Apple cider vinegar has become a popular household staple thanks to its many purported health and beauty benefits. While it’s commonly used for cooking, drinking, and as part of DIY home remedies, some may be surprised to learn that apple cider vinegar can also be beneficial when used in the shower.
Incorporating apple cider vinegar into your bathing routine can help restore the natural pH balance of your skin and hair. The acidic nature of ACV makes it a gentle cleanser and exfoliator, removing dead skin cells and product buildup without stripping away natural oils. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties may also help prevent breakouts and dandruff.
Using an apple cider vinegar spray before, during, or after showering offers a safe, affordable way to enhance your hygiene regimen, and the cleanliness of your bathroom. In this article, we’ll explore 5 key reasons you may want to keep a spray bottle of diluted ACV on hand for your next shower.
We’ll even key in some addition natural ingredients to offer more benefits without breaking the bank. With potential benefits for hair, skin, and beyond, this simple shower tweak may quickly become a key part of your self-care routine.
Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother
Apple cider vinegar with the mother contains strands of proteins, enzymes, and friendly bacteria that give it a murky appearance. This unfiltered, unpasteurized ACV is considered to have more health benefits than refined varieties. Some of the key health benefits associated with ACV with the mother include:
- Improved Gut Health – The probiotics and acetic acid in ACV can help balance gut bacteria, combat Candida overgrowth, improve digestion, and boost immune function. The pectin content also helps soothe intestinal spasms.
- Blood Sugar Regulation – Studies show ACV may help increase insulin sensitivity and slow down the rate that food leaves the stomach, which can aid glycemic control. The acetic acid may also block digestive enzymes that break down carbs.
- Weight Management – ACV contains acetic acid, which has been shown to suppress accumulation of fat in the body. Animal and human studies found ACV decreases belly fat and aids weight loss.
- Lower Cholesterol – The chlorogenic acid in ACV helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, while the acetic acid helps raise HDL (good) cholesterol. This may reduce risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Detoxification – A liver supportive drink called a Liver Tonic includes ACV as a key detoxifying ingredient. ACV boosts circulation and stimulates the lymphatic system to clear out toxins.
The mother in unfiltered ACV provides extra health kick. Using raw, organic ACV with the mother ensures you get the maximum probiotics, enzymes, vitamins and minerals available.
Here Are 5 Great Uses For ACV In The Shower:
- Hair Rinse – Add 1/4 cup ACV to 1 cup water in a spray bottle and spray on your hair after shampooing. Let sit for a few minutes before rinsing out. The acetic acid helps remove product buildup and balances pH levels, leaving hair smooth and shiny.
- Body Wash – Mix 1 cup ACV with 2 cups water and use to cleanse skin. The antimicrobial properties help eliminate bacteria while the acids gently exfoliate. Skin is left fresh, clean, and free of odor. (Avoid getting this mixture in your eyes!)
- Foot Soak – Fill a basin with warm water, add 1/2 cup ACV, and soak feet for 10 minutes to combat odor and athlete’s foot. The acids will soften calluses too.
- Shower Scrub – Use diluted ACV to wipe down shower walls and tiles. The acetic acid cuts through soap scum, mildew, and mold for a deep clean. This also prevents buildup and keeps grout looking bright.
- Defogger – After showering, spray ACV solution on the bathroom mirror and wipe with a clean cloth. This homemade defogger will keep condensation at bay so you can clearly see yourself as you get ready post-shower.
Add In:
Tea Tree Oil – an essential oil that has several uses, including keeping your skin, hair, and nails healthy. Add in a couple drops to your spray bottle to enhance your benefits.
Lemon Essential Oil – if you are not a fan of the smell of vinegar, try using a few drops of lemon essential oil, this will also help brighten skin complexion and leave a pleasant smell afterwords.
With its potent antibacterial, antifungal, and cleaning powers, ACV is a multitasking must-have for both skin and home. Keep a spray bottle handy for a safer, cheaper, and more effective shower routine.
In Conclusion:
While it may sound counterintuitive to keep a bottle of vinegar handy for your self-care routine, incorporating apple cider vinegar into your shower can provide a host of benefits for your hair, skin, and bathroom hygiene. With its ability to balance pH levels, control bacteria growth, exfoliate away dead skin cells, and cut through grime, ACV makes for a safe, effective, and affordable shower addition.
Test it out for yourself by starting with a dilute ACV solution in a spray bottle. Use it as a pre-wash for your hair, an invigorating body spray, a foot soak, or an all-purpose bathroom cleaner. Over time, you may notice dandruff disappearing, razors gliding more smoothly, and soap scum building up less readily.
Keep in mind apple cider vinegar’s potency though, and always dilute it before applying it directly to your body. With this simple shower tweak, you can take advantage of ACV’s antiviral, anti-fungal, and pH-balancing properties while also reducing reliance on harsh chemical cleaners. Feel refreshed and restored while also saving money and avoiding toxic ingredients. ACV’s many benefits make it a worthwhile addition to any natural self-care routine.
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