by Francis Jock

Created on: January 23, 2008   Last Updated: September 13, 2009

Using apple cider vinegar for its natural beauty secrets may sound a little far fetched at first. However, after a little digging around in the library, I found a wonderful book called The Natural Beauty Book by Anita Guyton (Thorsons, 1991) that revealed twenty-two references to the beauty secrets of apple cider vinegar. I couldn't wait to discover just what those beauty secrets might be, and I'll share a few of them with you in this article.

Chemically, apple cider vinegar is a weak form of citric acid and acts as a natural astringent. It doesn't have any of the alcohol found in over-the-counter skin treatments, so it's both more inexpensive and healthy for you. When mixed with cool water, it can be splashed onto your face to close pores and reinvigorate your skin's natural PH balance. Apple cider vinegar can also be mixed with other natural ingredients to make facial creams, cleansers, and other treatments, as well.

The first mention of apple cider vinegar in Guyton's book appears under the heading "For Face and Eyes." Here, a recipe for Sesame Honey Cream, proclaimed to be "particularly good for those with dry complexions " is provided. This is followed by a mixture of yogurt and egg yolks, apple cider vinegar, tomato juice and honey, nicely named "Yogurt Night Cream for Oily Complexions".

Under the heading of "Cleansing Creams", recipes for Lavender Cleansing Cream and Mayonnaise Cleansing Cream are provided. After using either of these recipes, it's probably a good idea to wash it off completely with a good scrubbing of soap and water. Mayonnaise is a good moisturizer, but be sure to store your mixture in the refrigerator in a clearly labeled container.

Under a section called "Astringents, Skin Tonics and Fresheners" a recipe for a Herbal Apple Astringent appears. Astringents are drugs which temporarily contract the tissues around the pores. The author proclaims "Many will appreciate this astringent because it helps improve and refine coarse-looking complexions plagued by enlarged pores." It is worth noting here, that the visible result of applying an astringent is only temporary and applying a strong astringent of any kind is not a healthy idea.

There's a following section for "Anti-Freckle Lotions and Pastes" featuring a recipe for Elderflower Cider Lotion. This is a mixture of Elderflower, cider vinegar and alum. Freckles are a sign of natural beauty, although many regard them as if they are some sort of affliction. Nothing could be further from the truth. Although freckles are not usually glorified in the same manner that Hollywood facial beauty marks are, they are not something to be ashamed of or hidden from sight.

Anyone that uses natural herbs and remedies for health and beauty deserves respect and admiration. Today's engineered chemical cosmetics are not any more beneficial than nature's gifts, despite their claims and expense. Nature provides an abundance of natural medicines that work well for maintaining health and natural beauty. As a handy and inexpensive astringent, apple cider vinegar is one of the best your can have on hand.

The Natural Beauty Book is a good addition for your collection of beauty secrets. Beyond the few sections I mention in this article, it also includes informs us of how to use for apple cider vinegar for sunbathing, body, hair and nails, neck, mouth and lips, and face and eyes. I recommend it to you for both enjoyment and pleasure.

Reference:
Guyton, Anita. The Natural Beauty Book, Cruelty free cosmetics to make at home. London: Thorsons, 1991.

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