By Nikki Phipps
Do you recall the expression, “An apple a day will keep the doctor away”? It’s true. Apples are very healthy; in fact, they are a good source of potassium and minerals. Most of us are fully aware that apple cider vinegar derives from the apple; however, what many people are not aware of is the fact that vinegar can be used for a variety of purposes, other than an essential condiment within the kitchen. Vinegar is actually an inexpensive solution to many common beauty problems. It’s an excellent antiseptic and unique cleanser.
Apple cider vinegar is rich in alpha-hydroxy acids. When used on the skin, it helps dissolve fatty deposits and reduces scaly conditions creating a softer, smoother appearance. So if you suffer from chapped skin, especially during the cold months of winter, just mix up a batch of vinegar cream using equal parts of vinegar and hand cream. Likewise, you could choose to take a vinegar bath by adding a cup of vinegar to lukewarm water and soaking for about 20 minutes. Since vinegar can also help restore the natural acidity of your skin’s pH levels, it makes an excellent cleanser and toner too, which comes in handy when combating problems with acne. If you skin is especially oily, try using an astringent mixture of half apple cider vinegar and half-cool water. Get rid of blemishes and make your skin more youthful with an overnight facial of apple cider vinegar. Apply vinegar to your face before bed and you’ll have softer, smoother skin by morning. Suffer from blackheads? Mash a few strawberries and mix them with 1/4 cup of vinegar. Allow the mixture to stand for two hours, and then strain through cheesecloth. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on overnight. In the morning, wash your face with cool water and soap.
Vinegar is a great hair conditioner and can improve cleanliness and shine. It also gets rid of residue build-up. Simply mix about a half cup of vinegar with a quart of water and use it for rinsing your hair after shampooing. Rinsing your hair with four parts water and one part vinegar after every shampoo will also help eliminate frizzy hair. To fight problems with dandruff or dry scalp, you can rinse your hair with a solution of two cups water and half a cup of vinegar to help balance your scalp’s pH level. If you have a severe case, try placing a plastic shower cap over your hair and leave the mixture on your head for about an hour or so before rinsing. Alternatively, you can also apply undiluted vinegar to the scalp. Allow the vinegar to soak in and then shampoo and rinse as usual. One note of caution, full strength apple cider vinegar will add natural highlights to dark-colored hair. To prevent this, dilute vinegar with water.
Vinegar is also great for treating mild burns. For topical skin burns, apply ice-cold apple cider vinegar onto the area to prevent blistering. For mild sunburns, you might find a quick soak in the tub soothing. Add a cup of vinegar to your bath water and soak for about 10-15 minutes. This solution can also be used to help relieve itchy skin or aching muscles. Alternatively, to relieve tired hands or feet, try rubbing a little vinegar on them. Hey guys, you can benefit from the beauty of vinegar as well. In fact, vinegar makes a wonderful aftershave for men, keeping skin soft and youthful. Keep a small bottle in the medicine cabinet and splash some on your face after shaving. And ladies, here’s another beauty tip you may not have known about. If you soak your fingertips for a minute or two in a solution containing a couple teaspoons of vinegar and about half a cup of warm water before applying nail polish, the polish will actually stay on longer.
Vinegar has always has its uses for cleaning various things, especially stains. But were you aware that it is just as effective when removing stains from your hands as well? Dabbing some full strength apple cider vinegar on stained hands will take them right out. For those real nasty hands, you can also try scrubbing them with cornmeal slightly moistened with vinegar. Rinse in cool water and then dry as usual. Don’t stop at hands; vinegar works well on dirty feet too! As vinegar is a great stain-fighting tool, you can use it to clean your dentures as well simply by soaking them in pure white vinegar overnight.