If you have hormonal acne, you are familiar that it can be one of the most frustrating skin conditions to deal with. Sudden breakouts are the worst in terms of skincare woes.

People tend to try out many products to find the right balance for their acne-prone skin, but it often leads to unfavorable outcomes. This is where face masks come in.

A face mask is a holy grail product that is power-packed with high-performing ingredients. They can greatly help people with hormonal acne. 

However, there are many types and formulations of face masks out there, so how do you choose the best face mask for acne?

In this article, we will explore the world of face masks to find which ones are best suited for acne-prone skin. We will provide you with tips for choosing the right face masks and the ingredients to look for. 

Let’s jump right in.

Table of Contents:

• What is hormonal acne?
• What are face masks?
• Types of face masks
• Best face mask for acne: Ingredients to look for
• Let’s Talk About Clay
• DIY face mask recipes: Best face mask for acne
• Tips for using face masks the right way

What is hormonal acne?

Hormonal acne is also known as adult acne. It usually affects people when they hit their 20s and continues until the person is around 50 years old. It is one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases, affecting around 9.4% of the total world population. 

Hormonal acne results in the formation of pimples, cysts, whiteheads, and blackheads. Although the face is the most common region for the emergence of acne, it also affects the shoulders, back, and chest areas.

Hormonal acne is commonly caused because of clogged pores. When the hormonal balance of the skin changes, it can lead to excess production of sebum. This sebum reacts with the bacteria present on the skin, clogging the pores in the process. 

As the pores get clogged with bacteria, excessive sebum, and dead skin cells, an acne breakout occurs in that area. Other things that can trigger acne are lack of sleep, stress, and comedogenic products. 

Although hormonal acne affects both women and men, most of the cases can be observed in women, when they are going through menopause or pregnancy.

What are face masks?

Face masks are skincare solutions loved by almost everyone around the world. Their primary function is to improve, replenish and protect the skin. 

The face masks work by sitting on your skin for a specified duration, as the ingredients inside these masks work their magic on your skin.

Types of face masks

If you browse online, you will find many face masks with different formulations and textures. 

To find out the best face pack for acne-prone skin, it is important to familiarize yourself with the different types of face masks:

1. Clay Face Masks: These types of face masks help in drawing out dirt and oil from the skin’s surface. They are usually made from kaolin, clay, and bentonite, which helps in absorbing the excess sebum and tightening the skin.

2. Gel or Cream Face Masks: These face masks are designed to provide a boost of hydration to dehydrated and dry skin. Besides improving the collagen production of the skin, they also help in repairing the damage caused by free radicals.

3. Exfoliating Face Masks: These types of masks help in removing the dead skin cells, evening out the skin texture and tone, and soothing the skin. Exfoliating face masks also brighten up the skin.

4. Enzyme Face Masks: These masks are made from natural fruit enzymes, which help in treating skin inflammation. Enzyme masks are good at treating dull skin without causing any form of irritation.

5. Peel-off Face Masks: They are also known as rubber masks, and they are usually made from putty-type mixtures. After they are applied to the skin, they usually harden and can then be easily peeled off.

6. Sheet masks: These types of masks were popularized from the Asian subcontinent. They are made of sheets or cloth which are saturated in active ingredients. Sheet masks help in pushing these ingredients deep into the skin.  

7. Overnight masks: These are also known as sleep masks, and they are usually left on the skin through the night to work their magic. They are usually found in cream or gel formulations.

8. Natural Face Masks: These are face masks that you can make at home using natural ingredients that are beneficial for the skin.

Best face mask for acne: Ingredients to look for

When you are on your quest to find the best face mask for acne, it is important to look at the ingredient list. 

Here are some ingredients which can be great for fighting acne-related issues:

1. Clay: This is a great ingredient for treating acne-prone skin, as it contains anti-inflammatory agents that help in soothing the skin. Clay is also great for reducing the excessive production of sebum.
2. Benzoyl Peroxide: This is a great ingredient for not only preventing acne but treating it. It works by killing acne-causing bacteria, removing excess oil, and exfoliating the dead skin cells.
3. Salicylic acid: This is an acne-fighting agent that helps in clearing the pores by exfoliating the skin from the inside out. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties which help in soothing the skin.
4. Tea-tree oil: This essential oil is added to products to provide anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial benefits. It is a great natural ingredient for fighting blemishes. It has been found that a product containing 5% tea tree oil can deliver the same results as a 5% benzoyl peroxide cream.
5. Activated Charcoal: Activated charcoal works by lifting acne-causing bacteria from the pores. Products containing activated charcoal are not only great for fighting acne but also for improving the overall complexion of the skin. The Wow Skin Science Activated Charcoal Face Mask is a great option for a face mask for oily and acne-prone skin. 

Let’s Talk About Clay

We have already covered that clay is a great ingredient for fighting acne-causing bacteria and removing excess sebum from the skin. What sets clay apart from other ingredients is its property of absorption. 

Clay does not only help in drawing out excessive sebum but also the toxins present inside the skin. 

However, there are many different types of clay that are used in skincare products. Each type has a different capacity of absorption. 

Let’s take a look at a few of these types:

1. Bentonite Clay: This is a type of soft and fine clay that is derived from volcanic ash deposits. The name of the clay is derived from the region where it is found in the largest quantity – Fort Benton, Wyoming, Canada. It has a high negative charge, besides anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which makes it suitable for acne-prone skin. This Fuji Matcha Green Tea Clay Mask from WOW Skin Science is a great face mask containing the benefits of bentonite clay and a host of other natural ingredients.

2. Kaolin Clay: This clay is generally white in color and is great for sensitive skin. It is suitable for people with dry skin that is prone to acne. A great option for a face mask containing Kaolin Clay is Wow Skin Science Vitamin C Clay Face Mask.

3. Brazilian Clay: This is a category of Kaolin Clay that is commonly found in humid and hot climates. This clay usually comes in the form of different colors because of the presence of different kinds of minerals. Brazilian clay helps in improving the elasticity and firmness of the skin and stimulating collagen and elastin production. Its absorption power is somewhere in the middle.

4. Sea Clay: This is also known as Illite Clay or French Green clay and it is best known for its excellent absorption properties. It is a mineral-rich clay that has a very fine texture. It is great for treating acne and also healing blemishes.

5. Rose Clay: This is another form of Kaolin Clay that has a rosy color. This is because it contains some amount of iron oxides. Rose clay helps in calming skin inflammation and improving blood circulation.

6. Fuller Earth: This is commonly known as Multani Mitti and can be great for treating acne and removing blemishes from the skin. Fuller Earth has anti-inflammatory agents which help in treating irritated skin. It also has high absorption power, which makes it a great option for oily acne-prone skin.

7. Rhassoul: This clay is red in color and is usually found in Morocco. It is a gentle, hydrating, and nourishing clay that contains calcium, magnesium, silica, and potassium in high quantities. This is a better option for mature skin.

8. Green Zeolite Clay: This clay has a grainy texture which makes it a great exfoliant. It also possesses good absorption properties.

DIY face mask recipes: Best face mask for acne

If you are looking for some recipes for DIY face masks for oily acne-prone skin, then here are some great options:

1. Honey and Turmeric Face Mask: You can make this face mask simply by mixing half a teaspoon of turmeric powder in 1 tbsp of honey. After it has been thoroughly mixed, it can be applied to the face for 10-15 minutes and then washed off. The turmeric in this mask acts as an anti-inflammatory agent which helps in soothing the skin. Honey, on the other hand, possesses antioxidants, antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that help in preventing breakouts.
2. Clay and Tea-tree Face Mask: For this face mask, all you have to do is mix one or two drops of tea tree oil to your Wow Skin Science clay mask. You can leave this mixture on your face for 10-15 minutes and then wash it off. When tea-tree is added to a clay mask, it can greatly enhance its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits, which can help acne-prone skin.
   
   
3. Rosewater and witch hazel face mask: You can make this face mask by mixing a few drops of witch hazel extract in rose water. If you do not have rose water, you can mix it in tea. This can then be added to a bentonite clay mask before applying it to the skin. After leaving it on for 10-15 minutes, it can be washed off. Witch hazel is a natural astringent which helps in removing excess oil, and it also helps in soothing irritated skin because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Aloe vera face mask: This face mask can be made by mixing aloe vera gel with green tea or turmeric. It can then be applied to the skin and washed off after 15-20 minutes. Aloe is a great ingredient for soothing irritated skin, while turmeric helps in fighting acne-causing bacteria. People with sensitive skin can opt for green tea instead of turmeric.

Tips for using face masks the right way

After you have chosen the best face mask for acne-prone skin, the next step is applying it in the right way. 

Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Wash your face with a cleanser and warm water to open the pores. This will ensure that the ingredients in the face mask reach deep into the skin.

Step 2: Before applying the mask make sure that your hands are clean. Thereafter, use your finger to apply the mask rather than a brush. Apply the mask carefully in upward motions.

Step 3: Leave your mask on the skin for the specified duration. Make sure it does not exceed the recommended time limit. This is especially true with clay masks as they can dehydrate the skin if left on for too long.

Step 4: Wash the face mask and pat dry the skin with a gentle towel. Never rub or tug on your skin.

Step 5: After you have applied the face mask, your skin will be free of oils, dirt, and any other impurities. However, it is important to follow it up with a moisturizer (gel form or oil-free) that helps in providing the necessary hydration to the skin.

A face mask should ideally be applied once or twice a week. To get the best results from a face mask, it is important to follow a proper skincare regimen that is suited for oily, acne-prone skin.

With the information provided in this article, you will be able to choose the best face mask for acne-prone skin. The key is choosing a face mask with ingredients that are best suited for your skin. 

Face masks are great for improving the texture and tone of your skin, and it can also be a great activity for winding down and relaxing. Set aside at least one of two days in a week to provide yourself and your skin with the necessary pampering.

Let your skin indulge in natural products, browse the WOW Skin Science website, and you’re guaranteed to see the difference.