4 Reasons You Should Add Apple Cider Vinegar to Your Next Bath

Is there anything apple cider vinegar can’t do? It’s one of those kitchen staples, like baking soda or lemons, that has so many benefits–from cooking to cleaning to everything in between. But it’s not just household tasks that can benefit from its magic. Apple cider vinegar also does wonders for the body. Simply add some to your bathwater next time you’re in need of a soak and you’ll be amazed at what it does for your skin, hair, even your joints.

Benefits of an Apple Cider Vinegar Bath

I firmly believe that apple cider vinegar is a miracle worker that really does do it all, but in order for it to work you need to buy the raw, organic kind. Unfiltered and unpasteurized ACV (sometimes referred to as “with the mother”) still contains the vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are so beneficial to the body. Simply look for a brand like Bragg’s or head to your local health food store to find the raw stuff. Then hop in the tub and soak away.

Here are just some of the things an apple cider vinegar bath can do:

1. Relieves common skin issues

ACV naturally kills bacteria and yeast on the skin, which can be helpful for people suffering from dry skin, eczema, dandruff or yeast overgrowth. Because bacteria doesn’t stand a chance, it can also help clear up acne when applied to the face and body. ACV also contains the gentle exfoliant, malic acid, which can help remove dry, dead skin cells and leave fresh, vibrant skin in its place.

2. Soothes inflammation

Vinegar contains acetic acid, one of the components of medications such as aspirin. It can help ease sunburn pain, itching, and inflammation. Soaking sunburned or inflamed skin for 30 minutes can help calm the redness and irritation so it heals faster.

3. Restores pH balance

Our skin is naturally acidic but some common bath and body products make our skin a little too alkaline, which can lead to dryness and eczema. Because ACV is acidic it can help restore our skin’s pH balance, which in turn helps to reduce dandruff and makes skin feel soft and moisturized.

4. Eases pain

Applying apple cider vinegar topically is also said to help with muscle and joint pain. If you’re a runner or if you simply suffer from sore knees, take an ACV bath regularly to help soothe pain and nurture joints.

DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Bath Soak

To reap the benefits of ACV you can simply add some directly to bathwater. But to really kick things up a notch, why not try combining it with an anti-inflammatory ginger bath soak?

This soak is ridiculously easy to make and chances are you already have everything you need in your kitchen. The Epsom salt helps to relax tired muscles and ease aches and pains, while the baking soda draws toxins from the body. The ginger has a thermogenic effect which helps raise your body temperature and induce sweating, helping to eliminate toxins.

And last but not least add a few drops of essential oils or some flower petals. While it doesn’t aid with the detox, flowers help make the whole thing look nice!

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4 from 4 votes

Apple Cider Vinegar Bath Soak

This apple cider vinegar bath will soothe tired muscles, reduce inflammation, restore your skin's pH balance, and detox the body.

Active Time10 mins

Total Time10 mins

Yield: 1 bath

Author: Stephanie Pollard

Equipment

• Small jar
• Measuring cup

Materials

• 1 cup Epsom salt
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• ¼ cup baking soda
• Essential oils
• Dried rose petals or herbs optional
• 1 1/2 cups raw apple cider vinegar

Instructions

• Combine everything except the vinegar in a jar and set aside.
• Fill tub with warm/hot water and add apple cider vinegar. Next add the salt mixture and stir with your hand until completely dissolved.
• Hop in the tub and soak for at least 30 minutes. When you're done, gently blot skin with a towel to remove excess water and let the vinegar sink into skin as much as possible.
• Now is a great time to apply moisturizer to seal in the benefits.

This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Haley, a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in medical, cosmetic and surgical dermatology. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical review board here. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.