DIY Apple Cider Vinegar for Cleaner & Lighter Armpits
Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar on your underarms. And many skincare experts agree that ACV has many benefits to help your armpits.
However, before you go pouring it on your underarms, let’s discuss what ACV does for the skin of the underarms, and how we can correctly use it to help our underarm struggles.
Fun Fact: The “mother” that people see floating in a bottle of apple cider vinegar is a cloud of yeast and bacteria that makes the ACV healthy.
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How Can Apple Cider Vinegar Benefit Underarms
Apple cider vinegar can benefit the underarm in two ways:
1- It Lightens dark underarms
Apple cider vinegar will quickly and effectively lighten your underarms. It works by:
- Exfoliating the skin: This removes dead skin cells which are also pigmented skin cells.
- And at the same time, the malic acid in apple cider vinegar inhibits melanin production, which means fewer pigmented cells are being produced.
Therefore, with constant exfoliation and inhibition of melanin, the new cells that are being regenerated will be less pigmented. Over time, this will result in lighter underarm skin.
Related Article: DIY & Medical Ways to Quickly Whiten Underarms Permanently
How long does apple cider vinegar take to lighten dark underarms?
Apple cider vinegar will take a few days to a few weeks to visibly lighten your underarms.
This will depend on:
- How dark your armpits are,
- The cause of the darkness,
- The condition of your skin,
- How you use the ACV
- And your skin’s reaction to the ACV treatment.
For a very quick way to lighten your underarms consider Laser Whitening Underarms, click here to learn more
2- It helps to manage and prevent underarm odor
Apple cider vinegar balances the pH of the skin which helps to prevent bacteria and fungi overgrowth.
It is also antibacterial, which also helps in preventing the build-up of bacteria in the armpits.
Finally, it detoxes the skin by cleaning out pores and removing debris and residue from the skin and hair follicles which can serve as breeding grounds for odor-causing bacteria. Detoxing the armpits also makes natural deodorants more effective.
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Can apple cider vinegar be used as a deodorant?
Apple cider vinegar cannot be used as a deodorant.
It can be added to natural deodorants or DIY deodorants. And it can be used as a treatment to help manage odor. However, it cannot replace your deodorant.
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Other Skin Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV):
- Exfoliates the skin – The acids in ACV are AHAs that very gently remove the dead skin cells from the skin, allowing new, healthy skin cells to regenerate.
- Cleans your underarms – Apple cider vinegar breaks up oil and clears residues and dirt from the pores of the skin.
- Keeps the underarms healthy The Low pH helps to maintain the healthy acid mantle of the skin.
- Helps treat acne The fermentation process makes it antibacterial so it prevents and manages acne
- Prevents wrinkles and aging ACV tightens the pores and prevents wrinkles and sagging skin.
Related Article: Retinol For Dark Underarms: How to Use, Benefits & Effects
Now for some great deodorants that can actually help to lighten dark armpits check out:
5 Best Deodorants to Lighten Dark Underarms- Prevent & Treat
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How To Apply Apple Cider Vinegar to Underarms
Ingredients/Materials:
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Water (if necessary)
- Cotton pads or cotton balls
- Bowl
Directions:
- Firstly, dip cotton balls/pads in a bowl of apple cider vinegar
- You can also add water to the ACV if it is too strong for your skin).
- Next, rub it onto your underarms.
- Leave it on your skin and do not wash it off.
- Repeat this every day for the best results.
Related Article: Turmeric for Dark Underarms – Benefits & Easy DIY Scrubs
How long can you leave apple cider vinegar on your underarms?
You can leave apple cider vinegar on your underarms for as long as your skin can tolerate it.
If you have sensitive skin, it is best that you dilute ACV with water and/or wash it off after leaving it on your skin for a short period of time.
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Can I leave apple cider vinegar on my armpits overnight?
Yes, you can leave apple cider vinegar on your underarms overnight. But only if your skin can handle it.
I recommend patch testing during the day. This way if your skin becomes irritated you can wash away the ACV.
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How often should you use apple cider vinegar on your underarms?
Apple Cider Vinegar can be used on your underarms daily, or as often as your skin can tolerate it.
But I recommend starting with 1-2 times per week and then increasing the frequency as your skin becomes used to it.
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DIY Apple Cider Vinger Recipes For Dark Underarms
1- Apple Cider Vinegar + Baking Soda
Both the ACV and the baking soda exfoliate the skin and also has antimicrobial properties. They both help to treat odor and darkened skin at the same time.
Ingredients/Materials:
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Cotton balls/pads
- Bowl
Directions:
- In a bowl, add one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and baking soda.
- Dip cotton balls in the mixture and apply the mixture to the clean underarms.
- Leave the mixture on for 15 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat it 2-3 times per week (or daily if your skin tolerates it well).
Related Article: Best Essential Oils for Armpits & How to Use Correctly
Video: How to mix Baking Soda with Apple cider vinegar
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2- Apple Cider Vinegar, Lavender Oil, and Rose Water Spray
The apple cider vinegar and rose water help to exfoliate and cleanse the skin. Lavender oil contains skin-brightening properties which help to lighten the skin and improve its texture. It also improves blood circulation. The combination helps with odor, and helps to gradually lighten the skin.
Another great treatment for dark underarms is Niacinamide, click here to learn more.
Ingredients/Materials:
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Rose Water
- Lavender Oil
- Spray bottle
- Mixing bowl
Directions:
- In a bowl, add 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, a few drops of lavender essential oil, and half a cup of rosewater.
- Mix all the ingredients properly and transfer the mixture into a spray bottle.
- Spray this mixture on the armpits before going to bed. Let the mixture work overnight.
- Repeat this every day.
Related Article: 10 Quick & Easy DIY Natural Remedies For Smelly Armpits
3- Apple Cider Vinegar + Bentonite Clay Detox Mask
Apple Cider vinegar exfoliates the skin, balances the pH, and clears debris while the bentonite clay pulls impurities from within the pores. This combination is great at preventing and/or getting rid of bacteria and other buildups that cause odor.
Ingredients/Materials:
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Water
- Bentonite Clay
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or Spoon
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, bentonite clay and a little amount of water.
- Mix it until it becomes a smooth, well-combined paste and apply it to the underarms.
- Leave the mixture on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse it off with warm water and moisturize.
- Repeat this 1-2 times per week for best results.
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Video: Armpit Detox
4- Apple Cider Vinegar Underarm Lightening Paste
ACV is the main ingredient in this paste, but it can be aided and mixed with turmeric, rice flour, or gram flour. All of these powdered ingredients also have skin-lightening properties.
Ingredients:
- Turmeric OR Rice Flour OR Gram Flour
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or Spoon
Directions:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with half a teaspoon of turmeric powder (or 1 tablespoon of rice flour or gram flour).
- Mix the ingredients properly and apply this mixture to the underarms.
- Leave the mixture for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water.
- Repeat this at least 2-3 times per week (or daily if your skin reacts well).
Related Article: Glycolic Acid for Underarms – How to Use, Benefits & Risks
Precautions To Take When Using Apple Cider Vinegar For Underarms
1- Dilute your ACV
Even though ACV is generally safe for all skin types, it can be too concentrated. It is best to dilute it with water or to mix it with other ingredients to add it to your skincare routine.
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2- Always patch test
It is important to always conduct a patch test before applying ACV all over your skin, especially your armpits. The skin there is super sensitive and can be irritated more easily.
3- Always use a moisturizer after using ACV
ACV exfoliates the skin, leaving the new skin exposed and perfect for absorbing your moisturizer and other skincare products.
4- Always protect your skin from the sun
Exfoliation makes your skin more sensitive to UVA/UVB rays, which means that they can more easily damage the now vulnerable skin.
To avoid this, make sure you wear clothes that cover your armpits and skin where you have used ACV or use sunscreen daily.
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Common Questions About Apple Cider Vinegar For Underarms
Will apple cider vinegar make your skin too dry?
ACV can make your skin too dry if you overuse it and do not moisturize.
ACV is exfoliative and too much exfoliation can dry out the skin and cause irritation, especially if you do not moisturize your skin.
When using ACV, monitor your skin to see how it reacts to the treatment and how it feels. If your skin gets too dry, cut back on the frequency of use.
Bonus Article: Dry Armpits: How to Correctly Moisturize & What to Use
Potential Side Effects Of Using Apple Cider Vinegar For Underarms
Apple Cider Vinegar is generally safe for the skin, however, there is a potential risk for a few side effects if the concentration is too strong:
- Dry Skin – ACV exfoliates the skin. Using it too often will over-exfoliate the skin, which can lead to dryness.
- Irritation ACV is acidic, which is generally good for the skin. However, everyone’s skin is different and sometimes, ACV will need to be diluted to prevent it from irritating the skin.
- Chemical Burns The acetic acid in ACV can sometimes cause mild chemical burns on sensitive skin. It is best to dilute ACV before using it, especially if you have sensitive skin.
- Allergic Reactions Like all treatments, there is a risk of an allergic reaction to ACV. This is rare, however, remember to do a patch test before applying this to your whole underarm area.
Bonus Article: Aloe Vera for Underarms: Benefits & How to Use Effectively
Other Uses For Apple Cider Vinegar:
Apple Cider Vinegar For Corns & Calluses – What To Know
Sources:
Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits for Skin and Hair, According to Dermatologists | Allure
Apple Cider Vinegar: Benefits, Uses, Risks, and Dosage
How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin, According to Dermatologists
