In fact, is there anything more annoying that an unexpected breakout? The good news is that homemade face masks for acne can be an effective and fairly simple way to treat all types of acne, whether it is an occasional stress breakout or a chronic issue. Plus, spot treating acne with a mask for the occasional pimple can reduce inflammation and kill bacteria without wreaking havoc on other areas of the face that may not be affected.
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Richard Torbeck, M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist
Olivia Rose, N.D., a Toronto-based naturopathic doctor and director of the Rose Health Clinic
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting as many as 85% of Americans ages 12 to 24 and a significant number of older adults as well, per the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) [source]. This chronic condition, which may consist of papules, comedones, skin redness, and cysts, can leave lifelong scars if it remains untreated. The good news is that myriad treatments are available—and you don't always have to go to the drugstore or your dermatologist to find some that work.
Acne-fighting masks can help prevent breakouts from occurring and work to balance oil production. "Face masks that are exfoliating can reduce acne by decreasing the creation of a micro plug of the hair follicle," explains Dr. Torbeck. "This plug can lead to what is called a comedone or acne bump, which may not be removed from face washing alone."
Masks can also be an interesting way to change up your normal routine, provide some variation, and help you relax, accompanied by a nice bath or a book.
"Washing your face daily is extremely important for anyone who suffers from acne. However, it’s not quite the same as a mask," says naturopathic doctor Olivia Rose. "A skin cleanser simply washes off debris and makeup, while a mask works more like a deep-acting treatment."
While there are many mask products on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the appropriate mask for your particular skin issue. And you might even need multiple masks to address different areas of your face at various times.
Instead, you can make your own at-home masks with readily available ingredients at a fraction of the price. We’ve rounded up 12 recipes full of ingredients that are easy to locate, some of which may already be in your home.
Avocado stimulates collagen production [source], which aids in cell regeneration. It’s also loaded with anti-inflammatory hydrating fats that won’t clog pores. The honey is antibacterial [source], while the lemon juice lightens hyperpigmented areas.
—1 ripe avocado
—1 tablespoon organic raw honey
—Half of a lemon
Mash one ripe avocado until smooth, stir in the honey, and squeeze the half lemon into the mixture. Mix together thoroughly, and apply the mask as a spot treatment or to larger acne-prone areas. If you have sensitive skin, use less lemon or skip it altogether. Leave the mask on for 5–10 minutes.
A caution when using lemon juice: Although lemon has lightening and brightening qualities, it can also make the skin photosensitive [source]. Preferably use it at nighttime, rinse your face thoroughly afterward, and be prepared to use a zinc oxide 30+ SPF sunscreen the next day.
Clay promotes collagen production [source] and detoxifies by absorbing excess oil and impurities deep down inside the pores. The natural acids in apple cider vinegar shrink pores to limit the secretion of excess oil and gently slough away dead skin cells.
Clay draws out impurities from the pores, while the natural acids in apple cider vinegar address acne by gently sloughing away dead skin cells.
—1 tablespoon bentonite clay
—1 probiotic capsule
—2 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar
Combine the clay and probiotic powder in a small bowl. Add the ACV to make a paste. It’s okay to use more, if needed, to get a smooth, spreadable consistency. With clean fingers, spread the mixture over your face and let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and apply your usual moisturizer.
Combine the clay and probiotic powder in a small bowl. Add the water and apple cider vinegar to make a paste (add more water if needed).
With clean fingers, spread the mask over your face and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse with cool water and apply moisturizer. Repeat twice a week to maintain shine-free skin.
Combine charcoal with an aloe mask for a moisturizing treatment that won't clog pores or send oily skin into overdrive. Aloe skin benefits also include faster healing and reducing inflammation [source], so you can also use this mask to soothe itchy, irritated, or dry skin as well.
Charcoal absorbs excess oil, while aloe is soothing and anti-inflammatory, making it an ideal ingredient to add to any acne mask.
—1 tablespoon activated charcoal
—1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
—1 drop of tea tree essential oil
Mix the ingredients together in a small bowl. Using circular motions, work the charcoal mixture around your face for 1 minute, then let the mask sit for 10–15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Garlic works to prevent clogged pores, kill off acne-causing bacteria, and reduce inflammation [source]. But it can sting if applied directly to the skin, so dilute it in water, jojoba oil, or aloe vera first. Jojoba hydrates without clogging pores [source], while the lactic acid in whole milk gently exfoliates [source].
—1 clove garlic, crushed and finely minced
—1 teaspoon jojoba oil
—2 tablespoons whole milk (can also use honey or aloe vera)
Combine the garlic and jojoba oil in a small bowl. Then slowly add the milk (or honey or aloe), and mix until you have a smooth consistency. Wear the mask for 5–10 minutes, then gently rub to exfoliate the skin as you rinse with warm water.
This mask calms skin with cucumbers as a natural anti-inflammatory [source] and additional probiotics to nourish your skin's microbiome. Cucumber seeds are rich in potassium and vitamin E, which help reduce blemishes.
This recipe calms skin with naturally anti-inflammatory cucumbers and additional probiotics to nourish your skin microbiome [source]. According to dermatologist Dr. Amy Wechsler, the high levels of caffeic acid in cucumbers reduces swelling and inflammation. This mask feels especially good after a day spent in the sun.
Cucumbers have lightening agents as well as anti-inflammatory properties that will tone and hydrate the skin. This is a great mask if you're battling acne scars as well. Using ingredients that are cold out of the fridge will be super soothing to sensitive and irritated skin, too—so this is one that rosacea-prone readers can use!
The natural anti-inflammatory effects of cucumber give this mask a calming effect on skin. It also provides probiotics to nourish your skin’s microbiome.
—½ cucumber, pureed—2 tablespoons plain yogurt
