They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but it’s not just your insides that benefit from the nutritional value of this popular fall fruit. Apples — and apple-derived products such as apple cider vinegar — may also offer a myriad of beauty benefits for your entire body. Read on to discover all the different ways apples can help support your skin AND enjoy a DIY recipe for a soothing oatmeal-apple facial!
Skin-healthy snack. Apples are little nutritional powerhouses, providing vitamins A and C, plus calcium, iron and fiber. You may already be familiar with the skin-supporting antioxidant benefits of vitamin C (one medium-sized apple offers 14% of your daily value!), but one nutrient that shouldn’t be forgotten is fiber. An apple delivers approximately 17% of your DV of fiber, which is important for your body’s internal cleansing process. A beautiful body inside is a beautiful body outside! (In addition to fresh fruit, swap your usual chips for these crunchy dried apple snacks.)
Amazing ACV. Apple cider vinegar, made from fermented apples, makes a great, multipurpose addition to your beauty arsenal. Why? It can be used as a clarifying and strengthening hair rinse, teeth whitening mouthwash, soothing foot soak and cleansing skin toner.
- Hair rinse: Dilute 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar in 4 cups water, pour over hair after shampooing and rinse with cold water to remove buildup of styling products and restore hair’s natural shine.
- Mouthwash: Gargle with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in the morning to loosen stains on teeth and refresh your mouth and gums.
- Foot soak: Add a few capfuls of apple cider vinegar to a warm foot bath to relieve and revive tired feet.
- Skin toner: Apply a few drops to a cotton round and swipe over your nose, chin and forehead to keep your skin looking bright and clean.
Soothing Oatmeal-Apple Mask
- 1/2 medium-sized apple, chopped into small pieces
- 1 1.5-oz. packet colloidal oatmeal
- 1 Tbsp buttermilk (OR 1 Tbsp coconut milk + 1 tsp apple cider vinegar)
- 1 Tbsp oat bran
Add apple to food processor or blender and pulse until well-blended – add oatmeal, buttermilk and oat bran and blend again until you get a thick, paste-like liquid. Gently apply to face, being careful to avoid eye area. After 10 minutes, rinse with warm water. You can store any leftover mixture in an airtight plastic or glass container for 3 days.