10 DIY Acne-Fighting Face Masks To Try At Home

Today, we'll cover simple ways to manage acne and blemishes at home that are dermatologist-approved!

If you're looking for a way to brighten your skin or aid in your battle with acne, here is a list of DIY face masks you will enjoy, but keep in mind that it's essential to consult with a dermatologist before trying any new skincare routine, especially if you have specific skin conditions. These recipes cover a range of skincare concerns and provide natural alternatives for those looking to make their face masks at home.

Face masks for acne are famous because they offer a convenient and often cost-effective way to address various types of acne.

Homemade face masks for acne are appealing for several reasons:

Accessibility: Many ingredients for DIY masks are readily available at home or easily obtained.

Affordability: Creating masks at home can be more budget-friendly than commercial skincare products.

Customization: Individuals can tailor mask ingredients to their specific skin needs.

Natural Ingredients: Homemade masks often incorporate natural ingredients with potential skincare benefits.

While DIY face masks for acne-prone skin can be a helpful part of a skincare routine, it's crucial to approach them cautiously. Face masks can be beneficial, and using them in moderation and being mindful of individual skin sensitivities. It's also critical to complement mask usage with a consistent skincare routine and, if needed, seek professional advice for persistent acne issues with a dermatologist to ensure a more personalized and effective treatment plan for persistent or severe acne.

Here are a few simple, cost-effective DIY face mask recipes using common household ingredients.

1. Avocado & Lemon Mask

The Avocado & Lemon Mask is a refreshing and nourishing option for addressing acne.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado

• 1 tablespoon organic raw honey

• Half of a lemon

Instructions:

1. Mash one ripe avocado until smooth. Stir in the honey. Squeeze the juice from half a lemon into the mixture. Mix the ingredients thoroughly.

2. Apply the mask as a spot treatment or to larger acne-prone areas.

3. If you have sensitive skin, use less lemon or skip it altogether. Leave the mask on for 5–10 minutes.

Things you should know:

• Lemon juice can make the skin photosensitive, so it is advisable at night. Rinse your face thoroughly after using the mask.

• Be prepared to use a zinc oxide 30+ SPF sunscreen the next day.

• It's essential to be cautious with lemon if you have sensitive skin and to follow the recommended precautions regarding sun exposure.

Benefits of the Avocado & Lemon Acne Face Mask:

This mask combines the collagen-stimulating properties of avocado, honey's antibacterial qualities, and lemon's skin-brightening effects.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar & Clay Face Mask

The combination of clay and apple cider vinegar in a face mask is known for its potential benefits in promoting collagen production, detoxifying the skin, and addressing excess oil and impurities.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon bentonite clay

• 1 probiotic capsule

• 2 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of clay with enough apple cider vinegar to form a paste.

2. Apply the mask to your face. Let it dry for 15-20 minutes.

Benefits of the ACV & Clay Face Mask:

This mask contains natural acids that help shrink pores, limit excess oil secretion, and gently exfoliate dead skin cells. This combination addresses acne by drawing out impurities and promoting a healthier complexion. Ensure you moisturize properly after using clay masks, as they can dry out your skin.

3. Charcoal & Aloe Face Mask

This mask is designed to absorb excess oil, cleanse the pores, and provide soothing properties. The combination of charcoal and aloe in a face mask offers a moisturizing treatment suitable for oily or acne-prone skin.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon activated charcoal

• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel

• 1 drop of tea tree essential oil

Instructions:

1. Mix the ingredients in a small bowl.

2. Work the charcoal mixture around your face for 1 minute, then let the mask sit for 10–15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Benefits of a Charcoal & Aloe Vera Face Mask:

Charcoal absorbs excess oil, aloe is soothing and anti-inflammatory, and tea tree oil fights bacteria. It helps maintain skin hydration without clogging pores.

4. Garlic & Milk Face Mask

The garlic and milk face mask combines the benefits of garlic, jojoba oil, and whole milk for a potentially effective treatment against clogged pores, acne-causing bacteria, and inflammation.

Ingredients:

• 1 clove garlic, crushed and finely minced

• 1 teaspoon jojoba oil

• 2 tablespoons whole milk (can also use honey or aloe vera)

Instructions:

1. Combine crushed garlic and jojoba oil in a small bowl. Slowly add whole milk (or alternative) and mix until you have a smooth consistency.

2. Apply the mask to your face. Wear the mask for 5–10 minutes. Gently rub to exfoliate the skin as you rinse with warm water.

Benefits of a Garlic & Milk Face Mask:

Diluting garlic in water, jojoba oil, or aloe vera is recommended to prevent stinging, especially for sensitive skin. Jojoba oil is chosen for its hydrating properties without causing pore congestion. Whole milk provides a lactic acid exfoliation and adds a soothing element to the mask.

5. Cucumber & Yogurt Probiotic Acne Mask

The cucumber and yogurt probiotic acne mask is a refreshing and beneficial treatment for calming the skin, providing anti-inflammatory effects, and nourishing the skin's microbiome.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 a Cucumber pureed

• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt

• 1 probiotic capsule

Instructions:

1. Puree the cucumber (including seeds) and mix it with yogurt.

2. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 15 minutes.

3. Rinse with warm water.

4. Follow up with your usual toner and moisturizer.

Benefits of the Cucumber & Yogurt Probiotic Acne Mask:

This mask is designed to calm the skin, nourish the microbiome, and potentially lighten blemishes. Cold ingredients from the fridge can enhance the soothing effect, making it suitable for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin.

6. Aspirin Blemish Spot Treatment Mask

This aspirin spot treatment mask can be a quick solution for targeting inflammation and reducing the size of a pimple without causing excessive dryness or flakiness.

Ingredients:

• 3 aspirin tablets, not enteric-coated

• ½ teaspoon honey

• 1 tablespoon plain yogurt.

Instructions:

1. Crush aspirin, then mix it with yogurt and honey to make a paste.

2. Apply to blemishes, leave it on for 10 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.

3. Use as a blemish spot treatment once a day.

Benefits of an Aspirin Blemish Spot Treatment Mask:

Tames skin inflammation, shrinks pimples, unclogs pores, and offers hydrating and antibacterial properties.

7. Raw Honey Spot Treatment Mask

Using honey as a one-ingredient treatment for acne is a simple yet effective approach. Honey is a natural humectant, helping to retain moisture in the skin. This treatment is a quick and easy way to target individual blemishes.

Ingredients:

• Raw honey (preferably manuka)

Instructions:

1. Apply small amounts of raw honey directly on the blemish using clean fingers on a clean, dry face.

2. Concentrate on the affected areas, such as the chin, forehead, and nose.

3. Avoid the under-eye area, as bruising can occur.

4. Leave the honey on for 10–15 minutes.

5. Gently wash your face with warm water when finished.

Benefits of a Raw Honey Acne Face Mask:

Raw honey is a natural antibacterial ingredient that unclogs pores and calms inflammation and redness due to acne-prone skin. Honey, especially manuka honey, has natural antibacterial properties that can help combat acne-causing bacteria.

8. Tea Tree & Aloe Mask

Tea tree oil is known for its natural antibacterial properties, making it effective against acne-causing bacteria. It has anti-inflammatory effects, helping to reduce redness and inflammation associated with acne.

Aloe vera has soothing properties, providing relief to inflamed or irritated skin. It helps maintain skin hydration without clogging pores.

Ingredients:

• 2 Aloe vera gel

• 2 tea tree essential oil

• 1 egg white

Instructions:

1. Whip the egg white in a small bowl, then add aloe gel and tea tree oil.

2. Apply the mixture to your face with your fingertips or a facial brush.

3. Leave the face mask mixture on for 10–15 minutes.

4. Follow up with the appropriate evening facial oil or moisturizer.

Benefits of a Tea Tree & Aloe Acne Face Mask:

Tea tree oil fights bacteria, aloe soothes inflamed skin, and egg white tightens.

9. Overnight Oats Milk Mask

Oats indeed have soothing properties, and incorporating them into an overnight face mask with oat milk, ginger root oil, and blue tansy oil will assist in combating your dry, itchy, and irritated skin.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of unsweetened Oat milk

• 2 drops of ginger root essential oil

• 3 drops of blue tansy oil

Note: (Please make sure you are using essential oils that are safe for the skin)

Instructions:

1. Combine oat milk and essential oils in a small bowl, then whisk well.

2. Using a cotton ball, apply the mask to clean skin.

3. Leave on overnight and rinse off in the morning.

Benefits of the Overnight Oats & Milk Face Mask:

Soothing for dry, itchy, and irritated skin.

10. Green Tea & Rosehip Sheet Mask

Using sheet face masks for acne can be convenient and effective, and the combination of rosehip oil, green tea, and rosewater in a sheet mask will be a nourishing and soothing treatment.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons rosewater

• 3 teaspoons of strongly brewed green tea

• ½ teaspoon rosehip oil

• Pre-cut cotton sheet mask

Instructions:

1. Combine the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk well.

2. Unfold your sheet mask (if you don't have a pre-cut sheet mask, use a paper towel with little holes cut out where the eyes, nose, and mouth should be) and place it in the bowl for 60 seconds to soak up the rosewater mixture.

3. Give it a gentle squeeze to remove excess liquid, then place it over your face.

4. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then remove and rinse it with water.

5. Repeat 1 to 2 times a week for optimal results.

Benefits of a Green Tea & Rosehip Sheet Mask:

Nourishes and rejuvenates skin, soothing redness and irritation.

When creating a DIY face mask for acne-prone skin, it's crucial to patch-test first to ensure you don't have any adverse reactions. Additionally, be cautious about the quantity and duration of use, as some ingredients may irritate if used excessively. If you have persistent or severe acne, it's best to seek advice from a dermatologist for a better-personalized skincare plan.

Here are a few more tips to prevent breakouts and minor blemishes!

Tips & tricks for preventing future outbreaks include:

• Keep your face clean

• Moisturize

• Try an over-the-counter acne prevention product

• Use makeup sparingly

• Watch what you put in your hair

• Stop touching your face!

• Limit your time out in the sun & use a gentle SPF

• Feed your skin- Yes! Your skin needs vitamins, too

• Exercise daily

• Sit back and relax!