Understandably, people struggling with skin issues like acne, eczema or dry skin want solutions—fast. Enter: the apple cider vinegar (ACV) bath. Type the phrase into a social media site like TikTok, Instagram or YouTube and you'll be inundated with information about the supposed healing properties of AVC—especially as a bath soak. But to make sure it's safe to step into an apple cider vinegar bath, Parade consulted two dermatologists to hear their expert thoughts on the trend.Dr. Hadley King is a board-certified dermatologist and a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University. And Dr. Rachel Nazarian is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City who's worked with celebrity clients like Real Housewives of New York City star Sonja Morgan. With their years of expertise, both dermatologists were well-suited to consult on the social media trend of taking an apple cider vinegar bath to soothe dry skin.Dr. Nazarian says that apple cider vinegar, which is made from fermented apple juice, "has a pH that is somewhat close to that of skin, although it can often be slightly more acidic." These similar pH numbers can help bring balance to the skin, but there are ways to do it right, and ways to do it very wrong—so both doctors advise using caution when trying an apple cider vinegar bath. Keep reading to learn about their expert recommendations.Related: 13 Best Makeup Removers, According to Celebrity Dermatologists
What Is an Apple Cider Vinegar Bath?
The premise of an apple cider vinegar bath is simple. As Dr. King says, it's just "adding apple cider vinegar to warm bathwater and soaking in it for 10 to 20 minutes." But it's all about the dilution ratio when it comes to conducting the bath safely. Anywhere from as little as a teaspoon, according to Dr. Nazarian's recommendation, up to two cups, as Dr. King recommends, provided the tub is full at about 40 gallons of water.Related: Here's Exactly What Happens to Your Body If You Drink Apple Cider Vinegar Every Day
"ACV is slightly acidic, which can help normalize the skin's acid mantle," Dr. King says. She adds that "restoring the skin's pH" may ultimately help the skin to "retain moisture more effectively."
2. Supports healthy skin
Dr. King says the mild acidity of the vinegar can help "discourage overgrowth of certain bacteria or yeast," and it can also support the skin's "beneficial microbes" at the same time.
"For people who have eczema and acne that are worsened by certain bacteria, then yes, an infrequent ACV bath may offer some improvement," Dr. Nazarian says.Dr. King says that, for acne specifically, "ACV's mild antibacterial and exfoliating properties may help reduce bacteria that contribute to acne and unclog pores." And for eczema, ACV "can be soothing and beneficial for the skin pH... reducing secondary bacterial growth," she shares.
4. Gently exfoliates
Dr. King says that the acetic acid found in apple cider vinegar "can help dissolve dead skin cells." This produces a gentle exfoliating effect, "leaving skin smoother," Dr. King adds.
"Some people find ACV baths calming for itchy, inflamed skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties," Dr. King shares.
6. Helps with fungal issues
"Apple cider vinegar is an anti-microbial, anti-yeast and anti-fungal, so it helps to clean bacteria and other organisms from the skin," Dr. Nazarian says.Because of those anti-fungal properties, Dr. King says that the baths "may help with minor fungal or bacterial issues."
Dr. King explains that ACV baths "may reduce body odor by lowering skin pH and discouraging odor-causing bacteria."Related: Is ‘Skin Flooding’ Legit? A Board-Certified Dermatologist Weighs In
What You'll Need for an Apple Cider Vinegar Bath
Dr. King recommends getting unfiltered apple cider vinegar with what's called "the mother," aka "beneficial enzymes and bacteria."
1. Fill the tub
Dr. King recommends filling the tub with warm—not hot—water. She says a standard tub should hold about 40 gallons, which is important for the ACV dilution.
Dr. King says to add about one to two cups of the vinegar to the water and stir to mix. For sensitive skin, you can dilute even further, with Dr. Nazarian recommending just a teaspoon per bath.
3. Soak and rinse
Then you can soak for just 10 to 20 minutes, says Dr. King, before rinsing off "with clean water."
4. Dry and moisturize
When you're done, "pat dry and immediately apply moisturizer," shares Dr. King. "ACV can be drying and irritating, so dilution is crucial, and it's important to moisturize afterwards," she adds.
Risks of Apple Cider Vinegar Baths
Because of its acidity, ACV should be used with caution. "Longer contact, such as leaving the ingredient on skin for longer than a few minutes, or in more concentrated forms, has potential for a lot of damage by causing burning or irritation," Dr. Nazarian explains. "Especially if the ACV is in high concentration."Dr. King says you can also encounter issues like "worsening of eczema if the skin barrier is compromised" or "eye or mucous membrane irritation." Potential for irritation is also higher for those with "sensitive or broken skin," she shares.Related: Is Skin ‘Slugging’ Good for Mature Skin? A Dermatologist Says Yes—But Do It This Way
According to Dr. Nazarian, apple cider vinegar is "likely safe for infrequent use." She suggests that people use it "at most once a week," but not daily due to the "ability of acidic components to break down delicate skin tissue."Though it can help with skin issues like acne, eczema and pH balance, there's a degree of user error that can make apple cider vinegar baths worse for your skin if you're not careful. If you're worried about following all the ACV bathing rules to a tee, Dr. King recommends dry skin treatments like oatmeal baths or moisturizers instead."If you're going to use it, for hair, for skin... for anything, please use only [diluted] forms, in short contact," Dr. Nazarian says.Up Next:
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Sources:
Dr. Hadley King is a board-certified NYC dermatologist and Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Find her on Instagram @drhadleyking.Dr. Rachel Nazarian is a board-certified NYC dermatologist who's worked with celebs like Real Housewives of New York star Sonja Morgan. Find her on Instagram @drrachelnazarian.Hence then, the article about celebrity dermatologists weigh in on this unusual bath to combat dry skin does it actually work was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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