Introduction
Easy recipes for beautiful skin start with apple cider vinegar in your diet. When it comes to skincare, what you put into your body is just as important as what you apply onto it. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is widely known for its skincare benefits, but did you know that incorporating ACV into your diet can enhance your skin health from the inside out?
Apple cider vinegar is rich in antioxidants, acetic acid, enzymes, and vitamins like vitamin C, all of which can help boost your skin’s appearance by promoting digestion, detoxification, and reducing inflammation. In this blog post, we’ll dive into how ACV can be used in foods and drinks to improve your model skin health—and share some easy recipes to get started!
How Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits Your Skin
Before jumping into the recipes, let’s explore how consuming ACV can enhance your skin:
- Supports Digestion: Healthy digestion is key to clear skin. ACV stimulates stomach acid production, which aids digestion and nutrient absorption. When your body is able to efficiently process nutrients, your skin gets the benefits of vitamins and minerals that promote a healthy glow.
- Detoxifies the Body: ACV has natural detoxifying properties. By flushing out toxins and improving liver function, it helps cleanse the body, which can reduce the likelihood of breakouts and promote clearer skin.
- Balances Blood Sugar: High blood sugar levels can cause inflammation, leading to breakouts or dull skin. ACV has been shown to help stabilize blood sugar levels, reducing inflammation and promoting a more even skin tone.
- Fights Acne: ACV contains antibacterial properties that may help fight acne-causing bacteria from the inside. Regular consumption of ACV can support your body in balancing oil production and reducing the frequency of breakouts.
- Rich in Antioxidants: ACV is full of antioxidants like vitamin C, which help fight free radical damage caused by environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays. These antioxidants protect your skin and encourage a more youthful, radiant complexion.
Foods and Drinks with Apple Cider Vinegar for Better Skin
Incorporating apple cider vinegar into your daily diet is simple and can be done in delicious and refreshing ways. Below are some easy recipes for foods and drinks that include ACV, all designed to promote better skin health.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar Detox Drink
This simple drink is a great way to start your morning, boosting your metabolism, aiding digestion, and detoxifying your body—all of which can enhance your skin’s glow.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
- 1 glass of water (8-10 oz)
- 1 teaspoon raw honey (optional)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- A pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper (optional for added detox benefits)
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a glass of water and stir well.
- Drink first thing in the morning on an empty stomach for maximum benefits.
Why it works: Lemon adds a dose of vitamin C for brighter skin, while honey has natural antibacterial properties that can help reduce acne. Cinnamon or cayenne pepper boosts circulation, which helps deliver nutrients to your skin.
2. ACV and Ginger Tea
Ginger tea with a splash of ACV is not only great for digestion but also helps reduce inflammation, which can improve skin clarity and texture. This tea can also soothe your gut, helping prevent digestive issues that can lead to breakouts.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon raw honey (optional)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions:
- Boil the water and add ginger slices.
- Let it simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Add ACV, lemon juice, and honey (if using), then stir well.
- Strain the tea into a cup and enjoy it warm.
Why it works: Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce skin redness and irritation. Combined with ACV, it makes a powerful anti-inflammatory and detoxifying drink.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar Salad Dressing
Adding ACV to your salads is an easy way to incorporate it into your diet. This homemade vinaigrette not only adds flavor to your meals but also delivers all the skin-boosting benefits of ACV.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil (optional)
Instructions:
- Whisk together all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Drizzle over your favorite salad or use as a marinade.
Why it works: Olive oil provides healthy fats that help maintain your skin’s moisture barrier, while ACV helps detox your body, leaving your skin clear and glowing. Fresh herbs like parsley add antioxidants that further protect your skin.
4. ACV and Turmeric Elixir
Turmeric is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties. Paired with ACV, this elixir is a potent drink that helps reduce inflammation in the body, which is key to healthy, clear skin.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 teaspoon raw honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a glass and stir well.
- Drink this elixir once a day to help calm inflammation and boost your skin’s radiance.
Why it works: Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory spice that can help reduce acne and skin redness, while ACV aids digestion and detoxifies your body.
5. ACV Pickled Vegetables
Fermented foods, like pickled vegetables, are great for gut health, which directly impacts skin clarity and radiance. Incorporating apple cider vinegar into pickled veggies not only adds a tangy flavor but also supports your body’s detoxification process.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar (optional)
- 2-3 cups of your favorite vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, etc.)
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine ACV, water, salt, and sugar (if using). Bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Pack vegetables into a clean jar and pour the ACV mixture over them.
- Seal and refrigerate for 24-48 hours before consuming.
Why it works: Fermented foods promote healthy gut bacteria, which in turn supports clear, healthy skin. ACV adds detoxifying benefits and helps to flush toxins from your system.
6. ACV Smoothie Booster
Boost your favorite green smoothie with a splash of apple cider vinegar for added skin benefits. ACV pairs well with greens and fruits, helping improve digestion and supporting detoxification, leading to clearer skin.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup spinach or kale
- 1/2 banana
- 1/2 apple (or other fruit of choice)
- 1 cup water or almond milk
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients together until smooth.
- Enjoy as a breakfast or snack for a skin-boosting treat.
Why it works: Greens like spinach and kale are packed with antioxidants and nutrients that promote clear, glowing skin. ACV enhances digestion, ensuring your body absorbs all the skin-nourishing vitamins from the smoothie.
Tips for Using Apple Cider Vinegar in Your Diet
- Start Slowly: If you’re new to ACV, begin by incorporating small amounts into your diet to avoid stomach discomfort. Start with 1 teaspoon per serving and gradually increase to 1 tablespoon.
- Dilute with Water: Always dilute ACV when consuming it directly, as its acidity can erode tooth enamel and irritate your throat if undiluted.
- Use Raw, Unfiltered ACV: Opt for ACV with “the mother” (the cloudy substance containing beneficial enzymes and probiotics) to ensure you’re getting the full health benefits.
Recommended Products:
Add to your Toner or Bath: Sweet Orange Essential Oil
Apply after bath or shower: Bath And Massage Oil
Hydrate & protect skin with Organic Shea Butter
Conclusion
Apple cider vinegar is a versatile ingredient that can be easily incorporated into your daily diet for better skin. Whether you sip on an ACV detox drink, enjoy a tangy salad dressing, or add it to smoothies, you’ll be supporting your skin health from the inside out. Try these recipes, and watch your skin become clearer, brighter, and more radiant by your next photoshoot!
Discover the Fall Beauty Detox: Apple Cider Vinegar for Healthy, Radiant Skin
Read about the Benefits of Cooking with ACV
Author: Danielle N. Mott