The Best Face Masks For Acne

Blemish and acne-prone skin can be a minefield to treat. There are so many things to consider: is it hormonal, is it caused by an allergy or something you’re eating, are you using products that aggravate the problem? Once you’ve figured out the root cause, it’s important to take action. You can do this by selecting effective skincare products that are targeted towards breakouts. Some of the best ingredients for acne are chemical exfoliants like glycolic and salicylic acid, which can be found in cleansers and liquid solutions, retinol, zinc, tea tree and squalane.

Incorporating some of these into your daily routine should help rid your complexions of excessive sebum and refine the skin preventing the formation of blackheads and spots. There is one often overlooked step that can make a massive difference to breakouts: face masks. Unlike the rest of your regime, masks should be used weekly rather than daily, but that doesn’t mean they’re not as essential.

Many of the best face mask for acne harness the powerful detoxifying abilities of clay. Clay is a natural absorbent that wicks away excess sebum – the stuff that leads to blackheads and eventually spots. Some contain calming ingredients that bring down inflammation and active breakouts, while others use acids to exfoliate and unclog pores. When used regularly, they can help reduce the occurrence of new blemishes and get your complexion clearer and more refined. Read on to find out the ones we’re using right now. 

Combining a cocktail of skin-saving ingredients, Ofra’s Volcanic Clarifying Mask treatment is so much more than just a face mask. Power purifier Hawaiian clay is combined with soothing aloe vera and hydrating hyaluronic acid to detoxify and calm your complexion. The addition of vitamin C gives skin a brightening boost, leaving your base more even-toned and refined. Apply a thin layer and leave on for 15 minutes before rinsing. 

Sometimes you don’t have 15-20 minutes to treat your skin to some TLC. In instances where you need a quick pick me up, Origins Out Of Trouble Mask™ takes a mere 10-minutes to transform troubled complexions. Sulfur and zinc oxide work together to remove the build-up of oil and dead skin. Camphor calms and restores distressed faces. 

There’s no denying mud masks can be drying, especially if your skin is already in need of some extra moisture. Clinique’s Anti-Blemish Solutions Oil-Control Cleansing Mask promises to unclog pores and soak up excess oil without leaving your face feeling tight or rough. Clarifying salicylic acid works alongside aloe vera and algae extract. With weekly use, your skin will be smoother and clearer. 

Carbon Theory are known for their acne solutions and their Charcoal And Tea Tree Oil Mineral Breakout Control Facial Wet Mask is a superior treatment for all skin types. Comprised of natural ingredients chosen for their reparative properties including dead sea mineral mud, zinc oxide and shea butter, this superior mask removes blackheads, clears spots and reduces the occurrence of new blemishes. 

If you’re on the hunt for a hard-working mask that doesn’t cost a whole lot, By BEAUTY BAY’s Kaolin Clay + PHA Face Mask is a purse-friendly foray into acne treatment masks. Harnessing healing bentonite and kaolin clay, this does-all tub targets active blemishes, while exfoliant PHA sloughs away dead skin preventing blocked pores. Top tip: multi-mask by mixing this with other leave-on treatments to tackle numerous skin concerns.

Not only does Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying & Hydrating White Charcoal Mud Mask whip worse for wear complexions into shape overnight, the clever built-in sponge allows for precise applications to any area. It’s our weapon of choice for smaller congested areas and angry blemishes that crop up there the night before a big event. White charcoal and tomato extract are the key ingredients that give this formula its blemish-fighting powers. It can also be applied to the entire face if necessary.

Zap zits and soothe inflamed faces with Glow Hub’s Calm & Soothe Face Mask Stick. Enriched with hemp, a powerful anti-inflammatory, conditioning jojoba oil and refining kaolin clay, slick this does-all skin saver over clean skin for an instant complexion reboot. 

There’s no surprise that Mario Badescu’s Drying Mask has made it into the mix. Loved by beauty bloggers and people in the know, this cult favourite uses natural minerals zinc oxide and sulphur to draw impurities and excess grease out of pores, pronto. The addition of calamine and cucumber heals and restores irritated faces.