Exploring the Potential Advantages of Apple Cider Vinegar Soaks
Some individuals suggest that adding apple cider vinegar (ACV) to a bath could boost overall skin health and address various conditions. However, these assertions lack solid scientific evidence.
ACV is produced by letting apples or apple juice ferment. It may offer some minimal health benefits due to the vinegar's acid type and other compounds. These substances include mild antibacterial properties and a small amount of antioxidants and probiotics.
Due to these properties, some people argue that soaking in ACV could improve the bacterial equilibrium on the skin, enhance wound healing, and aid in treating skin issues like acne and eczema. Regrettably, there is no substantial scientific evidence supporting any of these claims.
Is there value in taking an ACV bath?
Supporters of ACV as a topical remedy believe that its acidic nature can boost skin health.
The logic behind these advantages stems from the fact that the protective layer on the skin's surface, known as the acid mantle, is typically acidic. This barrier shields the skin from viruses, infections, and other risks. Any breaches in this barrier or factors that modify the skin's pH levels might result in skin problems.
Consequently, people argue that adding ACV to a bath makes the water more acidic, thereby promoting skin health by revitalizing the skin's pH balance and safeguarding this outer layer. Proponents claim that ACV baths could aid in skin issues, including acne, eczema, and wound healing.
However, a study on 22 individuals discovered that taking ACV baths may have unfavorable effects. Most participants in this study reported no improvements to the skin barrier and even experienced irritation due to the ACV.
Similarly, another study found that regular soaking in ACV baths had no impact on the skin microbiome in individuals with atopic dermatitis (eczema).
Conditions that an ACV bath might assist with
Wound care
Little research has been conducted on the advantages of ACV baths in wound healing. Nonetheless, preliminary studies indicate that topical ACV applications may have a modest positive impact on wound healing in certain instances.
For example, one 2023 study found that using ACV in wound dressings boosted healing rates for diabetic foot ulcers.
A tiny 2024 animal study also found that a solution of apple cider vinegar and p-coumaric acid did aid in wound healing by decreasing bacterial activity in open wounds.
However, neither of these studies provides definitive proof for the use of ACV baths.
Fungal infections
Some people advocate for the topical use of ACV due to its antifungal properties. While it does possess antifungal properties, research has not yet identified practical uses for ACV in skincare.
For instance, a study discovered that a highly concentrated ACV solution was powerful in inhibiting candida albicans–a common yeast in and on the body. However, the study employed a 50% ACV-to-water solution, which is impractical for soaking due to its excessively acidic nature.
Eczema
Some individuals with atopic dermatitis, or eczema, might consider attempting ACV baths as a means to alleviate eczema symptoms. The rationale behind these claims is that eczema disrupts the skin's natural pH balance, and acidic baths can help restore this balance, subsequently reducing symptoms.
However, as mentioned before, a study found that ACV soaking had no noticeable impact on the skin barrier's integrity.
Learn more about ACV for eczema here.
Preparing an ACV bath
Despite the unproven benefits of ACV, some people might be interested in trying an ACV bath. Nonetheless, it's important to conduct a patch test on a small area of skin with diluted ACV before attempting an ACV bath for the first time. One should wait a few days after performing a patch test to carefully evaluate any reaction.
A person can include 1–2 cups of ACV to a warm bath and soak for 20–30 minutes. Frequent bathing in this manner may help promote overall skin health.
After bathing, rinse the skin under cool water to close the pores and eliminate excess vinegar.
Individuals with localized conditions, like a fungal infection in the foot, may prefer to isolate the area and only apply diluted ACV or soak the affected area.
Learn more about the potential side effects of ACV, and how to use it safely, here.
Conclusion
Although individuals may assert its benefits, there is scant scientific support for soaking the skin in an ACV solution. One should consult a medical professional about any skin issues they wish to address before experimenting with alternative remedies.
- Despite the lack of solid scientific evidence, some individuals with eczema might consider trying an ACV bath as a way to alleviate their symptoms, due to the belief that acidic baths can help restore the skin's natural pH balance.
- Although apple cider vinegar (ACV) has antibacterial properties and a small amount of antioxidants and probiotics, there is no substantial scientific evidence supporting claims that soaking in ACV could improve wound healing or aid in treating skin issues like acne and eczema.
- A 2023 study found that using ACV in wound dressings boosted healing rates for diabetic foot ulcers, suggesting potential benefits for wound care. However, this study does not provide definitive proof for the use of ACV baths.
- Regular soaking in ACV baths had no impact on the skin microbiome in individuals with atopic dermatitis (eczema), according to another study, contradicting claims that ACV baths could help restore the skin's natural bacterial balance and alleviate eczema symptoms.
