Before and after results of brightening with apple cider vinegar

My Apple Cider Vinegar Brightening Journey: Before & After Photos and Honest Review

Okay, so you're curious about using apple cider vinegar (ACV) to brighten your skin? You’ve probably seen all the before-and-after photos online, promising radiant, glowing skin. Well, let me tell you â€" I was super skeptical at first. I mean, it's vinegar! But my skin was looking dull, uneven, and frankly, a bit blah, so I figured, what the heck? I decided to give it a try. This is my honest account of my ACV brightening journey, complete with photos (brace yourselves!), and all the nitty-gritty details.

My Skin Before: The "Before" Photos

Before I dive into the results, let’s talk about where I started. My skin was pretty average. Nothing drastically wrong, but definitely not glowing. I'd describe it as: slightly dull, uneven in tone (thanks, hormonal breakouts!), and prone to the occasional blemish. I have combination skin â€" oily in my T-zone and dry around my cheeks. This made finding a skincare routine challenging, to say the least. My pores were also visibly large, especially on my nose, and I had some persistent dark spots from old acne. I'd tried a few different brightening products, but nothing seemed to make a significant difference. I was starting to feel a bit hopeless, honestly.

My main skin concerns before starting the ACV treatment:

• Dullness
• Uneven skin tone
• Enlarged pores
• Dark spots from acne
• Occasional breakouts

(Insert "Before" photo here. This would be a picture of your skin before starting the ACV treatment.)

My ACV Brightening Routine: The How-To

I didn't just slap some ACV on my face and hope for the best! I did some research and created a gentle routine. Remember, ACV is acidic, so you absolutely must dilute it properly. Going straight ACV on your face is a recipe for disaster (read: burning, redness, and potential skin damage!).

Diluting the Apple Cider Vinegar

I mixed one part raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with three parts water. This is a crucial step! Starting with a weaker concentration is much safer and allows your skin to adjust. You can gradually increase the concentration of ACV if your skin tolerates it well, but I stuck with this ratio throughout my trial.

Application Method

I used a cotton pad to gently apply the diluted ACV to my face, avoiding the eye area. I focused on areas with hyperpigmentation and enlarged pores. After applying, I waited for about 10-15 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water and following up with my regular moisturizer. I did this twice a week, initially.

Important Considerations:

• Patch test: Before applying it all over your face, do a patch test on a small area of skin (like your inner arm) to check for any adverse reactions.
• Listen to your skin: If you experience any burning, stinging, or excessive redness, stop using it immediately and rinse thoroughly.
• Sun protection: ACV can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun, so always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher during the day, especially after applying ACV.

My Results: The "After" Photos and Honest Review

After using the diluted ACV twice a week for about a month, I started noticing some subtle changes. My skin looked a bit brighter, and my skin tone appeared more even. The dark spots hadn’t completely vanished, but they were definitely less noticeable. My pores also seemed slightly smaller, particularly on my nose. I was pretty happy with the progress, especially considering I hadn't experienced any negative side effects.

After two months, the improvements were more pronounced. My skin was noticeably brighter, the unevenness was significantly reduced, and the dark spots were fading considerably. My skin's overall texture felt smoother, and I had fewer breakouts. I was honestly blown away! I continued using the diluted ACV twice a week, and my skin just kept improving. It even reduced the appearance of fine lines around my eyes! (Note: this might be due to overall skin hydration rather than direct ACV effect).

(Insert "After" photo here. This would be a picture of your skin after using the ACV treatment.)

My skin after two months of using diluted ACV:

• Significantly brighter complexion
• More even skin tone
• Reduced appearance of dark spots
• Smaller pores
• Smoother skin texture
• Fewer breakouts

Was it a miracle cure? No. But for me, it was a surprisingly effective and affordable way to improve my skin's brightness and overall appearance. I'm not saying ACV is a magic bullet for everyone, but it definitely worked wonders for me.

Important Disclaimer

Remember, everyone's skin is different, and what works for me might not work for you. Always do a patch test before applying any new skincare product to your entire face. If you have sensitive skin or any existing skin conditions, it's best to consult a dermatologist before incorporating ACV into your skincare routine. This is just my personal experience, and it's not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Commonly Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What kind of apple cider vinegar should I use?

A: Use raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. This type contains beneficial enzymes and probiotics.

Q: How often should I use apple cider vinegar on my face?

A: Start with twice a week and gradually increase the frequency if your skin tolerates it well. Never use it daily, especially when starting out.

Q: What if my skin gets irritated?

A: If you experience any burning, stinging, or redness, stop using the ACV immediately and rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water. It might be a sign that your skin is too sensitive for this treatment.

Q: How long does it take to see results?

A: Results vary from person to person. Some people see noticeable improvements within a few weeks, while others may take a couple of months to see significant changes.

Q: Can I use ACV on all skin types?

A: ACV might be too harsh for some sensitive skin types. It's always best to do a patch test first and proceed with caution. If you have any concerns, consult a dermatologist.

Q: Can I mix ACV with other skincare products?

A: It's generally not recommended to mix ACV with other active ingredients in your skincare routine, especially those that are also acidic. Stick to a simple routine to avoid irritation.

I hope my experience helps you on your skincare journey! Remember to always listen to your skin and prioritize its health. Good luck!