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 odour 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.
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 by clicking on the blue writing in this article
The Bath Routine
- While filling your tub with warm to hot water, add 100-200ml 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.
Darren Gallagher