Apple cider vinegar has been used for everything from dieting to improving flexibility and mobility. Yet this simple and ancient apple extract (uncooked, organic, unfiltered and unpasteurized) is also a fabulous skin treatment. It is made from the juice of pressed apples that has fermented into the vinegar stage.

Apple cider vinegar is not distilled and retains most of its original enzymes, vitamins and minerals, as well as natural malic acid and tartaric acids, which assist the body in fighting toxins and unfriendly bacteria.

Healthy skin has a protective acidity that can be stripped away by overuse of alkaline body soaps, many of which also contain preservatives, synthetic perfumes, animal fats and hormones. These should be avoided in favour of handmade soaps using organic ingredients. Apple cider vinegar helps keep the skin in an acidic state. It's important to remember that the skin is the major cleanser of the body, so maintaining its acidity helps with the normal detoxification of your whole system.

This is an absolutely cool skin treatment that will cleanse, tone, stimulate, soften and purify your skin. Mix organic cider vinegar with the same quantity of clean water - dilute it further if it is for sensitive skin.

Why?

- It is a powerful antioxidant and cleanser, that fights free radicals, helps eliminate waste, and protects against fungal and bacterial infection. It also irrigates the skin

- It shrinks the pores and stimulates circulation in small capillaries

- It reduces shiny patches by dissolving excess fat deposits on the surface, balancing oily skin and restoring the skin's natural pH

- It contains a wide range of vitamins and several minerals vital to good health and healthy skin which makes your skin glow

- It makes your skin appear younger by lightening age spots or other discoloration - It clears up an acne breakout and can even reduce acne scarring

- It sooths and treats sunburn and insect bites

To make it smell gorgeous add a drop of essential oils for example lavender, rosemary or elder flower. Lavender is a soothing, antiseptic anti-inflammatory excellent for a range of skin conditions. Rosemary is also antiseptic, and relaxes both the nerves and muscles. Elder flower, high in vitamin C, is a mild astringent that also softens the skin.

Other recipes:

Refreshing face wash:

Add one cup (250 ml) of apple cider vinegar to a small basin of warm water and use a cotton ball to gently pat the face clean.

Bath Soak:

Add one cup (250 ml) of apple cider vinegar to your bath water. This is particularly important for people with dry, itchy, irritated skin (often a sign of alkalinity). The outer skin is made up of old cells that continually flake off, clearing the way for the new skin beneath. Many people, however, experience old outer skin cells that don't peel off effectively, leaving them with dull, dry complexions.

Shower rinse:

Combine a cup of cider vinegar with the same of water and keep in a spray dispenser. Use after a shower.

Dandruff and Itchy Scalp:

add two teaspoons (10 ml) of apple cider vinegar to a large glass of warm water. Pour the mixture over your scalp. Wrap your head in a towel for 15 minutes, then wash hair as usual. The acidic nature of apple cider vinegar combined with its potent enzymes can kill the bottle bacillus germ that causes many scalp problems such as dandruff, itchy scalp, baldness and thinning hair.

When choosing products for skin care make sure you are selecting cleansers, soaps and creams that are natural and will be good to your skin. Many of the products on the market say that they are inspired by modern scientific methods, not that they use them or that they are necessarily good for you. Just remember, the best scientist of all is Mother Nature.