When constantly washing our faces (and bodies) with soap, we remove good, healthy oils and bacteria that protect us and make us glow naturally!
“The natural acidity in our skin can be disrupted when we use harsh cleansers and soaps. This in turn destroys the acid mantle protecting our skin from harmful bacteria, germs, and pollutants,” says dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe. In other words, even using “non-toxic” and “eco-blah-blah-blah” soaps can f-up your skin’s pH balance, and we’re not about that.
So why bother with ACV as a toner?
Well, using the Irish Spring bar or a face wash with a billion different ingredients isn’t the best way to preserve your skin’s acid mantle. Think of the acid mantle as a happy little veil that keeps moisture + lipids in (thank you), and keeps bad bacteria, pollutants, + chemicals out (thank you x2). Using an apple cider vinegar toner helps to restore your skin’s pH. Apple cider vinegar also acts as a brilliantly gentle exfoliator, leaving your skin smooth and radiant!
LET’S GET DOWN TO IT
Now, errbody has different skin types, we know this. If you’re unsure on what your skin (your face skin in particular) is up to this season, ask it! Check in: have a little looksee, feel around, get all up in your mirror, and ask your skin what it wants!
If you have extra dry skin, it may be worth noting that this practice could be for you down the road, and just not today. Or maybe you feel that you want to give it a try, but it becomes a part of your every-so-often-skin-care-routine, instead of your everyday one. If your skin is oily or feels all kinds of clogged up, OH HONEY, this is for you.
Here’s the recipe breakdown:
Sensitive skin — 1:4 ratio (ACV to water)
Normal or Dry skin — 1:3 ratio (ACV to water)
Oily skin — 1:1 ratio (ACV to water)
Create your concoction as a one-off, or keep it in a little (leftover pesto??) glass jar to be ready on hand for whenever your skin calls for it.
Use a cotton ball/pad or a cloth to gently rub your toner on your face. Let it dry, and finish with a good (natural!) moisturizer — argan oil, olive oil, coconut oil, etc. all work wonderfully. And BAM. You’re a glowing lightbeam with the skin of the Greek gods and goddesses.