While it may sound like a strange beauty and health routine, taking a bath in apple cider vinegar (ACV) may be just the thing you need for a full body detox that is amazing for your skin.
Apple cider vinegar is rising up the ranks of the health world, now on par with coconut oil and honey, this versatile vinegar can be used as a base for salad dressings, a hot drink to sip on in the morning and so much more. While the inherent advantages of ingesting this vinegar are prolific, using it on your skin can be just as beneficial. Bathing in this vinegar will make you feel incredible, from soothing sunburn to softening your hair. Your skin will love you for this!
6 Benefits of an Apple Cider Vinegar Bath
1. Fungus fighter
As mentioned earlier, ACV helps clear up quite a few pesky skin conditions, including fungus and bacteria that like to settle on your skin. Your regular soap or body wash won’t always kill these unwanted guests; sometimes you have to crank it up a notch and bust out the vinegar.
2. Sunburn soother
You sat out in the sun for too long; now your shoulders are similar to the color of the lobster you enjoyed for dinner. Instead of grabbing the chemical laden after sun cream, try soaking in a vinegar bath. Not only will it soothe the painful sunburn, but it may also help you heal faster so you can continue to enjoy sunny afternoons.
3. Body odor buster
Admit it, we all occasionally suffer from the stinky and sometimes embarrassing stench of body odor. Slathering on more chemical filled deodorant is not the answer! In a promising environment that is warm and slightly moist, bacteria tends to mix with your natural sweat.
This combination doesn’t bode well for those of us who like to smell our best. Over time, bacteria buildup in places with these criteria, such as your armpits, start letting off that odiferous smell. Bathing in AVC can help get rid of this bacteria backup and ward off against stink, by creating a less hospitable home for future odor.
4. Healthy hair
ACV works wonders as a hair detox. The acid in the vinegar helps strip off the oily residue that builds up on your hair, restoring its natural shine. It also keeps your hair soft, supple and even prevents split ends and reduces dandruff. It won’t take long before you see a noticeable improvement in the shine and quality of your luscious locks. People will wonder what pricey product you use to keep your mane so healthy. Read more about the benefits of apple cider vinegar for hair here.
5. Friend to your feet
Feet can be gross. They stink, sweat and sometimes grow strange things on them. Our feet are often abused and neglected; we stuff on a pair of socks to cover up whatever nasty funk is emanating from them. Not only does this amazing vinegar help reduce that unseemly odor, but it can also even eliminate warts and athlete’s foot!
6. Joint pain relief
You stand up, your back hurts, kneel to pick something off the ground, and your knees creak and groan. If you suffer from joint pain, ACV may help. Marked joint pain improvement has been shown in those who regularly bathe in this useful product.
How Does It Work?
Now that we’ve lauded the benefits of this vinegar, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty science of the matter. ACV is a fantastic natural source of Vitamin C and B-vitamins, it contains antibacterial properties, and is naturally acidic which can help to balance your body’s ever-shifting pH levels. Skin, the body’s largest organ, needs assistance to remain balanced, stay young and keep you feeling and looking your best. Lots of the minerals that it needs to do these things can be found in ACV. Soaking in ACV works to nourish and moisturize this vital organ.
What Do I Need?
Look for raw, organic ACV; it can usually be purchased at your local grocery store or pharmacy. Braggs Organic Apple Cider Vinegar which is available to buy from this page on Amazon is one of the best options as it still contains all the essential nutrients for you to get the most out of this age old remedy. Similarly, Thrive Market ACV is a great option. We reveal how you can claim a free bottle at the end of this article.
The Bath Routine
- While filling your tub with warm to hot water, add 1-2 cups of apple cider vinegar.
- Soak for 20-30 minutes, make sure to get your hair wet as well and rinse off your face with a washcloth.
- Follow bath with a cool shower to rinse off the excess vinegar water.
Tips For a Better Bath:
Like all detox baths, it is important that you have the water as hot as you can stand to open your pores and get the most from it.
Drink lots of water before and after your bath. This bath will be a detox, getting rid of all sorts of nasty chemicals in your body. You will want to stay hydrated as you will probably sweat out some toxins.
Enjoy yourself! Just because it benefits your physical health doesn’t mean you can’t improve your mental health as well. Light a few candles to set the mood, read a good book, or just let your mind relax and detox along with your body.
Other Excellent Bath Additions
Apple cider vinegar isn’t the only thing that improves a relaxing bath. Try including some of these ingredients in your next soak.
Epsom salt
Epsom salt is so versatile and can be added to virtually any bath recipe for a more enjoyable unwinding experience. This salt can soothe sore muscles after a long day at work, it’s a fantastic source of magnesium and makes skin soft and smooth. Here are nine reasons why you should add Epsom salt to your next bath.
Essential oils
Essential oils are the perfect pair for Epsom salt; they collaborate to create a great bath that improves your health and skin. Lavender, rose, chamomile and sandalwood essential oils can all help you destress and even kick that headache you’ve been battling all day. These oils also promote sleep and calm you down before bed.
Read More: 12 Essential Oil Elixirs To Add To Your Next Bath
Coconut oil
If you suffer from rough, scratchy skin, coconut oil may be your solution. Besides using it as a daily moisturizer, you can mix a tablespoon into your bath for a luxurious soak, Not to mention that it possesses anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and anti-parasitic properties that work wonders for your entire body.
Honey
While it may seem strange, your skin will love this sticky substance. Adding a few tablespoons to your bath will give you full access to its health properties. It’s antibacterial, anti-aging and moisturizing. Try combining coconut oil and honey for even silkier skin.
Whether you’re taking a cleansing detox bath, indulging yourself in a rose milk water bath, or just relaxing for a few minutes with peaceful music and bubbles, you are entitled to your “me time.” Turn off your phone, quiet your mind and give your body a little bit of the care and attention it deserves.
“There must be quite a few things that a hot bath won’t cure, but I don’t know many of them.” -Sylvia Plath
Other Uses For Apple Cider Vinegar
Don’t stop at the bath! Unleash the full wonders of ACV by trying some of these fantastic uses.
Deodorant
Mix 2 tablespoons of ACV in a spray bottle with one cup of water for a natural deodorant. Use daily to keep your underarms balanced and fresh. Add a few drops of essential oil into the mix to take the edge off the vinegar smell.
Blemish beater
Dab a small bit onto any facial blemishes to get rid of zits overnight!
Mouthwash
Mix a capful of ACV with ¼ cup of water for a powerful antiseptic mouthwash that beats bad breath and reduces plaque. Swish in your mouth for a few minutes then brush teeth as usual.
Daily elixir
Sip on a mixture of 16 ounces of purified water and two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar throughout the day. Internal benefits of this elixir include toxin cleansing, inflammation reduction, weight loss and so much more!
Hair cleanser
Mix ¼ cup of ACV with 1 cup water for a natural hair cleanser. If you’ve ditched chemical laden shampoo and are searching for a better option, try this ACV rinse. ACV can help balance your hair and restore its luster; it can even prevent hair loss. While you get most of the benefits with the ACV bath, a more concentrated dose is helpful for heavy chemical residue buildups.
Bonus ACV Salad Dressing Recipe
Not only is ACV great for your hair and skin, but it also makes a mean salad dressing.
- ¼ raw apple cider vinegar (make sure it’s organic)
- ? cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons raw honey
- 1 tablespoon spicy mustard
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in a mason jar or other sealable glass container. Shake until well mixed. Adjust flavor to personal preference if desired. Let marinate for 20 minutes before using. Store in the fridge for up to a week. Shake well before serving.