Drugstore Face Masks for Acne-Prone Skin

Face masks are a soothing part of many people’s skin care routine, and they can bring lots of benefits such as brightening, moisturizing, and absorbing oil. But for anyone suffering from acne, whether you’re dealing with regular pimples or occasional breakouts, it’s important to avoid irritation, which can worsen any skin condition.

Acne-sufferers who want to give drugstore face masks a try just need to keep a few things in mind, according to Mona Gohara, MD, an associate clinical professor in the dermatology department at Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. “I would do a mask no more than once a week, and if the skin is inflamed with deep cysts, avoid altogether,” she says.

Masks can help with whitehead and blackhead acne, says Dr. Gohara. “For this, try face masks containing clay or mud, which help absorb oils and detox the face a bit.”

Everyone with acne-prone skin should avoid fruity, fragranced, or deeply exfoliating varieties, she adds, to keep irritation at bay.

With this in mind, consider our list of the best drugstore face masks for acne- prone skin.

Vichy Double Glow Peeling Mask

For the perfect amount of exfoliation, Gohara recommends Vichy Double Glow Peeling Mask. “It contains a mild alpha hydroxy acid that helps to remove dead skin cells.” This facial mask is also paraben-free, oil-free, and tested on sensitive skin under dermatological control for safety.

See price on Amazon

Beauty Facial Extreme Clay Mint Healing Mask

Clay masks with healing jojoba oil have been shown to reduce skin lesions and to improve overall skin condition for those suffering with mild acne. To help eliminate blackheads, whiteheads and swelling, try the Clay Mint Healing Mask from Beauty Facial Extreme. It contains bentonite clay and jojoba oil to absorb impurities while providing balanced moisture.

See price on Amazon

Nugg FACE MASK Deep Cleansing Cucumber Extract and Jojoba Oil

Another winner with jojoba oil, Nugg FACE MASK is free from synthetic fragrances, colors, mineral oil, and lots of other potential irritants. It’s also cruelty-free. The gel-like texture is cleansing, without drying, and it’s formulated for all skin types, including oily skin.

See price on Target

The Creme Shop Resveratrol Sheet Face Mask

This sheet mask from The Creme Shop contains resveratrol, an antioxidant derived from grapes and found in wine which has been shown to inhibit growth of the bacteria that causes acne. While it’s touted as an anti-aging mask, resveratrol’s reputation as a long-term bacteria fighter and anti-inflammatory make this a good option for acne-sufferers.

Available from Walgreens

Shea Moisture African Black Soap Clarifying Mud Mask

In the mud mask category, we like the African Black Soap mask from Shea Moisture. This mask is formulated with tamarind extract, a natural form of alpha hydroxy acid, to clear out dead skin cells and help improve the appearance of dark spots caused by acne without over-exfoliating.

See price on Jet.com

Freeman Feeling Beautiful Facial Anti-Stress Mask, Dead Sea Minerals

Lavender oil, which research has shown can help promote wound healing, sets this clay face mask apart and gives it some serious aromatherapy points. This mask is best for oily skin that’s not too sensitive, as it does contain sea salt, as well as synthetic coloring. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly mask to use every once in a while as a treat, we think this is worth a try.

Available from Walmart

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