Sometimes fighting acne and breakouts requires more than topical treatments. Unlike spot treatments, which are very effective at targeting individual pimples, acne masks are gentle enough to be applied to your entire face in one go, removing breakouts and blemishes at the same time and preventing them from forming in the future.
"Acne medications can cause irritation, and masks provide a sweet spot where active ingredients can stay on the skin longer without as much risk of breakouts," says Mona Gohara, MD, a dermatologist and professor at Yale University. "Plus, there's no guesswork about how much to apply because the mask is already infused with key ingredients and all you have to do is apply it."
So much for Dr. While Gohara praises face masks, she warns against homemade masks and those designed to hydrate the skin if you suffer from acne. "DIY ingredients can be very annoying, with toothpaste being the biggest culprit," she says. "Hydrating masks can also clog pores and put the skin into an acne-prone state."
When looking for the best face masks for acne, you should look for products that contain ingredients known to fight acne, such as salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that works by exfoliating dead skin cells and unclogging pores Excess grease. Alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic and lactic acid are also great for cleaning pores. They may also be slightly less irritating than salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide and colloidal sulfur have antibacterial properties and can also reduce acne.
"All of these ingredients are effective in reducing all types of acne, whether it's hormonal, comedogenic or inflammatory acne," says Dr. Marnie Nussbaum, board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
Here are some of our favorite anti-acne masks on the market, some of which are dermatologist-approved.
1. Ahava Mineral Mud Cleansing Facial
Treat acne with this mineral mud mask. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, your skin is sure to feel clean without drying out. Best of all, this clay mask fights excess oil to prevent future breakouts and tame existing ones.
2. Clinique Acne Solution Oil Control Cleansing Mask
Clay is a popular acne treatment because it absorbs excess oil while healing blemishes and preventing future breakouts. PhD. Gohara recommends using this mask because it contains salicylic acid, which removes oil that may clog pores. At the same time, the clay absorbs extra sebum.
3. Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Honey Mask for Cleansing and Conditioning
Charcoal is a classic choice for acne-fighting solutions. It absorbs excess oil and removes impurities and debris from pores. Other ingredients like fermented honey and golden wildflowers also help hydrate, leaving your skin clear, moisturized and acne-free.
4. SkinCeuticals Plant Corrective Mask
Acne is accompanied by redness, which can cause the pimples to appear more noticeable and irritated. This mask contains active botanicals and hyaluronic acid to treat redness, and Dr. Walnut is perfect for sensitive skin.
5. Laneige Clear-C Exfoliating Mask
This mask fights dead skin cells so you can say goodbye to uneven skin texture. PhD. Gohara recommends this mask because it contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), which help unclog pores, remove dirt and oil, and exfoliate while preventing acne scars. Strawberry seeds have a physical exfoliation effect and feel particularly soothing after washing off.
6. COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask (2.02 fl oz)
For whiteheads or blackheads, use this gentle formula to treat your acne overnight. It contains niacinamide to soothe irritation caused by acne and blemishes. Plus, this star ingredient helps balance skin oils and prevent future breakouts.
7. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask from Nordstrom
Acne and sensitive skin are a very common combination, but with a little love from this mask, you can tackle both problems in no time. PhD. Gohara says oatmeal is a soothing ingredient that's great for sensitive and dry skin. This mask helps rejuvenate stressed, dry and acne-prone skin and contains a small amount of shea butter to moisturize and protect the skin barrier.
8. CAUDALIE Vinoperfect Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Mask at Nordstrom, size 2.5 oz.
Acne breakouts or breakouts can sometimes cause your skin to become dull and scarred, and this mask can help combat that. This AHA peel helps brighten skin and dissolve dead skin cells. PhD. Nussbaum recommends this mask because it contains glycolic acid, which helps reduce the appearance of excess oil and enlarged pores. It also contains gluconine, an ingredient that helps lighten dark spots.
9. Dr. Dennis Gross Clarifying Colloidal Sulfur Mask
Colloidal sulfur is a miracle ingredient in treating acne because of its antibacterial properties. It draws oil deep into your pores and works best when worn overnight. It also contains prickly pear to soothe redness and irritation.
10. Neutrogena Pore Cleanser/Mask
This hybrid formula can be used in two ways: as a cleanser or as an intensive mask. Because it contains benzoyl peroxide, proven to kill acne-causing bacteria, it does all the fighting for you, and you don't have to worry about leaving it on for too long. The beauty of this mask is that you can use it every day as a cleanser, but you can also leave it on your skin as a mask from time to time so that it can penetrate deeper into your pores and treat acne marks.
11. Inkey List Kaolin Clay Mask
This affordable product, priced at less than $10, uses kaolin and montmorillonite clays to fight those pesky breakouts on your skin. Both clays are known for their oil-absorbing properties, but can also exfoliate and improve the appearance of your skin.
12. REN Clean Skincare Glycol Lactic Acid Rejuvenating Mask
Glycolic acid, the main ingredient in this mask, works to remove dead skin cells from the surface for a brighter, smoother complexion. It also contains papaya extract, which helps tighten the skin and improve its texture.
13. Tata Harper Pore Purifying Blackhead Detox Mask
If your biggest problem is congested skin, this mask will be great to have on hand. The clay structure absorbs oil and thoroughly cleanses pores of dirt and bacteria.
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