While certainly not a new ingredient, apple cider vinegar (aka ACV) is a kitchen staple that has long been touted as a superstar in the wellness space. Proponents claim the benefits of apple cider vinegar (when ingested orally) include everything from blood sugar and blood pressure control to weight management. (FYI: You should never drink apple cider vinegar straight.)
But soaking in an apple cider vinegar bath has also become a beauty mainstay, with plenty of purported benefits for hair, skin, and more. Here, we share all there is to know about an ACV bath, including its advantages and how to mix a soak.
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
- Jennifer Santiago is the former director of brand communications for Bragg Live Foods.
What's an Apple Cider Vinegar Bath?
Simply defined, an apple cider vinegar bath is one where you add ACV to your bath water. Since apple cider vinegar has been shown to have anti-fungal properties, as well as anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory effects, soaking in a bath mixture of ACV can be beneficial.
That said, Dr. Zeichner does warn that ACV baths aren't for those with super sensitive skin and to be extra cautious if using lots of exfoliating products. And it should go without saying that for severe skin issues, it's always best to consult a dermatologist.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/apple-cider-vinegar-bath-2000-58bd4a720b3d4cb392fc66adce2fb867.jpg "How to Take an Apple Cider Vinegar Bath—and Why You Should (1)")
6 Ways an Apple Cider Vinegar Bath Is Good for You
There are many ways people claim that soaking in an apple cider vinegar bath can help your health. From infections to pain relief, not all apple cider vinegar remedies have been studied or proven. Here, we focus on a few of the most popular benefits of an apple cider vinegar bath.
Helps Dry Skin and Eczema
According to Santiago, the natural anti-microbial properties of ACV make it a good option to use as a soak for those dealing with minor irritations or rashes or even to reap the exfoliating benefits. Dr. Zeichner agrees, pointing out that an apple cider vinegar bath may be helpful if you're dealing with a sunburn or merely have lackluster, dry skin.
"Apple cider vinegar has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory benefits, which is why it's commonly used as a DIY treatment for skin issues such as sunburn, acne, and dandruff," explains Dr. Zeichner.
Plus, because apple cider vinegar is acidic (containing a large amount of acetic and citric acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid), it can also be used as a gentle exfoliant, Dr. Zeichner adds. The mild acid in ACV also benefits the skin, helping to restore the skin's barrier—a key advantage for those with eczema.
Finally, ACV has astringent (oil-minimizing) properties, which help minimize the look of pores, says Santiago; it's why it's often found in DIY toner recipes, Dr. Zeichner points out.
Clears Acne Flare-Ups
Taking an apple cider vinegar bath can help prevent acne breakouts from happening since it helps clear away bacteria from your skin, which clogs pores. Some use ACV as a spot treatment for warts and pimples, too. The anti-inflammatory aspects of ACV can help calm your skin while not over-drying it.
Relieves Joint Pain and Inflammation
Though not scientifically proven, the anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar can potentially help ease joint pain due to inflammation. While this remedy may not work for everyone or all types of pain, it could be worth a try.
Reduces Hair Dandruff
Rinsing your hair and scalp with apple cider vinegar can help rid it of dandruff. One of the primary causes of dandruff is a dry scalp, which ACV can help with due to it creating a protective moisture barrier (same as your skin). Plus, the anti-fungal properties found in ACV can kill dandruff at its root.
Decreases Body Odor
Soaking in a bath of apple cider vinegar can reduce body odor since it will help cleanse odor-causing bacteria on your body. While it may not get rid of body odor permanently, it is an all-natural way to combat odor—particularly foot and armpit odor.
Alleviates Yeast Infections
Once again, the anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of apple cider vinegar come in handy. Since yeast infections are caused by bacteria or fungi, soaking in a mixture of ACV can help fight these types of infections. More research is needed, but there are strong claims for this solution.
How to Take an Apple Cider Vinegar Bath
When creating an apple cider vinegar bath soak, you don't need a ton of vinegar. Since the ingredient is very acidic, dilution is important in order to soothe the skin and not accidentally end up irritating it. Follow these steps to draw your apple cider vinegar bath.
What You'll Need
- Water
- 1/2 cup to 2 cups organic apple cider vinegar
- Epsom salts (optional)
- Essential oils (optional)
- Bathtub
- Washcloth
Instructions
- Fill a clean bathtub with warm water. (If it's too hot, the water can dry or irritate your skin.) You want a soothing and comforting bath, so warm water is best. Also, an almost full bath is best since you'll be adding apple cider vinegar, and you don't want the tub to overflow when you get in.
- Add the apple cider vinegar. Pour in the desired amount of ACV to the warm water. The experts we spoke with say you can add between 1/2 cup to 2 cups of organic apple cider vinegar to your bath. If you have sensitive skin, consider starting at the lower end and working your way up after testing.
- Add optional ingredients. Santiago recommends adding detoxifying Epsom salts to the mix, plus any essential oils of your choosing. (Essential oils can help with the ACV scent, though it doesn't tend to last very long—mostly when you first pour it in.)
- Mix the water. Stir the apple cider vinegar into the water to ensure it's mixed well.
- Relax and soak. Climb in the bathtub and enjoy your bath. Soak for about 15 minutes (20 max) to gain the full benefits of your apple cider vinegar bath. Using a washcloth while bathing can help provide additional exfoliation for your skin.
- Rinse and dry your skin. After soaking, rinse the ACV off your skin with fresh water. Then, gently pat—don't rub—your skin with a dry towel.
My ACV Bath Experience
I had to test soaking in an apple cider vinegar bath for myself. My main concern was that it would smell vinegary. Surprisingly, that wasn't the case; the scent of the vinegar dissipated quickly. And, I found the bath extra relaxing (though the Epsom salts may have helped in this regard).
After soaking, my skin did look and feel softer, and my existing bug bites were less itchy and much less red, just as the experts promised. My final takeaway? In the world of find-them-in-your-pantry beauty ingredients and DIY bath recipes, apple cider vinegar rightfully earns a spot at the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I take an apple cider vinegar bath?
Santiago suggests taking an ACV bath no more than two or three times a week. You can bathe in ACV less often, but more may irritate the skin. So, avoid soaking in ACV daily.
Should I rinse after an apple cider vinegar bath?
Yes, after enjoying an ACV bath, you should rinse your skin with water to remove excess vinegar. Then, pat dry. Rinsing the apple cider vinegar off your skin helps close your pores and avoids a lingering vinegary scent.
Does apple cider vinegar draw out toxins?
Though widely praised for its detoxifying benefits, there is very little scientific evidence showing that apple cider vinegar removes toxins from the body. Our body does an excellent job of detoxifying itself with help from the kidneys, liver, and intestines. While ACV may not help detoxify your body, soaking in an apple cider vinegar bath helps in other ways, as mentioned.
How to DIY a Bubble Bath With Simple, Good-for-You Ingredients
