As a person who has struggled with troubled skin for quite some time, it seems as though I've tried almost every kind of serum and lotion out there. Not only were these super pricey, but I also never saw long-term, positive results. Rather than continuing to waste my money, I decided to look up some home remedies for my skin troubles. After trying them out for a few weeks, I realized that these are definitely more effective and gentler on my skin — win-win. Not convinced? Here are five foods that can help five very different skin problems — try 'em for yourself: 

Acne & Blemishes: Apple Cider Vinegar

beer, condiment
Mike Mozart

Apple cider vinegar is very effective for treating both acne and acne scars. It contains malic, glycolic and lactic acids which make up alpha hydroxy acids (aka AHAs). Basically, these guys remove dead skin and excess oil, and balance out ph levels of your skin. I personally swear by a concoction of a few drops of vinegar mixed with cold water, applied after cleansing and left to air dry. 

Dark Spots: Yogurt

milk, egg, dairy product, cream
Katherine Baker

Plain yogurt helps achieve luminous skin with mild exfoliation. It can also help to lighten any dark spots and freckles. The fat content in yogurt also helps healing damaged skin without causing irritation. For best results, combine plain yogurt and lemon juice in a 2:1 ratio and apply evenly all over. Keep it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse it off, and voilà!

Anti-Aging: Avocado

vegetable, guacamole, avocado
Rebecca Holstein

If you are concerned about the firmness of your skin, you might want to spread avocado on your face instead of on a piece of toast. Avocados contain a lot of antioxidants which reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Simply mash avocados in a bowl and evenly apply on your skin. You can also choose avocado oils for the same effect.  

Pores: Egg Whites

egg yolk, chicken, egg
Jocelyn Hsu

Egg whites contain lysozymes, which are very helpful in tightening pores and removing dead skin cells. Not only that, it's also effective in removing whiteheads. It may seem a little weird to put eggs on your face, but I swear it works. Separate your egg whites in a bowl and beat them with a fork until they get foamy. Apply foamed egg whites on your face and leave it until it's completely dried. Rinse it off with water and see the changes for yourself. 

Dry Skin: Oats

rolled oats, grain, handful of oats, handful, hands, barley, oatmeal, oat, pasture, corn, wheat, cereal
Jocelyn Hsu

Oats are amazingly effective in hydrating dry skin. They can also help to soothe skin's  texture aform a new layer of skin that prevents moisture loss. Just mix a little bit of honey or milk into ground oats and apply evenly to your skin. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse. 

Try out these natural remedies if you want to look and feel your best, without too much damage to your skin or wallet. Feel free to mix several of these ingredients together for a skin treatment that works for you.