Apple Cider Vinegar for Rosacea: More Harm Than Good?

But can using apple cider vinegar topically be good for rosacea?

The truth is, there is no scientific evidence that supports the use of apple cider vinegar for rosacea.

The rest of the internet is still singing the praises of apple cider vinegar, but we think this harsh vinegar could cause more harm than good when it comes to natural rosacea remedies.

Below, we will cover a quick review of what rosacea is, the potential negatives of using apple cider vinegar for rosacea, ways that you can protect your skin barrier instead, and suggest a few rosacea treatments.

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Learn More: How To Use a Rosacea Diary To Identify Your Rosacea Triggers in 5 Steps

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What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a common skin condition that affects more than 14 million people in the US.

Rosacea causes skin flushing and redness throughout the center of the face, visibly broken blood vessels, dry skin, a tendency to blush easily, and rosacea related acne-like breakouts are a very common symptom as well.

Some may experience burning, stinging, swelling, thickening of the skin, and skin sensitivity.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, rosacea is common among those who are fair-skinned and those of Celtic or Scandinavian ancestry.

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Also Read: What Is the Root Cause of Rosacea? 6 Potential Rosacea Development Factors

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Drawbacks of apple cider vinegar for rosacea

Well, there really is no evidence that supports the use of apple cider vinegar for rosacea.

This alternative natural remedy may actually worsen rosacea symptoms if you aren’t careful.

Those with rosacea should steer clear from the chemical exfoliant lactic acid -- which is found organically in apple cider vinegar.

(This is not a bad chemical in general, it’s just not great for those with rosacea.)

Because of the harshness of apple cider vinegar, it has the potential to disrupt and weaken an already vulnerable protective skin barrier. Which could cause even more skin inflammation, irritation, sensitivity, and redness.

Those with rosacea often already have an impaired skin barrier function which might contribute to the condition itself.

Although the cause of rosacea is still unclear, some hypothesize that the root problem is an impaired skin barrier.

‍So using harsh ingredients like apple cider vinegar, chemical peels and harsh face washes could worsen symptoms by impairing the skin barrier further.

On the flip side, protecting and strengthening your protective skin barrier could reduce inflammatory rosacea symptoms.

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Prioritize your protective skin barrier instead

Using apple cider vinegar for rosacea is a risky move.

Although some people with rosacea have found anecdotal success using apple cider vinegar, it’s possible this could have the exact opposite effect for others.

Read more: 7 Easy Ways to Calm Your Rosacea Flare-up

‍Instead of using harsh chemicals to treat your rosacea, air on the side of soothing and strengthening your protective skin barrier.

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Read Related: Building the Best Rosacea Skin Care Routine: Product Recommendations and Rosacea Care Advice

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Daily ways you can prioritize your skin barrier with rosacea:

1. Cleanse your face with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser twice a day.
2. Use lukewarm water instead of hot. (Hot water can be too harsh).
3. Moisturize day and night with creams that contain hyaluronic acid and ceramides. (This “acid” is not stripping. It is a moisturizing ingredient that may help support the skin barrier.)
4. Use emollient ingredients like jojoba oil.
5. Remember to protect yourself daily from UV rays.
6. Stay away from chemical exfoliants, scrubs, or alcohol-based products.

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Other treatment options for rosacea

We understand that the overarching goal of those treating rosacea is often to reduce and control the appearance of redness.

Other ingredients, such as azelaic acid, may help with this.*

Unlike the acids in apple cider vinegar, azelaic acid is a common rosacea treatment. This is largely due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of azelaic acid.

‍Azelaic acid is used for rosacea. Strut's compounded azelaic acid formulation is customizable and available by prescription through our telemedicine platform.*

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Also Read: What Are the 4 Types of Rosacea? (Spoiler: You Could Have More Than One)

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Strut Health prescription Rosacea formulas online

Here at Strut, we carry customizable multi-active-ingredient rosacea formulations that can contain ingredients including Oxymetazoline, Ivermectin, Metronidazole, and Azelaic Acid.

Simply select the Strut Rosacea Formula, complete a free online questionnaire-based telemedicine consultation, and check out in under 15 minutes.

Our U.S. providers will then review your info, and issue a prescription (if appropriate for you). Then, a U.S. compounding pharmacy will put your formula together and ship it to your front door with our free shipping.

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Apple cider vinegar for Rosacea: Bottom Line

• It is not recommended to use apple cider vinegar for rosacea.
• Apple cider vinegar is potentially a harmful home remedy for those with rosacea.
• Anything that is harsh or stripping could pose issues for those with rosacea.
• Apple cider vinegar could make rosacea symptoms worsen.
• ACV could weaken an already vulnerable skin barrier. Instead, opt for strengthening this barrier and skipping the use of apple cider vinegar.
• The apparent anecdotal success of using apple cider vinegar for rosacea has been unfounded scientifically. These claims are found across the internet, however, Strut Health does not recommend this home remedy as it could cause more harm than good.

*Compounded drug products are not approved or evaluated for safety, effectiveness, or quality by the FDA. Rx required.