A 3-Ingredient DIY Miracle Toner for Acne-Prone Skin

I’m prone to breakouts year-round, but during the winter my normal anti-acne routine is way too drying. My skin gets so flaky, and then it seems like my acne actually gets worse. Is there anything I can add to my regimen to clear up my skin without aggravating it?

Winter skin care is no joke. While slathering sunscreen all over might do the trick during summer, colder weather calls for creamy face washes, toners, serums, oils, and moisturizers. And if your complexion is less-than-perfect leading into the cooler months, the shifting weather may only further exacerbate skin woes.

Because acne plus dry skin is a big problem, I called in my favorite green beauty expert, Alexis Wolfer. Founder of The Beauty Bean, Alexis actually wrote the book on this stuff. Plus, have you seen her skin? It’s envy-inducing.

Turns out Alexis and I are both obsessed with using apple cider vinegar (aka ACV) as a toner post–face wash. Why? This magical elixir is antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral, so it kills any pimple-causing agents lingering in pores. Plus, it naturally contains alpha-hydroxy acids, which can costs big bucks at the beauty counter and gently break down dead skin cells and exfoliate to reveal softer, brighter skin.

ACV is perfect to use on all types of skin during winter because it eliminates flakes without over-drying and fights acne. I usually just dump some on a cotton ball and wipe it all over my face, but Alexis’ fragrant recipe is my new favorite way to use ACV. Watch the video to see how this it all comes together.

DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Astringent

½ cup apple cider vinegar
½ cup of water
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons fresh mint

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer for a few minutes. Strain, let cool, and store in a mason jar (with a lid) in the fridge for up to six months.

Keeping this concoction in the fridge will even boost its beauty powers—the colder, the better when it comes to shrinking pores. Just don’t pull a George Costanza and double-dip your cotton ball into the mix … that’s just unhygienic.

Want more natural beauty hacks? Check out Alexis’s new book, Radiant Bride: The Beauty, Diet, Fitness, And Fashion Plan For Your Big Day. And of course, try this recipe and let me know how it goes in the comments below!

Video credits
Produced and Directed by: Liza Glucoft
Director of Photography: Naeem Munaf
Editor: Stephanie Provence