Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a kitchen staple made from fermented apple juice, often used in cooking and as a purported internal health remedy. ACV contains compounds, including acetic acid, that have led to its popular use in various home and wellness applications. Adding ACV to bathwater has become a common practice for individuals seeking to leverage its properties for skin health. Soaking in a dilute ACV solution is believed to offer a topical approach to addressing common skin concerns.
Understanding the pH Balancing Effect
The skin maintains a naturally slightly acidic layer on its surface, called the acid mantle, which typically registers a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. This acidic barrier supports the skin’s beneficial microflora and acts as a defense against environmental irritants and pathogenic microorganisms. When the skin’s pH rises and becomes alkaline, this protective mantle is disrupted, leading to increased dryness, sensitivity, and barrier impairment. Common factors like harsh soaps, alkaline tap water, and certain skin conditions can push the skin’s pH above its optimal range.
Apple cider vinegar is naturally acidic due to acetic acid and is theorized to help restore this protective layer when used in a diluted bath. By lowering the bathwater’s pH, the soak may help bring the skin’s surface pH back toward its healthier acidic level. This mechanism is the primary reason proponents suggest ACV baths can support the skin’s barrier function. However, some clinical studies on people with atopic dermatitis have not shown an improvement in skin pH or barrier function, and in some cases, have reported irritation.
Specific Skin Conditions That May Benefit
The theoretical pH-balancing and antimicrobial properties of a dilute ACV bath lead to several purported benefits for irritated skin.
Eczema and Bacterial Management
For individuals experiencing mild eczema or atopic dermatitis, the soak is sometimes recommended to help manage symptoms. Eczema-affected skin often has a higher pH and is susceptible to colonization by the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium, which worsens inflammation and itching. While the ACV bath is not a cure, its mild acidity may discourage the overgrowth of this and other surface bacteria, offering a soothing effect.
Acne and Fungal Issues
The antimicrobial action of acetic acid also extends to other skin issues, offering potential relief for body acne and mild fungal problems. Acne is frequently linked to the proliferation of bacteria on the skin, and a dilute ACV soak may help to cleanse the skin surface and reduce the bacterial load. Similarly, the antifungal properties are suggested to help manage conditions like athlete’s foot or superficial yeast overgrowths, as acetic acid inhibits the growth of certain Candida strains in laboratory settings.
Irritation and Odor
People with minor skin irritations, such as those caused by mild sunburn or insect bites, frequently use ACV baths for their potential calming effect. The vinegar’s anti-inflammatory properties may help to soothe generalized itchiness and reduce redness associated with minor burns or irritation. Furthermore, its ability to reduce odor-causing bacteria may help alleviate body odor by maintaining a more acidic skin environment. However, ACV should not replace conventional medical treatment for chronic conditions, as many of these benefits are based on anecdotal evidence.
Practical Usage and Safety Precautions
Proper dilution is necessary for safely using apple cider vinegar in a bath, as using the undiluted product can cause irritation or chemical burns. A typical recommendation involves adding one to two cups of ACV to a standard-sized tub filled with warm, not hot, water. The bathwater should be comfortably warm, since excessively hot water can be drying and further irritate compromised skin barriers.
Soaking for a short duration, generally between 10 and 20 minutes, is sufficient to benefit from the diluted solution. Following the soak, rinse the body thoroughly with clean, cool water to remove any residual vinegar from the skin. This final rinse prevents potential irritation from the acidic residue.
Individuals with highly sensitive skin or those with open cuts, sores, or severe skin conditions should exercise caution or avoid ACV baths altogether. The acidic nature of the vinegar can cause stinging or burning on broken skin. Before using an ACV bath, especially when managing a chronic skin condition, perform a patch test and consult with a dermatologist.