We have many skin care concerns, but one of the biggest is acne. Most of us would probably take dryness, sensitivity and dullness if it meant we didn’t have to worry about spots erupting on our chins and foreheads. Thankfully, you don’t have to choose between clear skin and other skin care issues. From spot treatments to cleansers to masks, there are many acne-fighting products on the market that help to achieve clear skin.
If you’re dealing with breakouts, you’re probably focused on finding the perfect overnight treatment cream, but don’t discount how brilliant an acne mask can be for clearing up those pesky pimples. Thanks to K-beauty, the beauty industry has stepped up its game even more when it comes to masks, and there are some amazing formulas for those of us who are dealing with breakouts.
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Whether you’re struggling with hormonal breakouts, whiteheads or a case of all-over spots, acne masks can help clear up your complexion. And remember, prevention is just as important as treatment. So, stock up on a few of these acne masks and use them regularly to keep your skin looking its best.
[ Next: How to Shop for Drugstore Acne Products: A Dermatologist Weighs In ]
The Best Acne Masks to Tackle Breakouts
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Skin SOS
Are you ready to declare your skin in a state of emergency? Hold up and apply this acne mask. The red clay doesn't just give the mask its distinct fiery color. It helps draw out impurities and refine the look of pores. After 20 minutes, peel off the mask and go admire the difference in your skin in the mirror. We insist.
First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Purifying Mask With Red Clay, $30 at First Aid Beauty
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Mega Mask
This isn't the average mud that you'd find in the bottom of a lake. This clarifying formula will treat breakouts, oily skin, razor bumps and ingrown hairs. You can use it as a spot treatment or you can apply it over your entire face for a forehead-to-neck deep clean.
GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment, $69 at GLAMGLOW
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Bye-Bye Breakouts
It's time to eradikate those blemishes. (Get it?) Top celebrity facialist Kate Somerville has developed an innovative gel-cream mask that soothes skin as it helps purify pores. The foaming formula helps the active ingredients go deep into pores to clear them out, while an advanced botanical complex keeps your skin calm. Use the mask with the brand's cult favorite EradiKate Acne Treatment to ensure your face stays spot-free.
Kate Somerville EradiKate Mask Foam-Activated Acne Treatment, $54 at Sephora
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So Fresh
The only way you could get a fresher product than this is if you whipped up a DIY mask and applied it to your face straight away. The mask is so fresh that you have to keep it in the fridge. The blend of egg whites, garlic, honey and tea tree oil take your skin from angry to soothed without stripping it of much-needed moisture.
Lush Cosmetic Warrior Fresh Face Mask, $8.95 at Lush
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Dry It Out
When you have a zit, you want it to disappear ASAP, right? This clarifying mask helps do that by drying that sucker up. Apply the formula to any problem areas and the natural minerals, kaolin and sulfur will help reduce the size of that pesky pimple so clear skin can be yours.
Mario Badescu Drying Mask, $18 at Mario Badescu
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In the Clear
Clay and tea tree oil are both known for being excellent zit-fighting ingredients, so when you combine them together, you get a very effective mask. Apply a bit of the 100 percent vegan mask after cleansing and the formula will mattify your skin as it removes impurities.
The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Clay Mask, $17 at The Body Shop
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Out of Trouble
When it comes to our skin, the last thing we want is for it to be acting up. Thankfully, all it takes is 10 minutes for this mask to sort out your complexion woes. The multipurpose formula works in three steps. First, it balances excess oil. Then it exfoliates dead skin cells that can clog pores. And finally, it removes said flakes while soothing your skin. Can you do that much in 10 minutes?
Origins Out of Trouble 10 Minute Mask to Rescue Problem Skin, $26 at Sephora
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For Sheet Mask Lovers
No mask list would be complete without a sheet mask option. This zit-zapping mask is formulated with concentrated doses of active botanicals to deal with spots right away. The vegetarian mask features papaya, lemon balm and salicylic acid to make those breakouts history.
Alba Botanica Anti-Acne Papaya Sheet Mask, $3.49 at Target
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Banish Spots
Murad has become known as one brand that clears up blemish-prone skin and it is products like this acne mask that have helped it earn that reputation. The dermatologist-developed mask contains clay, sulfur and licorice root. The ingredients work together to reduce the frequency of spots, balance oil and soothe your skin.
Murad Acne Complex Clarifying Mask, $38 at Ulta
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Get Peelin'
The fun peel-off formula is enough to make you a fan of this rubberized mask. The results you'll see in the mirror are what will really seal the deal, however. Willow tree extract, tea tree oil and menthol extract help tackle three main areas: shine, zits and congestion. Apply a thick layer of the acne mask with the included spatula. Wait 15 minutes, then peel it off to reveal a glowing, more even complexion.
Bliss Mask A-'Peel' Complexion Clearing Rubberizing Mask, $24 at Ulta
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Seeing Clear
Charcoal, clay and tea tree oil may get a lot of the attention for helping acne-prone skin, but sulfur is another hero ingredient. Just see this acne mask for proof. The medicated formula contains 10 percent sulfur. The potent ingredient helps to clear up existing blemishes and prevent them from coming back.
Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Masque Acne Treatment Masque, $47 at Sephora
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Put a Patch on It
These patches may be small, but they deliver big results. If you're dealing with a particularly nasty eruption, apply one of these patches before going to bed instead of your usual acne treatment. When you wake up, that bump will be noticeably reduced thanks to the potent formula. The patches will even help to reduce the severity of cystic acne.
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch, $5 at Soko Glam
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Double Duty
If you're dealing with zits, chances are you're dealing with an oily complexion, too. This natural clay-based mask will sort both issues out. All it takes is five minutes for the mask to help remove excess oil and calm pimples. Best of all, you don't have to worry about the formula drying out your skin.
Clinique Acne Solutions Oil-Control Cleansing Mask, $19.55 at Nordstrom
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For Stubborn Spots
Are you dealing with a bout of pimples that just won't go away no matter what lotions and potions you slather on? Try this mask. More like an acne cream than your traditional mask, you apply it to your face and you don't rinse it off. The silky formula disappears on your skin and goes deep to fight breakouts. You can even use it one to three times a day.
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Daily Leave-On Mask, $9.49 at Ulta
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Cult Favorite 2.0
You've fallen in love with the kit, now it's time to try the acne mask. The deep-cleansing mask works in two ways. First, it treats breakouts that have already formed. Secondly, it helps stop new zits from popping up. You can thank the combination of sulfur, tea tree oil, kaolin clay and different vitamins. And unlike some drying acne products, this one actually nourishes your skin.
Proactiv Skin Purifying Mask, $38 at Ulta
