Who knew that an effective alpha-hydroxy acid sits on the shelves in your grocery store at a very attractive price compared to the expensive products sold at department stores?
Women have used natural apple cider vinegar for many beauty benefits since the days of ancient Babylonia. It regulates the pH of the skin and is rich in alpha-hydroxy acids, promoting a softer, smoother appearance on the skin's surface and reducing scaly conditions.
It is important to use apple cider vinegar made from cold pressed, organically grown whole apples, in which no chemicals or preservatives have been added and is not pasteurized.
Apple cider vinegar is an effective natural hair care product since its acidity is close to that of natural hair. It can be used alone or with certain herbs and essential oils to make a vinegar rinse used to treat dandruff and itchy scalp.
As a hair rinse, it will help balance the pH of your hair, remove the buildup that can result from the use of these hair care and styling products, leaving it soft, shiny and easier to manage. Mix 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar with 1 quart water and use as a final rinse after shampooing or don't rinse it for extra conditioning.
The acids and enzymes contained in apple cider vinegar kill the bacteria that causes dandruff. For a powerful dandruff fighter, mix 1 part apple cider vinegar to 3 parts warm water to balance scalp pH and control dandruff. You can also apply undiluted vinegar to the scalp, allow it to penetrate for a half hour to one hour, then shampoo with a mild shampoo.
The beauty benefits for the skin are varied . . .
Rub a little apple cider vinegar on tired, sore, or swollen hands or feet and feel the soothing difference.
Get rid of blemishes and make your skin more youthful by patting apple cider vinegar on your face before bed for softer, smoother skin in the morning.
Dab age spots with straight apple cider vinegar and leave on overnight to lighten them.
Apply ice cold apple cider vinegar to skin burns to prevent blistering.
Add a cup of apple cider vinegar to your bath and soak for 10 minutes to soothe a sun burn.
Dab insect bites with apple cider vinegar to soothe the sting and itch.
Hands stained from chopping berries? Dab some straight apple cider vinegar on the stains to make them disappear.
For soft feet, combine 1 cup white distilled vinegar to 2 gallons warm water. Soak feet for 45 minutes then use a pumice stone or file to remove dead skin from heels and callused areas of feet.
Fight toenail fungus by soaking toes in a solution of vinegar and water, using 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water, 15 minutes per day.
Don't worry about the smell . . . it will disappear as it dries . . .
© Gina Alfani 2007; 2008
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