Can washing your face with white vinegar remove acne marks?

During adolescence, many teenagers experience acne breakouts on their faces. It’s important to remember that acne can leave behind post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or scars—often referred to as “acne marks”—which may significantly affect appearance.

Can washing your face with white vinegar remove acne marks?

White vinegar is a common food ingredient, but using it for facial cleansing does not effectively fade existing acne marks. Moreover, for individuals with sensitive skin, repeated use of white vinegar may cause further irritation and even trigger allergic reactions. Therefore, rather than relying on unproven home remedies, those seeking to reduce acne marks should consider evidence-based medical aesthetic treatments—such as laser therapy—tailored to the specific type and severity of their marks.

Acne marks are essentially scar tissue formed after an acne lesion ruptures and heals. This scarring represents the skin’s natural repair response to injury. Once mature scar tissue has formed, topical or oral medications generally cannot eliminate it.

During treatment, dietary modifications are essential: avoid spicy, stimulating, and seafood-based foods, as these may exacerbate inflammation. When outdoors, practice rigorous sun protection—wear broad-brimmed hats or carry umbrellas—to shield skin from UV radiation, which can worsen pigmentation. Also, limit intake of deeply pigmented foods. We hope this information proves helpful!