Face masks are a beloved part of any skin care routine. Beyond its moisturizing and nourishing benefits, face masks can also be used as a supplementary acne treatment. But with such an overwhelming variety of face masks on the market, where do you begin?
We all know that clogged pores can lead to bacteria buildup that causes acne. If you have acne-prone skin, opt for a face mask that contains ingredients with exfoliating, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Exfoliating ingredients can help remove dead skin cells, reduce excess oil, and prevent future breakouts.
If you’re currently struggling with acne, there are certain ingredients that specifically target the acne-causing bacteria, calm inflammation, and reduce redness.
The beauty of face masks is that you can choose one with a formula that works for your skin type and address your specific concerns. Do you need a mask to exfoliate, soothe, or hydrate your skin?
Certain ingredients might be too harsh, while others may not be as effective. When choosing a face mask, these are the acne-fighting ingredients to look for.
Glycolic acid
We all know how crucial exfoliation is for preventing acne. And when it comes to exfoliation, glycolic acid is the gold standard.
Although glycolic acid is a water-soluble AHA that can’t cut through oil as effectively as its BHA counterparts, its keratolytic nature allows it to break apart dead skin cells on the skin’s surface and open up clogged pores. Not only does this reduce acne and help maintain clear skin, it allows your skin to better absorb other skin care products.
Of the AHAs, glycolic acid is probably the most widely used in skin care products and is a popular ingredient for anti-aging. Its small molecule size allows it to penetrate deep into the skin to increase cell turnover and increase collagen synthesis.
Glycolic acid is also a humectant that attracts water molecules. This means that it can retain and replenish the moisture in your skin. Its exfoliating, rejuvenating, and hydrating effects combined can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
If you have acne-prone skin, a face mask with glycolic acid can help reduce excess oil, smoothen skin texture, and even out your complexion while keeping your skin hydrated. Plus, you get a few anti-aging benefits.
When using a face mask that contains glycolic acid, remember that you may experience a few side effects. It’s common to experience light stinging, redness, and a mild burning sensation while your skin is getting used to glycolic acid. AHAs make your skin more sensitive to UV rays, so apply your mask on at night time and be sure to wear sunscreen when using glycolic acid.
Glycolic acid is well-tolerated by most skin types. It’s gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin, but if you find it too harsh, lactic acid is a great alternative.
Lactic acid
Cleopatra was on to something when she incorporated milk baths into her skin care routine. Lactic acid is a byproduct of fermented sugar and starch created by bacteria in sour milk. While it may not sound like the most glamorous, this multipurpose ingredient has exfoliating, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties that can give you smooth, glowing skin.
Lactic acid is one of the more common alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) found in acne treatments. Compared to other chemical exfoliants, lactic acid has a larger molecule size that prevents it from penetrating as deeply into the skin.
Although it’s milder, lactic acid is less likely to cause irritation or disrupt the pH balance of your skin barrier, making it a great option for those with dry or sensitive skin.
A face mask formulated with lactic acid has many benefits for those suffering from acne. It removes excess oil, promotes the exfoliation of dead skin cells, and prevents future breakouts. If you struggle with acne scars, lactic acid can lighten dark spots and even out your skin tone.
We typically think of acids as drying by nature, but lactic acid is a humectant that can help your skin retain moisture. When used regularly, lactic acid can even improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne lesions.
AHAs make your skin more sensitive to UV rays. You can protect your skin by applying the face mask at night and wearing sunscreen in the morning to protect your freshly exfoliated skin.
Salicylic acid
If you’ve ever dealt with acne, then you’ve probably come across a salicylic acid-based product before. It’s a common active ingredient in many cleansers, toners, and face masks formulated to treat acne.
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) derived from willow tree bark. This chemical exfoliant works by penetrating into your skin and dissolving the dead skin cells that clog your pores, drawing out impurities, and removing excess oil.
Unlike AHAs, which are water-soluble acids, BHAs are oil-soluble acids. This means that it can penetrate deeper into the pores.
Salicylic acid is a well-known ingredient for acne treatment. Aside from its strong exfoliating effect, it also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can reduce redness and inflammation.
With regular use, salicylic acid can help decrease and regulate oil production, keep your skin clear, and prevent breakouts.
Salicylic can be quite harsh, so if you have dry or sensitive skin, you’d best avoid this ingredient. Face masks that are formulated with salicylic acid are best suited for those with oily skin and cystic acne. Just remember that it takes some time before your skin gets used to this acid.
You may experience mild stinging or burning sensations, peeling skin, dryness, and skin irritation. These are common side effects that eventually subside. If it worsens, be sure to contact your dermatologist right away. When using salicylic acid-based products, it’s recommended to do a patch test on a small area of your skin before applying it to your entire face.
Although salicylic can be combined with other exfoliating ingredients, it’s best to use one exfoliant at a time in order to avoid irritating your skin.
Benzoyl peroxide
Those who deal with chronic acne are no stranger to benzoyl peroxide. If you frequently struggle with breakouts, then you probably already have it in your acne-fighting arsenal.
Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial agent that specifically targets P. acnes and Staph. Aureus, the acne-causing bacteria in your skin. Although you’ll typically find it as a topical medication, you can find this active ingredient in face masks for acne treatment.
If you struggle with shine, benzoyl peroxide also removes excess oils and has a mattifying effect on the skin. It also removes dead skin cells, allowing your skin to better absorb other skin care products. Its antibacterial and exfoliating properties fight bacteria and can help prevent future breakouts.
Benzoyl peroxide is quite drying on the skin, but it can be used in combination with certain ingredients. Face masks formulated with benzoyl peroxide typically contain other active ingredients that combat its drying effect.
Just remember to avoid using multiple benzoyl peroxide products at once, as this may be too harsh and cause skin irritation. Benzoyl peroxide also reduces the efficacy of vitamin C, so take this into consideration when incorporating it into your skin care routine.
For best results, it’s recommended to use benzoyl peroxide in one form, up to two times a day.
Niacinamide
Don’t let this powerhouse ingredient go under your radar. Although niacinamide is often overlooked in relation to vitamin C, this vitamin B3 is packed with brightening and hydrating properties that can give you glowing skin while having a ton of benefits for treating acne.
It has antioxidant properties that help protect your skin from exposure to harmful UV rays, environmental pollution, and other everyday stressors. It works on a cellular level to restore and repair damage that can lead to premature signs of aging like wrinkles and discoloration.
Vitamin B3 is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that you have to apply it topically to get its benefits. It promotes the turnover of skin cells and exfoliation, which will leave your skin feeling revitalized. Although it doesn’t have the strongest anti-acne properties, niacinamide works by strengthening the skin barrier. can help regulate the amount of oil your skin produces.
With regular use, niacinamide can help control and prevent acne.
You can often find face masks formulated with niacinamide and other active ingredients. Niacinamide is quite gentle on the skin, so it can safely be used in combination with other ingredients. Choose a face mask with niacinamide for healthy, glowing skin.
Activated charcoal
You’ll find activated charcoal in a variety of products such as soaps, toothpaste — and even food. But this trendy ingredient isn’t just for dyeing your food into an Instagrammable shade of black.
Activated charcoal is often used in skin care for its powerful detoxifying effects, which are incredibly beneficial for oily skin and acne breakouts. Its cleansing and exfoliating properties slough off dead skin cells, remove excess oil, and unclog pores. An activated charcoal face mask can draw out the impurities in your skin, leaving your skin will feeling healthy, tight, and smooth.
Activated charcoal works by absorbing and binding to other substances. While it may be good for getting rid of pesky blackheads, avoid mixing it with other active ingredients. Use it as a spot treatment to dry out pimples.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is typically used to treat sunburns, but did you know that it has a lot of benefits for acne-prone skin? It has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that are effective at soothing irritated skin. This natural astringent can also remove excess oil and other impurities in the skin, which can help prevent future breakouts.
A face mask with aloe vera is gentle on the skin. Use it when you need a break from harsh, drying acne treatments or to calm your skin during a breakout.
Bentonite clay
Clay is a multipurpose ingredient that’s been used in skin care for centuries. This mineral-rich clay is made of volcanic ash and is widely regarded for its detoxifying properties. Among its multitude of benefits, its ability to draw out impurities from the skin is what put bentonite clay on the map.
When applied as a face mask, bentonite clay draws out toxins and purifies your skin. It absorbs the excess sebum from your skin and has a mattifying effect that can reduce shine and prevent breakouts. It also tightens the skin and minimizes the pores, leaving your skin firm and smooth.
If you’re struggling with breakouts, bentonite clay also has anti-inflammatory properties that are great for calming inflamed skin. It can be used as a spot treatment to dry out pimples.
Bentonite clay is an active ingredient that can be found in many skin care products but is also available as a powder. You can mix it with natural ingredients like honey or apple cider vinegar for a homemade face mask.
Bentonite clay may be irritating on sensitive or dry skin and is better suited for oily and acne-prone skin.
Green tea
Green tea may be a superfood, but it also has a lot of great benefits when applied to the skin. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that make it an effective treatment for reducing and soothing acne. Green tea can reduce inflammation, prevent bacterial growth, and even regulate your skin’s oil production.
If your skin needs a little TLC, a green tea face mask can infuse your skin with antioxidants that can heal and protect your skin. There are many face masks that contain green tea, but you can easily make a homemade face mask.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a small tree native to Australia. This natural oil has strong anti-microbial and natural anti-inflammatory properties that fight acne and calm down breakouts. Plus, it’s non-comedogenic, which means that it won’t clog your pores.
Compared to other antibacterial acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide and retinoids, tea tree oil is is less drying on the skin. It can be used as a spot treatment or incorporated into a homemade face mask.
