What happens if you wash your face with white vinegar long-term?
Jul 31, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, long-term use of white vinegar for facial cleansing may have multiple effects on the skin, including disruption of the skin barrier function, induction of irritant inflammation, exacerbation of pigmentation, disturbance of the skin microbiome balance, and excessive exfoliation of the stratum corneum. Facial skin care should follow the principle of gentleness, and white vinegar is not an appropriate skincare product for long-term use.
Generally, long-term use of white vinegar for facial cleansing may have multiple effects on the skin, including damaging the skin barrier function, causing irritant inflammation, worsening pigmentation, disrupting the balance of the skin microbiome, and leading to excessive exfoliation of the stratum corneum. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Damage to the Skin Barrier Function
The normal pH of healthy skin is slightly acidic. White vinegar contains acetic acid and has a low pH value. Prolonged use may disrupt the skin's acid-base balance, damaging the structure of the stratum corneum, reducing the skin's ability to retain moisture, and resulting in dryness and flaking. The skin's resistance to external irritants will also be significantly reduced.
2. Induction of Irritant Inflammation
Acetic acid has certain corrosive and irritating properties. Long-term contact with the skin may irritate epidermal cells and superficial dermal blood vessels, causing persistent redness, burning, itching, and in severe cases, erythema, papules, or even exudation. These effects are particularly evident in individuals with sensitive skin or inherently thin skin barriers.
3. Worsening of Pigmentation
After damage to the skin barrier, the protective capacity against ultraviolet radiation decreases, making post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation more likely. Additionally, repeated inflammatory stimulation can activate melanocytes, leading to uneven skin tone and increased spots, ultimately affecting skin aesthetics.
4. Disruption of Skin Microbial Balance
The skin surface hosts a normal microbiome dominated by bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Staphylococcus, which inhibit the proliferation of harmful bacteria and maintain microbial stability. A prolonged acidic environment may suppress the activity of beneficial bacteria, potentially leading to dysbiosis and increasing the risk of overgrowth of harmful bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes, which may trigger acne or folliculitis.
5. Excessive Exfoliation of the Stratum Corneum
The acidity of white vinegar may temporarily soften the stratum corneum, creating a false impression of smoother skin. However, long-term use can lead to excessive exfoliation of the stratum corneum, leaving the skin without its protective barrier and making it fragile and sensitive, thus more susceptible to chemical and physical irritants.
Facial skin care should follow the principle of gentleness. White vinegar is not a suitable long-term skincare product. If improvements in skin texture are desired, it is recommended to choose mild cleansers with a pH close to that of the skin. If discomfort occurs after use, discontinue immediately and seek medical attention promptly.
