Apple Cider Vinegar otherwise know as ACV is great whether you want to use it as a dressing on your salad, sprinkled on your French fries or as a meat tenderizer. What you may not be aware of is the beauty uses of this common kitchen staple.

Apple Cider vinegar is made from the obvious source; apples; specifically from apple cider. It is through this process of fermentation that the key ingredient acetic acid is formed.

Since ancient times, apple cider vinegar has been used for a variety of health benefits and beauty rituals. The word itself comes from the French Sour Wine. That would lead me to believe that anything that is directly or indirectly affiliated with wine has to have positive benefits.

Earliest uses of vinegar go back to Babylonian times. Vinegar was used to preserve food. Ancient Greeks such as Hippocrates used vinegar as a way of treating infections and Helen of Troy bathed in vinegar to relax.

In the 21st century the use of vinegar is still prevalent and is even backed by scientific research. Scientific studies have shown that apple cider vinegar can lower cholesterol. When taken with food it can increase feelings of fullness as well as lower the glycemic index of carbohydrate foods. These studies are all preliminary however; they do show that vinegar does have promising positive attributes.

Used in Beauty

Apple Cider vinegar has many uses in beauty. It is acidic with a pH of 2.4. This is less than lemon juice however, it is still strong and must be diluted prior to skin application.

In bath water 1 cup can soften the water as well as your skin, it is also soothing for tense sore muscles and feet. This is due to the high potassium content of the vinegar.

As an exfoliant you can dilute the vinegar in a ration of 1:8 of vinegar to water. Apply with a cotton ball to your face and leave on for 10 minutes and rinse. Again this works due to the acidic nature of the apple cider vinegar as well as it being made from apples which contain malic acid which is a fruit acid. Fruit acids are the base of alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA) which help renew the skin.

As a hair rinse, it will add shine to your hair, remove residue and balance the pH. As an added bonus it may also help control dandruff. To use as a rinse add ¼ cup vinegar to ¼ cup water and apply to hair. Rinse after a few minutes and voila shiny hair. Please remember that this is a natural rinse hence it will not detangle your hair.

Facial Steaming
A few tablespoons added to the water, helps get deep down into your pores leaving your face feeling fresh and toned.

So the next time your in your kitchen, reach for the vinegar and use it for beauty, in addition to a salad dressing.