Peeling with apple cider vinegar at home: how and why it’s done

Cosmetic products prepared with vinegar have an astringent, disinfecting, drying and soothing effect. Peeling with vinegar helps get rid of acne, blackheads, sebaceous plugs, cleanses pores and narrows their lumen. To prepare the compositions, apple cider vinegar is most often used, less often table or wine vinegar. At home, it is recommended to use low concentration ingredients. This will avoid unpleasant consequences, but will give a noticeable positive effect.

Peeling composition

Useful composition:

• vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, E - nourish, stimulate regeneration processes, rejuvenate, relieve irritation, strengthen thin capillaries;
• a complex of microelements - restore the natural resources of the skin, effective against dryness, flaking, decreased tone and elasticity;
• enzymes - accelerate metabolic processes at the cellular level;
• malic, acetic, oxalic, citric, lactic acids - dissolve dead cells, stimulate renewal processes, restore smooth relief, lighten pigmentation, reduce the number and depth of wrinkles, normalize the synthesis of sebaceous secretions.

Note! For home care, you can use not only apple cider vinegar, but also wine or grape vinegar. Its composition is rich in tartaric, lactic, acetic acid, vitamins A, E, group B. It also contains photoalexin, which is a powerful antioxidant that slows down the aging process.

In addition to fruit vinegar, additional ingredients may be included in home peeling:

• honey - tones, whitens, polishes the relief;
• badyaga - has an anti-inflammatory effect, reduces the synthesis of sebaceous secretions;
• salt - enhances the effect of vinegar, promotes the dissolution of dead cells, and is a known antiseptic;
• vegetable oils - soften and nourish, smooth out wrinkles, have rejuvenating properties;
• esters - activate renewal processes, stimulate microcirculation.

Home peeling should not exceed the acid content of more than 25%, otherwise the use may lead to burns, hypersensitivity, and a decrease in the natural immunity of the skin. A gradual increase in concentration is acceptable to get rid of aesthetic defects. But the higher the acid content, the shorter the procedure itself should last. The course will gradually normalize the condition of the skin, restore an even texture and healthy skin tone.

Apple cider vinegar: general characteristics

Apple cider vinegar contains up to 4–6% acid obtained from natural raw materials (fruit pulp or juice). The natural product acts gently on the skin without disturbing the skin's pH level. There is also a synthetic type of product that contains up to 8–10% acid. It contains an identical natural flavoring added. It is not recommended to apply it to the skin - it will not do any good.

Immediately after treating your face with natural apple cider vinegar, the pH drops sharply; within a few hours, pathogenic bacteria die in such an environment. After this, the acid-base balance is restored, so there is no risk of loss of moisture to the tissues.

It is commonly used for facial cleansing, skin treatment, and home rejuvenation. It is a mistake to think that this remedy is actively used only by supporters of traditional medicine. Women say they have received recommendations to take care of their skin using apple cider vinegar from their estheticians.

For facial care, it is better to make homemade apple cider vinegar.

Medicinal properties of the product

Vinegar contains malic, citric, oxalic and lactic acids in varying concentrations. This can be called a chemical peel of natural origin. Acids stimulate metabolism in cells, which helps prolong the youth of the skin. In addition, the product contains:

• vitamins A, C, E, P, group B;
• antioxidant enzymes (proteins that are absorbed faster when used internally);
• minerals.

Natural apple cider vinegar contains 5–6% acid

Indications for the procedure

The use of natural ingredients has a positive effect on all skin types. At a young age, many experience increased secretion, oily sheen, and painful rashes. Acetic peeling neutralizes the influence of bacteria by changing the acidity of the environment.

Pores become less noticeable, and secretion synthesis is normalized. After 25 years, cosmetologists are turned to to solve the problem of stressed skin. The aggressive influence of the environment, lifestyle, bad habits, lack of sleep lead to a rapid deterioration in the condition of the integument.

Gray, unhealthy color, swelling, decreased turgor leads to rapid aging. The active components of vinegar saturate tissues with useful elements, restoring renewal processes.

After 35 years, regeneration slows down, age spots and folds appear. Gentle peelings are used to rejuvenate and improve color. They visually refresh, transform, and there is no recovery period at all. The multicomponent composition improves cellular respiration and strengthens thin capillaries.

Indications:

• pigmentation;
• unhealthy color;
• sagging, loss of elasticity;
• wide pores;
• comedones;
• blackheads, acne.

“Gommage” cleansing technique

To perform this peeling, basic components and acid are used. Exfoliation is painless, gentle, and the result begins to appear after removing the peeling agent from the skin.

READ ALSO: Structure of facial skin in cosmetology, visual diagram

To prepare vinegar gommage you will need:

• Apple;
• 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar;
• 1 tsp. natural olive or almond oil.

1. Make puree from half an apple.
2. Mix the remaining ingredients into it.
3. Mix the composition thoroughly.
4. Spread the mixture onto your skin.
5. Leave the product on your face for 5 minutes.
6. Use your fingertips to massage the skin, rolling the gommage.
7. Soak the sponge in a weak soda solution and carefully remove the pellets from the surface.
8. Wash your face and use a moisturizing cream.

For some time after exfoliation, it is not recommended to use scrubbing compositions so as not to damage the renewed skin.

Efficiency of the procedure

As a result of the use of vinegar compositions, it is possible to significantly improve the appearance of the skin. With regular use, many observe an increase in elasticity and restoration of an even, healthy tone.

Naturally, in one procedure it will not be possible to whiten pigmentation or smooth out lumpy relief. But with the course, a lasting transformation is observed. Gentle compositions do not injure the skin; the effect is directed only to the surface layers.

Therefore, to polish the relief, get rid of atrophic scars and scars, it is worth using the services of a professional cosmetologist.

Important! The acidity of home peeling does not exceed 20%, and to affect the middle dermal layers, the concentration must be above 30%.

Effect of the procedure:

• even, healthy tone;
• pores narrow;
• the number of facial wrinkles decreases;
• inflammation goes away;
• the secretion of glands is reduced, preventing the appearance of acne.

It will take 8 to 10 sessions to achieve the desired results.

Traditional cleansing method

Facial peeling at home can be done in the usual way. It involves performing a light burn on the tissues, which stimulates their rapid renewal. With a burn, dead cells and minor defects leave the surface of the face. After a few days, peeling and peeling of the upper layer of the epidermis is observed, and in return a new and elastic one appears.

The effect of this peeling technique will not be noticeable immediately. 2 days after exfoliation, peeling and rejection of the dead layer will appear. Under no circumstances should you rip off the “rags” that have formed on your face, do not scratch or try to somehow speed up the exfoliation process with sponges, washcloths, or scrubs. During this period, your skin needs intense hydration and nutrition; provide it with skincare products made from natural ingredients.

Here are several effective and safe acid peeling recipes for your attention. All the ingredients are simple, most of them you can find in the kitchen.

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Peeling “Fruit assortment”

Vinegar with the addition of fruit juices will help to significantly improve the condition of problematic and oily skin, and get rid of acne and oily skin for a long time. To prepare the peeling product you will need:

• 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar;
• 1 tsp. juice from currant berries;
• 1 tsp. orange juice;
• 1 tsp. corn oil.

1. Mix all ingredients until the mixture becomes homogeneous.
2. Remove any remaining makeup from your skin.
3. Apply the peeling product evenly and thinly onto your face.
4. Do not wash off the mixture for 5 minutes. In case of severe burning and discomfort, the composition can be removed earlier.
5. Prepare a neutralizer or weak soda solution.
6. Wipe your face with neutralizer.
7. To speed up the peeling of the stratum corneum, do a small massage with a sponge. Moisten the sponge and wipe your face with it in a circle.
8. Wash your face with warm water.
9. Apply facial moisturizer to your skin.

After vinegar peeling with fruit acids, in most cases, unnatural redness or erythema appears on the face. This is due to the active action of acetic and ascorbic acids. There is no need to worry about this; the defect will go away within a few hours.

Milk-fruit peeling with vinegar

This composition is suitable for all skin types. Acne, sebaceous plugs, comedones and inflammatory processes will no longer bother your face. Milk-fruit peeling with vinegar is a precious find for the face. To prepare it you will need:

• 1 tbsp. l. chilled whole milk;
• 1 tbsp. l. fresh orange juice;
• 1 tsp. apple (wine) vinegar.

1. Mix milk and orange juice. The milk should curdle into snow-white flakes.
2. Add vinegar and stir thoroughly.
3. Apply the peeling agent to the epidermis in a thin and even layer.
4. Do not wash off the mixture for 5–7 minutes.
5. Wash your face with water at room temperature.
6. Apply a toner or face cream with a moisturizing effect to your skin.

Wine-vinegar peeling

Red wine increases blood circulation, makes the walls of blood vessels and cells strong and elastic. After the procedure, the complexion noticeably improves, the relief is smoothed, and a tendency towards rejuvenation of the epidermis is observed. To prepare a vinegar solution with wine, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 tsp. apple (wine) vinegar;
• 3 tsp. dry red wine.

1. Mix the ingredients together.
2. Apply the prepared liquid to your face.
3. After 2 minutes, apply another layer of product.
4. After a few minutes, apply the 3rd coat.
5. Leave the mixture on the skin for 3 minutes.
6. Wipe your face with a weak solution of soda.
7. Wash your face with cool water.
8. Follow up your cleansing with moisturizer.

To achieve the desired result from peeling, use only natural wine. If the wine contains a large amount of chemical dyes, then a surge of irritation and an allergic reaction is possible.

Preparatory stage

Unlike salon procedures, home peeling can be used throughout the year. But, like any deep cleansing, it is contraindicated during periods of maximum solar activity. The use of acidic compounds on hot summer days can lead to pigmentation, irritation of the skin, and a decrease in natural immune defense. Also, to achieve a pronounced effect, you should follow a number of rules:

• use gommages and scrubs with small abrasive particles for about a week to loosen the keratinized epithelium and deeper penetration of the active components of the peeling;
• exclude the use of comedogenic cosmetics, use light BB creams for toning;
• the day before, do not introduce allergenic or new foods into the diet; it is difficult to predict the skin reaction with additional aggressive exposure;
• Be sure to maintain a water regime, taking at least 2 liters of clean water per day, this will avoid dryness and speed up the renewal process.

Before use, test the composition for a possible allergic reaction. For burning and irritation, it is necessary to reduce the acid concentration.

Rejuvenation with retinol

Anya decided that it was time to start fighting the deep wrinkles between her eyebrows. One of the users on the forum, where Anya shared her problem, advised me to buy a solution of retinol acetate at the pharmacy and smear it on my face day and evening every day for at least a month. The forum member promised that the skin would become like a baby’s.

Anya followed the advice. At first, the result really pleased her, the wrinkles smoothed out, and the quality of her skin improved. However, after two weeks, something went wrong: rashes appeared on the face, itching, and the skin began to peel off.

The cosmetologist recorded retinoid dermatitis and special skin sensitivity to this component. I had to give up on budgetary rejuvenation and treat its consequences.

Cosmetologist's comment: “Any product with vitamin A should be used on the recommendation of a doctor. If the concentration of retinol derivatives in the selected products is too high or the independently selected product is used incorrectly, then instead of rejuvenation you will get severe irritation and peeling of the skin, hyperpigmentation. So a cosmetologist will have to treat new problems.”

Peeling recipes

Natural compositions gently remove impurities and dead cells, resulting in the restoration of the processes of respiration and cell nutrition. The rich composition provides vitamins, enzymes, minerals, improves color and structure. The relief is noticeably evened out, thanks to the course you can get rid of post-acne.

For dry, irritated skin

Gentle cleansing and restoration of hydrobalance will be provided by peeling based on apple cider vinegar. An effective remedy for getting rid of photopigmentation and preventing rosacea. Thanks to regular use, the color and structure of fabrics noticeably changes.

Components:

• 5 ml apple cider vinegar;
• 15 ml orange juice;
• 5 ml wheat germ oil.

Combine all ingredients, cleanse face, steam with a hot herbal compress. Using a fan brush, distribute along massage lines, avoiding the eyelid area and nasolabial triangle. Leave to act for 10 minutes, if you feel a burning sensation, rinse off earlier. Be sure to apply moisturizer after the procedure.

For pigmentation

To whiten age spots, you should use an essence. The acid concentration can be adjusted independently by diluting it with water in a ratio of 1:7. This is the optimal 9% solution for home superficial peeling. This proven product will help restore a flawless, even color, narrow pores, and increase skin elasticity.

Components:

• 10 ml of vinegar essence;
• 70 ml plantain decoction;
• 5 ml apricot kernel oil.

Prepare and strain the herbal decoction, dilute the essence. Add apricot oil to the base and mix the liquids thoroughly. Clean your face using gel or gommage and soak cotton pads in the prepared product. Place on face, excluding eyelid area, leave for 10 minutes. Afterwards, wipe the covers with water with the addition of soda. Repeat the procedure 2 times a week, optimally carried out in the autumn-winter period.

For oily skin

Problematic dermis, prone to inflammation and acne, regularly needs the use of peeling compounds. They not only neutralize the action of bacteria, but also prevent new formations. Effective for normalizing the secretion of glands, removing toxins and decay products.

Components:

• 15 ml wine vinegar;
• 5 gr. zinc ointment;
• 2 drops of lemon balm ether.

Add herbal oil to the zinc ointment, stir well, add to the wine vinegar. Clean your face from makeup and steam it with a compress. Distribute the peeling roll in a circular motion, following the massage lines. Leave on for 5 minutes, rinse with chamomile decoction, which is a natural neutralizer.

For acne and comedones

To care for young, problematic skin, you should use a homemade peeling recipe. Grape vinegar not only gets rid of sebaceous plugs and neutralizes inflammation, but also saturates the skin with B vitamins. As a result, the appearance improves and renewal processes at the cellular level are restored.

Components:

• 10 ml grape vinegar;
• 20 drops of salicylic acid;
• 5 ml aloe juice.

Combine grape vinegar with salicylic acid, add vegetable juice. Apply the liquid composition to the face after cleansing using a sponge, in several layers. Leave until a slight burning sensation appears, but for no more than 7 minutes. Wash off with parsley decoction, repeat 2-3 times a week, no more than 3 months.

Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin

Apple cider vinegar dries out and slightly tightens the epidermis, so not everyone can use it. For combination, oily or problematic skin, the product will be useful, but for dry, mature and sensitive skin, it can only be used when diluted with other components. The tool will help:

• remove unpleasant oily sheen;
• cure comedones and acne;
• restore skin elasticity;
• improve complexion.

Table: homemade cosmetics with added product

Apple cider vinegar is a natural skin care product for all skin types.

Pros and cons of facial care products

For people with dry and sensitive skin, vinegar is not contraindicated, but its use is limited because it can cause side effects such as redness, burning, and pain. There are contraindications to the use of this product for health reasons. Otherwise, this is a completely acceptable and budget-friendly product option for natural facial care.

As a medicine, apple cider vinegar may not give the desired result, so to solve serious skin problems (whether dermatological diseases or age-related changes), it is better to use it as an additional remedy.

Supermarkets have a large selection of vinegar, but the average price of the product should not exceed 50 rubles per 0.5 liter

Healing period

It is better to carry out the procedure before the weekend; the recovery process requires careful care and limiting the use of cosmetics. Immediately after peeling, the skin turns red, and there may be burning and swelling. The discomfort passes quickly, then natural peeling occurs. The update lasts literally several days; to prevent unwanted complications, you should follow a number of recommendations:

• use thermal or mineral water for washing, and alcohol-free lotion for toning;
• be sure to moisturize the skin with creams and gels that contain hyaluronic acid, aloe, vitamins B, A and E;
• during the first days, refrain from using decorative cosmetics;
• Apply sunscreen before going outside;
• visiting the beach, solarium, or swimming pool is additional stress; during the peeling course, visits should be limited.

The standard number of sessions is 8–10; for normal and oily dermis they are repeated 2 times a week, for dry dermis - once every 10 days. The effect depends on age, general skin condition, and cosmetic problems being solved. To maintain well-groomed, fresh, healthy skin, the course is repeated no more than 2 times a year.

Making Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar

During the warm season, try to find time to make homemade apple cider vinegar. It is prepared not just for once, but for future use, because it is stored for as long as store-bought.

To make vinegar you will need freshly squeezed apple juice.

Cooking method:

1. Strain the apple juice.
2. Pour it into a glass jar or cup.
3. Take a piece of cling film or a plastic bag, make several holes in it with a toothpick or an awl and cover the dish with juice.
4. Remove the mixture to infuse in a warm place. After 1.5–2 weeks, mucus will appear on the surface - these are acetic acid bacteria (the so-called vinegar uterus).
5. Wait a few more days. The vinegar will be ready when the queen sinks to the bottom.
6. Take it out, stir the finished composition and pour it into bottles.

When the vinegar is ready, the vinegar mother settles to the bottom

You can take sweet apples and make vinegar from them:

1. Chop the fruits and pour into a glass bowl.
2. For 1 kg of apples add 2 tbsp. l. honey or sugar.
3. Pour in warm water or freshly squeezed apple juice.
4. Cover the dishes with film with pierced holes and put them in a warm place.
5. After 2 weeks, strain the juice, but do not throw away the queen.
6. Leave the vinegar for another 1.5–2 weeks, then remove the mucus.
7. Stir the prepared vinegar and pour into bottles.

Use homemade apple cider vinegar sparingly; store it in a closet or on a shelf, but not in the refrigerator.

Precautionary measures

Peels are among the most traumatic procedures; if safety rules are not followed, they can lead to complications. It mainly manifests itself in the form of increased skin type problems.

For dry skin, this means peeling, a reaction to any external irritants, redness, and allergic reactions. With oily and combination skin, the secretion of the sebaceous glands increases, and new painful rashes appear. Peeling should not be used for the following contraindications:

• violation of the integrity of the integument;
• healing stage after salon procedures;
• fresh tan;
• individual intolerance to the components of the composition;
• purulent formations;
• dermatological diseases.

The prepared composition must be tested; it may be necessary to reduce the acidity to prevent side effects:

• peeling, irritation;
• the appearance of microcracks;
• hyperpigmentation;
• increased acne.

Contraindications

Despite its accessibility and effectiveness, this method has several contraindications for use. Let's look at them to avoid unwanted problems:

• rosacea, capillary network on the face;
• small wounds, cuts;
• not the first stage of herpes;
• intolerance or allergic reactions to vinegar;
• pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Here are a number of the most important problems and conditions for which you should never peel with vinegar. After all, acid, penetrating into damaged areas, will only harm you; it is best to get rid of the problems and only then begin to cleanse the epidermis. But it will be better if you consult specialists on this issue.

Advantages and disadvantages

Vinegar peeling has undeniable advantages. But before you carry out home exfoliation, you should learn about the features of the procedure.

Pros:

• delicate cleansing, restoration of renewal processes;
• affordable price;
• the ability to select the composition by type;
• reduced risks of side effects;
• the general condition of the skin improves.

Minuses:

• the result does not last long;
• requires coursework;
• It is not effective when used for severe cosmetic problems.

Opinion of cosmetologists

Professional cosmetologists use acetic acid-based materials to perform peeling programs.

The user writes about the differences between trichloroacetic and monochloroacetic acid, the more aggressive action of the latter.

A participant had questions about the use of chloroacetic acid for a midline peel. Asks colleagues about their results of the procedure course.

A cosmetologist writes about choosing an experienced professional; risks exist only when contacting an unqualified specialist.

Anti-acne mask

Apple cider vinegar is effective for acne on the face. Reviews from women who have already tried this product on themselves confirm that it slightly dries the skin, relieves inflammation, promotes skin regeneration and removes unpleasant oily shine. The list of ingredients is as follows:

• two tablespoons of oatmeal (if you don’t have it, you can grind the oatmeal in a coffee grinder);
• two teaspoons of honey (it is important to find a natural product);
• three tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.

Patient reviews

Users are actively discussing the features of preparing and using home peelings. There is a predominantly positive opinion about the use of natural remedies.

The review describes a simple recipe for peeling the ray and the amazing effect at home.

The user advises to avoid adding components with small abrasive particles, which can injure the skin and lead to its rapid fading.

The participant writes about the need to adhere to proportions when creating recipes and about the rules of application to achieve the desired results.

The user writes that only a cosmetologist can carry out an effective procedure; home remedies cannot compare in effect to professional peeling.

Home care using apple cider vinegar will give you saturation with valuable elements. Gentle cleansing without traumatizing the integument, normalizing intracellular processes, lightening pigmentation - an effect that can be achieved with the help of effective recipes. As a result, the skin is renewed, the face looks fresh and rested.

Mature skin care product

In modern cosmetology, apple cider vinegar is widely used for the face against wrinkles. Reviews confirm that regular use of certain products can smooth the skin, make it firmer and fresher, and remove small folds. The recipe calls for the use of the following components:

• half a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar;
• egg yolk;
• three tablespoons of olive oil;
• fresh cucumber (small).

The cucumber must be thoroughly washed and chopped using a fine grater. Add the remaining ingredients to the slurry and mix thoroughly. The resulting composition is applied to previously cleansed skin. Residues should be washed off after a quarter of an hour.