A’s which help in skincare #blogchatterA2Z

Like they say in alphabets A is for apple let’s start with Apple cider Vinegar shall we?

Apple cider vinegar (ACV)

A staple in pantries, ACV is not used as salad dressing but a widely popularity gaining skin care ingredient. It isn’t innocuous to incorporate this darling ingredient in skincare regimen for a clearer and brighter skin. Most importantly it has to be used the right way. It is rightly agreeable to smell like a salad dressing if it promises you flawless skin. Don’t you all agree with me?

WHAT DOES ACV HELP IN?

Balances skin PH
The pH of the outer skin layer can be made to be balanced by making use of ACV. It helps the skin to maintain pH at the right value so that it secretes only necessary amount of oil. It also helps fighting against acne causing bacteria.

Exfoliates
ACV is an excellent chemical exfoliation. The malic acid present is ACV is almost similar to the AHAs. They work effectively against acne causing bacteria by unclogging pores and eliminating them.

Helps in fighting blackheads
The anti-bacterial property of ACV when mixed with baking soda and water helps exfoliate and reduce blackhead formation.

Improves hyperpigmentation.
The malic acid in ACV helps decrease the production of melanin which is responsible for the skin getting its pigment. So once melanin production is reduced gradually there is also considerable reduction in dark spots.

How to use?

FOR ACNE

Mix raw unfiltered ACV with water in a bowl. Soak cotton ball in this mixture and apply on affected area. Wash after 10 minutes.

SUNBURN

Mix half a cup ACV to four cups water. Dab a cotton cloth and apply on affected area. Gently massage. Repeat to see results.

EXFOLIATION

Mix ACV in your bathing water specifically bathing in tubs. Let it soak your skin. This is to maintain the pH.

TONER

Mix ACV with three parts water and essential oil if you wish to. Apply on to skin with a cotton ball. Leave to dry and wash off after ten minutes or massage gently with moisturizer.

ALOE VERA

Known as the “universal panacea” by Greek scientists and “Plant of immortality” by the Egyptians, Aloe vera is one of the most widely used topical ingredient in skincare. This thorny plant in your backyard can make you go awe for its innumerable benefits it has to offer. Though not many have this plant at home in that case people resort to getting the OTC variants. But if you are someone who uses the OTC variant make sure that the main ingredient is aloe vera gel.
The plant by nature gives you a transparent gel which helps heal sunburns, frost bites, psoriasis. But some of the OTC variants are green in colour which is where you need to be conscious of the other ingredients that go in.
Whatever may be your skin type, this miracle ingredients does wonders is a blessing for skincare woes.

WHAT DOES ALOE VERA HELP IN?

• Helps to cleanse the skin.Mild exfoliation
• Fights acne and helps reduce blemishes.
• Soothes sunburn
• Reduces skin irritation
• Helps treat mouth sores
• Delays signs of ageing
• Good moisturizer

DIY PACKS WITH ALOE VERA

CUCUMBER PACK

If you’re a person with dry skin, this pack is for you. Blend cucumber slices in a blender. Mix in aloe vera gel and honey. Can be applied all over the face and on neck. Wash off after 30 mins.

BANANA PACK

This pack works for almost all skin types especially the normal and sensitive skin. Mash banana in a bowl. Add in aloe vera gel and rose water. Apply on to face and neck. Wash off upon drying.

ESSENTIAL OIL SLEEPING PACK

This is especially if your skin type is oily. This is a sleeping mask that can be applied in the night and washed off in the morning. Mix in tea tree oil into aloe vera gel. Apply evenly and massage until it gets absorbed. In the morning wash of with warm water. Oily skin is prone to acne. Anti-bacterial properties in tea tree oil and the soothing effect of aloe vera help lessen the acne formation and oil secretion in skin and help heal acne prone skin.

Aloe vera shouldn’t be used on infected skin since it hinders with the healing process of the wound though it is said to anti-microbial properties.

I’m sure most of you have ACV in your pantries and aloe vera in backyard or balcony. If not I’d suggest you to get this wonder plant ant thank me later for the innumerable benefits it has to offer to you.

These are two most commonly used “A” ingredients in skincare. I have some more but I think I’d make a part 2 of this post to bring out more ingredients in A that help in maintaining good skin.

This post is written as part of Blogchatter’s A2Z challenge.