Best Face Masks for Acne Prone Skin

Clearing up acne isn’t always about the face cleanser or moisturizer you use. Face masks are a great secret weapon to fight breakouts. Use them as an excuse to relax and pamper yourself at the end of the day.

What are the best ingredients in a face mask that fights acne?

Generally speaking, you won’t want a mask that adds more oil to your face. Look for masks made from clay, charcoal, or sulfur because those absorb extra oil. Bentonite clay and sulfur also fight infections and inflammations.

Witch hazel is a gentle astringent sometimes found in masks. Salicylic and hydroxy acids exfoliate skin to unclog pores, while glycolic acid helps build collagen to make skin firmer. Glycolic acid also helps if you have uneven skin coloring.

If you want to stick with a classic moisturizing mask, avoid butters and thick creams. Aim for ingredients like jojoba oil. It’s the closest material to the sebum produced by human skin. Jojoba oil stops overproduction of face oil because your skin will think it has enough already.

How do I use a face mask?

Each product manufacturer has their own recommendations and instructions. Generally speaking, don’t use a mask more than twice a week if you have sensitive skin. Masks that rinse off are often less irritating than masks that peel off when dry.

Clean your face first, then apply the mask. If it’s one you’ve never used, test it on a small area to see how your skin reacts.

The best face masks for acne-prone skin

We researched the highest-rated, most recommended masks for your face.

Dermalogica Sebum Clearing Masque

Dermalogica’s Sebum Clearing Masque contains Kaolin and Betonite clays to soak up excess oil and fight inflammation. That helps prevent future breakouts. The salicylic acid helps clear out clogged-up pores.

But Dermalogica didn’t stop there. They include other ingredients to soothe irritated skin and diminish redness and blemishes. The masque also contains niacinamide, zinc gluconate, yeast extract, biotin, cinnamon bark, spiraea, and caffeine.

The Sebum Clearing Masque can be used up to 3 times a week for ten minutes each time. Clean your skin and apply the Masque to your face and neck, but not on your eyes. Rinse well with warm water after you’re done.

SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque

SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque also contains Kaolin and Bentonite clays to absorb oil and impurities. The hydroxyl acid exfoliates skin to open clogged pores. There also several botanical ingredients like aloe and turmeric root extract that help calm irritated and inflamed skin.

SkinCeuticals recommends using this mask once or twice a week, depending on how much exfoliating you want to accomplish. Clean and dry skin, then apply a thin layer without covering eyes or lips. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

ORIGINS Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask contains both clay and charcoal to absorb oil, unclog pores, and remove impurities from skin. The charcoal in this formula is made from Bamboo Ash. The clays are Bentonite and Kaolin. Most users purchase this mask specifically to eliminate blackheads and reduce acne breakouts.

Origins recommends using this mask once a week. Clean your face, then use warm water to open up pores. Apply the mask and allow it to dry. Then rinse it off when you’re done.

Queen Helene The Original Mint Julep Masque

We’ve arrived at an inexpensive favorite—The Queen Helene Original Mint Julep Masque. It contains clay and sulfur to draw out impurities, glycerin to moisturize, and zinc oxide to promote healing. Unfortunately, it also contains propylene glycol and methylparaben.

Queen Helene says to clean your face and neck, then apply the mask. Allow it to dry for about 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water and a washcloth. You can leave the mask on a  small problem area overnight if you wish.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Face Mask

Tea tree oil is a powerful anti-acne treatment. The Body Shop Tea Tree Mask contains tea tree oil plus Kaolin clay, glycerin, and menthol. It feels refreshing while it fights acne and moisturizes. Plus, The Body Shop products are cruelty-free.

The Body Shop recommends using this mask once or twice a week after cleaning your face. Apply a thin layer and wait 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse.

And now, for the simplest product of all…

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay

You can make your own face mask using pure water or raw apple cider vinegar and this Calcium Bentonite clay from Death Valley, California. The Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay is a really just a jar full of clay powder.

Aztec Secret recommends creating a smooth paste using a non-metallic bowl and utensil. Mix equal parts of the clay and your chosen liquid. Apply a ¼-inch thickness or more to your face and let it dry for 5 to 10 minutes. Then rinse it off with warm water. They warn that your skin might be a little red afterwards, but that effect fades in less than an hour.

Just a note: the clay is very alkaline, so a lot of users have had much better results mixing it with apple cider vinegar instead of water. The clay forms a smoother mixture with vinegar, although it makes for a strong odor. Although it seems strange, people using raw apple cider vinegar experience less redness and skin irritation. It helps tighten pores and reduce oiliness. Just don’t use this kind of mask more than once or twice a week even if it is a natural product.

While you’re waiting for your mask to dry

To pass the time while your face mask dries, check out our other articles about healthy skin care and the latest in anti-aging skin treatments you can do at home.

Moisturize after using a mask

Now that your skin is cleansed and refreshed, apply your usual moisturizer. Diminish signs of aging around your eyes with these great eye creams.

This guest post created by Linda D. from Beautyhairguide.com. She works as a hair stylist and blogger, but she has a big passion for health and beauty.