Some acne sufferers are trying apple cider vinegar to treat their skin. Scientists have not confirmed this practice, and there are some warnings that people trying this home remedy should consider. Apple cider vinegar might not be right for everyone.

Progressive Health offers some theories on why the topical treatment of acne with vinegar might be effective. The antimicrobial properties of white vinegar and other vinegars are proven. This makes vinegar a good antiseptic that can potentially fight the bacteria that cause acne. Vinegar can also change the pH balance of the skin, which makes it hard for the bacteria that contribute to acne to grow.

However, consider that acne may have several causes. Progressive Health also warns acne caused by hormonal changes (like that often experienced in the teenage years) is not likely to be helped with a vinegar treatment.

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Here are five tips on how to use apple cider vinegar to treat acne.

1. First, look for totally unrefined apple cider vinegar. Erica Scime at MindBodyGreen recommends that your apple cider vinegar be organic, unfiltered, unpasteurized, and contain a murky substance known as "mother."

2. The treatment of acne with apple cider vinegar is a topical treatment. It should be dabbed or swabbed on the affected areas in a diluted solution, often referred to as a toner. Watch for burning. If this becomes a problem, dilute the toner with more water. Generally, solutions start at a 50/50 mix.

3. Some proponents of home remedies do not suggest that ingesting it will help cure acne, while some offer tutorials on how to concoct a drinkable solution.

Because of apple cider vinegar's acid content, Devin Mooers at Clear Skin Forever warns against taking it orally because of its potential for "stripping enamel off your teeth and damaging your throat tissue."

4. Many users suggest applying the topical treatment at night because apple cider vinegar's exfoliating properties make the skin vulnerable to ultraviolet rays — and, it stinks.

5. While applying apple cider vinegar toner on acne, some users can experience "purging." According to Skinacea, "purging can cause an 'it gets worse before it gets better' situation as the exfoliating action brings clogs inside your skin to the surface of your skin." Users will need determine whether they are experiencing purging or breakout and adjust their treatment accordingly.

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