a day (2tbsp. in 8oz water with 1 tsp of organic honey)and finally! My skin started clearing up so fast and now it is almost flawless. I get occasional tiny zits in the spots where i sweat but who doesnt. And they are noticeable to me.
Honestly i swear by ACV it is amazing. I use it for any kind of bug bites or any other little things that may appear on my skin and by the next day its gone. Use ACV internally and topically combined with a healthy life style full of drinking water, eating fruits and veggies and exercising and you will see improvement in your complexion. Forget the strong prescription medicines that only cause more damage. Stick to the natural old remedies. Good luck! I hope you see results as good as mine. (:
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Caitlin (Ausin, Tx) on 12/01/2013
★☆☆☆☆
After using ACV alone with great results, due to the taste I decided to test the ACV & honey mix.... 2 TABsps of ACV with 1 TAB of honey. In 15 minutes, my blood sugar went from 110 to 167. Within the next 30 minutes my face broke out with an ever-lurking candida rash around my mouth and nose. This rash occurs every time I eat sugar in all its myriad forms.... corn syrup, white sugar, sweet wine, brown sugar, .... and now, honey. Candida LOVES sugar; so, I don't recommend using honey if you have it or diabetes. I once put pure honey on my face as a mask -- Oh Brother, worse Candida rash breakout ever! Testing honey's affect on your particular system is always a great idea! Luv & Peace out, CAT!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Caitlin (Austin, Tx) on 09/25/2011
Same here! As an older women, I tend toward drier skin & ACV & Hydrogen Peroxide are very drying to the point of wrinkling for me now. Finally, after a year of expermentation, I clean my skin & neck with a wet, hot watered cotton round smeared with coconut oil. The pad gets pretty dirty. Then, I dab castor oil on my face and gently rub in with water. This has cleared my face and It glows. For the rest of my body, I smear on coconut oil, scrub with a dry cloth and then take a cold shower. I wash key parts, underarms & lower regions with a good organic soap (Dr. Bronner's, Harnn or Grandpa's) and I'm done. I'm fresh, clean and with super soft skin. I only use cologne on my clothes or the bottom of my long hair. I wash my scalp with fresh lemon juice or diluted ACV then rinse my entire head with cold water. My hair & skin have greatly improved this year with my hair finally getting thicker. Oil Pulling & drinking 1 Tabsp of ACV each morning & before bed 1 Tabsp of coconut oil as breakfast has also boosted my hair, skin, joints, sleep, immune system, energy & helps elimenate my vast food cravings while I low carb diet away 70 extra pounds. It's all working! My message to everyone is that natural products require diligence and patience. Over time, it's more than worth it!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Carp (Bronx, Ny, Usa) on 01/11/2010
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar and water, 1:1 - success!
I'm in my late 20s, and have had moderate acne for 12 years or so. It had mostly subsided, but then a few months ago, flared up in a crazy, severe way. I tried modifying my diet and my face-wash routine, but it only seemed to get worse. Finally, I found this routine: every night before bed, I do a light swab with rubbing alcohol (I don't trust my usual soap anymore) to clean, then a light swab with the diluted ACV.
The results are astonishing. I don't want to speak too soon (I've only been on this regimen for 3 weeks now), but my skin is 97% clear and looking better every day. Good luck, everybody - and thank you!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Radha (Urbandale, Ia) on 01/06/2010
★★★★★
Pure apple cider vinegar cured my acne in a week and a half. I have normal skin but tend to get the usual breakout around the end of the month... ;). At one point, my entire left cheek was covered in hard, red, itchy pimples and clear little dots everywhere. I started using a gentle exfoliator for my face wash. Then I would dip a cotton ball in ACV and rub it all over my face. Just a thin layer will do. Then i would sit for alittle bit and let it dry. The smell is something you'll get used to but the first night is terrible. Have the thin layer of ACV dry then apply just a light moisturizer then go to sleep. Make sure all your pimples and such are covered by the ACV. You aren't going to get amazing results over night if you have severe acne; but after about 3-4 days you'll start to see them slowly dry up. If you start to see puss rise up in some LEAVE THEM ALONE. Picking them will only leave a scar. This is my daily routine:) my face has cleared so amazingly. Hooked for life:)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Belinda (O-town, Fl, Usa) on 09/10/2010
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Twice a day I apply B---G ACV to my face and neck after washing. I simply dab it on with a cotton ball and leave it. The smell goes away after it is dry. I am 46 and have suffered from acne most of my life. My face cleared up within a few days. The ACV stimulated the skin and gave me a healthy flush. Other co-workers have complimented my skin. One co-worker said I looked "rested" and another asked if "I'd been to the beach". I noticed that new breakouts are occurring in the back of my neck under the hairline (right where I stopped applying the ACV). There were some strange symptoms in the first few weeks. I believe I'd had some fungus or bugs under my skin which initially protested. My rosacea cleared up and I am thrilled. Thank you!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Amber (Buffalo, MN) on 05/02/2009
★★★★★
Acne: Using Apple Cider Vinegar. Get a spray bottle ( any size works). Mix 1 tsp of Apple Cider Vinegar to 10 tsp of water in spray bottle. Use 2 times a day after washing the face or infected area. Before applying, make sure you shake the bottle. Keep away from eyes and lips. It will put moisture into your skin as well. Do not put lotion on area where you have used the acv/h20 mix. Do not over exceed the amount of vinegar as it can burn your face. Once your skin gets used to the amount of vinegar, slightly increase it.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Melody (Colorado) on 08/02/2006
★☆☆☆☆
I am trying apple cider vinegar for my acne, drinking it three times a day as well as applying it topically at night. But my skin is getting worse. I started 2 weeks ago.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Elaine (Pueblo, Co, Usa) on 05/11/2010
★★★★★
I'm 26 and have never had problems with Acne until about 6 months ago. I broke out on my cheeks and my chest. I have tried everything and even went to the dermatologist. He prescribed me Retin-a and a antibacterial face wash. Neither has helped at all. A couple weeks ago I read about ACV on this site and started using it every morning and night on my face. I wash my face with an organic face wash, then use a cotten ball to apply ACV to my face. I let it dry for about 5-6 minutes then I apply a moisturizer. Make sure to moisturize afterwards or it will really dry your skin.I also have been drinking a splash of ACV mixed with water daily. I can't believe how good my skin looks. The acne is almost completely gone, replaced by a healthy glow. I would recommend this to anyone with acne problems. It really is amazing.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Vee (Ft. Hood, Texas) on 05/30/2011
★☆☆☆☆
Nay: Some time ago, I used ACV as a toner before bed on my acne ridden face. I put some on a cotton ball & spread it over my face at night. It didn't work for me-it made my face rough and didn't take away the pimples at all. Recently, I felt a pimple coming up and used ACV on a cotton ball and held it on the developing pimple for several minutes. That didn't work either. In fact-I developed a scab overnight on my face where the pimple was! I was so upset because I had a job interview that morning & I don't wear makeup, so I couldn't cover it up! My plea is that people be specific when they write about how they actually used the product. I did get the job by the way!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Holly (Portland, Or, Usa) on 04/04/2010
★★★★★
Acne: Apple Cider Vinegar. CURED my non-inflammatory acne MUCH MUCH better than Retin-A!! I have a perscription for Retin-A, and have been taking it for months. It smells and i know it's bad for your skin as far as sun damage goes, so I've never used it on my face, where...for the last few years, I've had small under the skin bumps that are sort of annoying. I thought others were exaggerating on overnight success...but I kid you not, I dipped a cotton swab in ACV and ran it over the area, went to bed, woke up...excited to see the results, ran my fingers over it...baby bottom smooth! incredible! You smell a little funky, but it goes away in 2-3 minutes. Trying to ingest it too to see the results, and will try it on my legs and arms where I also have these bumps....will send results.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Toby (Wheeling, Wv, Us) on 01/18/2010
★★★★★
I have had amazing success using Apple Cider Vinegar for acne. I use the organic kind. I wash my face at night,towel dry, then dab the ACV on any troublesome areas. I let this dry and leave it on. In the morning, I rinse my face with warm water (no soap) and towel dry. I then dab the ACV again on any troublesome areas. A couple of times per day, I rinse my face with warm water only & towel dry.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bonnie (Manlius, New York) on 01/12/2010
★★★★★
I just had to post my input on ACV for acne. It REALLY works and if you have acne, you MUST try it! I have used it topically every night...just a cotton balls worth rubbed into skin, then I wash it off with soap. Also, I drink two glasses of ACV, honey and water (2 tbls acv, one tsp honey and 8oz water) each day. I'm 40 and have had breakouts for years but this routine works. And my skin is amazing now. I do get the occasional pimple which I immediately attack with a q-tip full of hydrogen peroxide and that shrinks it and stops it from getting any bigger. But overall, the acv has cured my acne! I have recently started applying virgin coconut oil to my skin and that has really helped with skin tone as well as shrinking my pores. I'm so grateful to EC for this site...and to think I was wasting so much money on all those stupid chemicals when all I needed was acv. Keep posting!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Thealth (Los Angeles, Ca) on 01/12/2010
Hi Bonnie,
Thanks for you feedback about ACV. I want to try this remedy. DO i apply ACV and keep in overnight and wash with soap in the morning? Thanks
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bonnie (Manlius, Ny) on 01/13/2010
Hi Thealth,
I started out by leaving the ACV on overnight, but it made my skin very red and irritated. I did that for a couple weeks, then when I saw that it was working, I decided to just use it as a "toner" so to speak. In other words, dampen a cotton ball with the ACV, then rub it onto your skin. I then wash it off almost immediately. It might take a week or two to see results, but you will. Go ahead and try leaving it on overnight....it might work well for you! Also, VERY important, only use ACV with "the mother" (raw, unpasteurized). If your grocer doesn't have it, try your local health food store! Good luck!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Laura (Fort Worth, Tx) on 12/16/2009
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is amazing! I am 38 yrs old and have sufferered from acne since my teens. My face has never been blemish free until now. I have spent thousands on medicines and OTCounter creams to no avail. What drove me to search online for help was that my forehead broke out all over in tiny bumps and nothing (even antibiotics) was taking it away. I was also on accutane in my early 20's for cystic acne, but since then, it was just regular acne I dealt with, plus tiny whiteheads all over my forehead.
I came across ACV reviews online and thought "what do I have to lose?" I bought the raw kind with the "mother" and I used it straight out of the bottle- applied w/ a cotton ball. It stung the heck out of my face, and stunk to high heaven, burned my eyes a little, but after a while, it settled down and I went to bed like that. Now when I use it, it tingles only a little and my eyes are fine... guess I have gotten use to it.
I woke up the next day and was ****amazed**** at the results!!!!!! I had already cut out sugar from my diet many months prior (and seen a little improvement), so this effect could only be attributable to the ACV. Within 3 days the tiny bumps had vanished and my skin was baby smooth.
I've used it now for about 2 months and my skin is beautiful and acne free!!!! I am scared that I will wake up one day and it wont' work the same, it is that good. Also, it does not dry out my skin like the meds.
I wish I could post a before and after picture of myself- but I thought I would at least share the good news and help some other poor soul who has given up hope. Maybe it will work for you, too.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sdcummings2000 (Plant City, Florida) on 12/07/2009
★★★★☆
I have been using apple cider vinegar for my acne for 2weeks as of yesterday. I didnt have terrible acne but enough to make me feel insecure in public. I am very vain and will not go pick up my son from school without makeup. I have to say that within 3 days my acne had cleared up nicely. It still is not CLEAR but, i think im getting there.I does take time,as does anything else.I drink 2 tablespoons 2x a day straight.Every other night i use it as a toner.i hope anyone with acne at least will try it.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mcalzada (Encino, Ca, USA) on 09/02/2009
★★★★★
Thank you for this site! I have suffered from acne for almost 20 years. Within the last 5 years I took processed sugar out of my diet completely which cleared up most of my acne, but I still had occasional breakouts and my skin had small bumps especially on my cheeks. I started using organic ACV as a topical astringent after washing my face in the morning and evening over my whole face. Within 2 days my skin was very smooth. Within 2 weeks my skin was glowing. Friends and family noticed the imporvement in my skin texture. ACV works wonders.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Samlaunch (Knoxville, Tennessee) on 05/03/2009
I stumbled onto this website yesterday afternoon and happened to have some apple cider vinegar (ACV) sitting somewhere in my apartment. Well, after reading about the acne/stomach/flu cure, I looked high and low for the gallon of the ACV; found it sitting on the top of my refrigerator. Immediately, poured some into a cup and drank it raw and then proceeded to the bathroom to splash some on my face and neck. Within 12 hours, whatever acne there was, shriveled up and died an ignominious death, my stomach feels like a million dollars, and my appetite has returned in force due to me being a tall drink of water which equivalates to thin. I don't have the flu but have taken the ACV as a precautionary measure. Thanks for common sensical information. The link to this website has been given to my friends. Everyone here is the best! Your Friend, Sam
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Teri (Cedar Springs, Michigan) on 03/10/2009
★★★★☆
Question - My son 18yrs. has had an acne problem for years now, face and body. Have seen some results with ACV over the past 30-40 days. Seems to be at a standstill with further results. Believe he has Candida. Will start him on the H2O2 regimen. Wondered; can or should he take other things to clear up the Candida like Caprylic acid, Oil of Oregeno, Garlic. Naturally because of his age he is busy and not always wanting to cooperate. Plus he is skeptical after many meds over the years. Can he take more than one of these remedies? What would be the best/simplest for him to get rid of his acne? Sure would appreciate what you think.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dee (Edmonton, Alberta/Canada) on 02/08/2009
★☆☆☆☆
I used the ACV and water 50/50 after I washed my face, like a toner. At first, I felt like it helped reduce scars and acne looked better. But after about two weeks, my skin started to become very oily and the acne was getting worse. If it was just the acne getting worse I might of stuck through it because I guess that's normal, but since my skin was getting so oily, I stopped. Didn't work for me.