Best Face Mask for Acne Prone Skin - A Review and Top Choices
Acne only affects teenagers, right? I wish! Unfortunately, acne can persist into your twenties and thirties as well. The good news is that there are now more products than ever to help clear and control breakouts. Face masks are especially great for those with acne prone skin and we've found the best face mask for acne prone skin.
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Why You Need A Good Face Mask for Acne Prone Skin
Facial skin is one of the most exposed parts of the body. This exposure means that the face accumulates layers of dirt, oil and old skin cells. These deposits, if not removed, are one of the leading causes of breakouts of acne. You need to help your skin surmount the challenges of an acne breakout with the use of a facial mask.
Facial masks are formulated to provide needed minerals, vitamins and other active ingredients that make facial skin breathe and maintain luster. These masks also remove dead skin cells, excess oil, dirt, as well as help clear clogged pores and blackheads.
Advantages Of Using Facial Masks for Acne Prone Skin
For starters, it’s important to understand that facial skin has pores which serve as conduits for the removal of excess oil and dead skin cells. Facial pores also receive and transport beneficial substances into the skin's sub-layers.
Once these pores are blocked by impurities, the way is paved for the development of acne-related skin problems. Consequently, a well-made face mask not only removes these impurities, it might also add beneficial active ingredients to the skin.
Choosing The Right Face Mask for Acne Prone Skin
To decide which are the best face masks for acne, and determine which mask best controls acne on your skin, you must first determine your skin type.
Well-Balanced Skin
For acne that develops on well-balanced facial skin, you would do well to use facial masks that do not zap out facial skin moisture. What you want to achieve is a balance in the treatment regimen. Try products with mild antibacterial and detoxifying ingredients, and products that maintain skin hydration without causing inflammation. Using tea tree oil or cleansing the face with a tea tree oil based face wash may be helpful.
Sensitive Skin
For individuals with acne on hypersensitive skin, a safe bet is to go for facial masks that contain smoothening and softening ingredients. Honey-based facial masks readily come to mind for this category as honey is a potent agent for the relief of skin conditions like rosacea. Using a face wash designed for sensitive skin is also recommended.
Dry Skin
For skin lacking moisture due to the effects of an unbalanced diet, too much exposure to the sun, hereditary factors or work-related stress, consider facial masks that offer generous amounts of hydration. For example, ingredients like plant oils and Shea butter are the bases of these types of facial masks.
Mature (Or Aging) Skin
In addition to tackling acne on the elderly, fine lines or wrinkles on the face could be lessened with facial masks that contain antioxidants. Examples of these antioxidants can be found in some types of berries and spices like tumeric.
Dull Skin
If you have dull skin, you might be able to remove the acne and also impart more shine/luster with the use of facial masks containing fruit enzymes and other minerals. These ingredients gently exfoliate dead skin cells and enhance the texture and tone of the skin.
When To Apply Face Masks
Some skin experts advocate that facial masks be applied at night, just before you go to bed. The reasons are not far-fetched. Firstly, the process itself triggers the hormones responsible for the body winding down for the night. Secondly, the skin is cleansed and relaxed.
As you sleep, the active ingredients penetrate into the skin and moisturize it. A barrier forms over the face to keep in moisture and prevent water loss. Over time, your facial skin gains a softer texture and a clearer complexion.
Photo by Nomao Saeki
How to Use Face Masks
Once you determine your skin types and condition, next learn how to properly use and apply face masks.
Choose your product according to its base ingredient and your skin type. You may want to consult a dermatologist to help with fashioning a proper application regime. The following rules of thumb can help you achieve the most from your facial mask.
Select a Suitable Facial Mask
To choose the right face mask for your facial skin, it’s advisable to learn about your skin type, get to know the methods of application, and figure out which product works best on your skin.
Apply With a Brush or Appropriate Tool
Try to resist the urge to use the mask with your hands. Your hands can carry germs and dirt that you wouldn’t want on your face in the first place. Experts recommend using a brush for even application.
Don't Leave Your Mask On For Too Long
Religiously adhere to the instructions of the manufacturer, including keeping to the prescribed length of application and wash off the face mask completely to protect your skin from harm.
Our Choices for the Best Face Mask for Acne Prone Skin
One of the main ingredients in this mask is charcoal. Charcoal has excellent dermatological properties - it's an excellent agent for opening pores and smoothing the skin.
Another plus for the Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask is that it's devoid of harsh chemicals like parabens and sulfates.
Suitable for a variety of skin types, including very dull and dry skin, this mask evenly tones the skin and leaves a clean feeling on the skin after use. However, one knock against it, we noticed that the skin can get a bit dry and flaky after use.
The Bliss Multi-'Face'-eted All-In-One Anti-Aging Clay Mask contains clay as an active ingredient, which helps to remove dead skin cells, open up blocked pores and stimulate skin cell turnover resulting in smoother, softer facial skin.
In addition to the mask's acne-fighting properties, its anti-aging properties help mitigate the effects of dark spots, dryness, dullness, visible pores, rough texture, fine lines and wrinkles associated with aging.
This mask contains natural glycolic acid which prevents the accumulation of dead skin cells. Free of harsh chemicals, this facial mask is suitable for a number of skin conditions in addition to acne. This mask contains kaolin, which helps purge the skin of impurities. It's definitely one of the best face mask for acne.
One possible negative side-effect - some people report that there may be a stinging sensation on the skin after use.
If you are looking for a facial mask that leaves your skin feeling fresh and smooth, then the Boscia Luminizing Black Mask might work for you.
This mask contains activated charcoal which can help in obtaining a clearer and fairer complexion. The Boscia Luminizing Black Mask also contains minerals that penetrate deep within the skin layers to detoxify, purify and brighten the skin.
It possible to achieve tangible, detoxifying and brightening results with the use of this mask. An excellent ally in the quest for clear skin and a glowing complexion, regular use helps with the removal of dirt, impurities, and excess oil, minimizing the occurrence of spots and blackheads. Though, like many peel-off masks the process can be a bit uncomfortable.
For those seeking a facial mask that works on a number of levels, the Era Organics Microdermabrasion Face Scrub and Facial Mask could be the right fit for you.
For starters, this mask removes stubborn blackheads, exfoliates dead skin cells as well as moisturizes the skin. Also, your skin may receive the benefits of balanced toning, the reduction of fine/wrinkle lines, as well as the reduction of age spots.
This facial mask comes with the following ingredients: Aloe Vera, Manuka Honey, Walnut and Vitamin C. It gently exfoliates dead skin cells. Users commend the mask for making the skin supple and its appealing scent. It serves as a good prelude to the application of makeup.
If you are seeking a facial mask that delivers the all of the benefits of natural ingredients, then the SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque is a good bet. Its active ingredient is natural earth clay which works well on oily skin and helps unclog pores by removing dirt and other unwanted residues from the skin.
The minerals and botanical compounds found in this mask can aid in the healing of broken skin as well as soothe sensitive skin. A small amount of Hydroxyl acid (5%) aids in the exfoliation of dead skin cells and provides deep cleansing of facial skin.
Conclusion
So, what is the best mask for acne prone skin? Obviously, the list above is by no means exhaustive. There are other pre-made and home-made facial masks that are worth trying. You just have to understand your skin’s unique needs to find the perfect face mask or combination of masks that work well for you.
However, one of our favorites is the SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque. It's more expensive that the rest but we loved the quality, consistency and final outcome of this luxurious, all natural mask.
