Very Important Ingredient Spotlight: Apple Cider Vinegar

A favored skincare ingredient of a well known ancient boss babe and an age-old ingredient found in folk medicine the world over.

With a relative pH of 2-3 it is on the lower end of the acid base spectrum. This is helpful for making up for the overly alkaline conditions we put our skin through. Its low pH counterbalances the alkaline nature of soaps, shampoos, and our hard water. It is able restore or fortify the acid mantel. The acid mantel is an important layer to protect the body from pollution and microbial invaders. It is created by sebum mixing with sweat to produce a thin film with a pH between 4.5 and 6.2. When the balance of sebum and sweat is disrupted a whole host of skin issues arise. Usually overzealous cleansing is to blame. Likewise, the scalp has an acid mantel, and most hair care products fall on the alkaline end. This is unfortunate for those of us who struggle with dandruff and itchiness as this break down of the scalp’s barrier, leaving us more susceptible to fungal overgrowth. The strands also benefit from an acid rinse as the high pH in shampoos and conditioners lead to friction, breakage, and dryness. Aside from developing a protective layer, apple cider vinegar is an excellent example of a chemical exfoliant.

Apple cider vinegar is high in malic and acetic acid. These are both gentle skin cell resurfacing agent. They promote shedding of outermost layer of skin cells. This is helpful for clearing away pore clogging debris and regulating melanin production and disposal. This helps improve texture, softening lines, smoothing roughness, fading sun spots, purging pores, and encouraging balanced oil production. Apple cider vinegar rinse is especially good for those who use extra product to style their hair as well. The buildup of gunk and grime left behind by your favorite leave in conditioners, dry shampoos, and hairsprays can leave you looking dull and feeling flat. A stronger dilution of apple cider vinegar can effectively strip away the unwanted build up, leaving you shiner and bouncier than any clarifying shampoo.

A couple notes of caution, sun protection is important after using a resurfacing agent to protect newly exposed cells from UV damage. Failure to apply adequate sun protection could lead to increased cell damage and higher likelihood of sun spots, lines, and overproduction of oil. Concentration is key. Too potent of a dilution can lead to, at least irritation, at worst chemical burns. We opt for a 3:1 dilution with herbal tea for daily use.

You can find this Very important ingredient in these Wet Dirt products: Refurbish, Equilibrium, and Spotless Toners, Light and Dark Hair rinse.