What are the benefits and drawbacks of using white vinegar for facial cleansing?

Vinegar is not only an excellent condiment, but also boasts remarkable beauty benefits when used for facial cleansing, particularly white vinegar. This is attributed to vinegar's primary component, acetic acid, which possesses potent antiseptic properties, effectively safeguarding skin and hair. Furthermore, vinegar is rich in calcium, amino acids, Vitamin B, lactic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, sugars, glycerin, aldehydes, and certain salts, all of which are highly beneficial for the skin.

Benefits of White Vinegar for Facial Cleansing:

1. Tenderizing Skin with White Vinegar - Mix white vinegar and water in a 1:3 ratio and store in a mineral water bottle. After washing your face in the morning and evening, gently pat your face with the vinegar-water solution, using only a small amount at a time. Ensure your entire face feels dampened. Occasionally, you may also use this mixture to wash your face.

2. Smoothing Skin with White Vinegar - Begin by washing your face and hands. Then, soak them in warm water mixed with vinegar for 5 minutes before rinsing with clean water. Practicing this regularly can lead to smoother, finer skin. Keep the vinegar content low to avoid discoloration of the water.

3. Lightening and Removing Spots with White Vinegar - Blend white vinegar with an appropriate amount of the Chinese medicinal herb Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala). Seal and soak for a week. Apply this mixture to spots on your face after cleansing, helping to gradually fade and eliminate freckles over time.

4. Reducing Wrinkles with White Vinegar - After cleansing your face at night, mix 1 spoon of vinegar with 3 spoons of water. Dip a cotton ball in this mixture and gently rub it over wrinkled areas, followed by a light massage with your fingers. Rinse thoroughly. This method aids in diminishing fine lines on the face.

5. Enhancing Hair with White Vinegar - After shampooing with a neutral shampoo, rinse your hair with warm water containing a small amount of vinegar. Leave it for 20 minutes before rinsing with water. Gradually, your hair will become softer, shinier, and healthier.

6. Relieving Fatigue with White Vinegar - Add 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar to warm water for a bath. This not only removes dead skin cells but also alleviates fatigue, rejuvenates your spirit, and gives you a rosy complexion.

7. Controlling Dandruff with White Vinegar - Before bedtime, dampen the affected areas with a 1:1 ratio of vinegar and water, gently massaging the scalp. Rinse after 10 minutes. This helps curb excessive dandruff and can eventually lead to its eradication. Using vinegar-infused warm water to wash your hair is also effective.

Drawbacks of Using White Vinegar for Facial Cleansing:

1. Damaging Skin's Corneum Layer - While vinegar softens the skin's corneum layer and kills bacteria, its acetic acid can be corrosive. Prolonged use thins the facial corneum layer, making skin more prone to redness and allergies. This damage is difficult to reverse.

2. Uneven Skin Tone - Improper use of vinegar for facial cleansing can, in the long run, lead to uneven skin tone with patches of darker color and melanin. Additionally, the color of vinegar may discolor your skin (due to high concentration), resulting in a pale yellow tint and an overall uneven complexion.

3. Promoting Freckles with Prolonged Use - Vinegar's acidity can acidify and prematurely age the skin if used excessively for facial cleansing. Therefore, only a few drops should be added to water to slightly acidify it, and it should not be used daily due to its chemical components. Aim for 2-3 times a week instead.