Excess sebum on the skin surface can create an environment that encourages the growth of acne bacteria. Acne-prone skin can benefit from applying sebum-diminishing ingredients like kaolin clay or illite, which gently remove impurities without over-drying. However, some clays, such as Bentonite and Fuller’s Earth, can be too drying. Unless you have very oily skin, do not use masks with these listed toward the top of the ingredients list.
There are many suggestions for DIY face masks on the internet, and some of the ingredients are just not safe for skin. Be careful. If you want to try out a recipe, first do a patch test to see how your skin reacts. If you want to learn more, read my article about skincare habits to leave behind.
While face masks are beneficial to help avoid breakouts, I DO NOT recommend a scrub for acne-prone skin. Whatever we put on our skin should be gentle.
After you’ve finished your patch test, try leaving a mask on your face for just a minute at first, then add a bit more time the following week, and so on. Most masks should not be left on for more than 20 minutes.
You might want to try my favorite natural acne mask for calming acne-prone skin. Twice a week (at most!) I apply Corum Barrier Repair Manuka Mud Dead Sea Skin Polish. This multitasking facemask helps detoxify and absorb excess oil without drying. Manuka honey, prebiotics, and Dead Sea salt moisturizes and helps balance the skin flora, which can help soothe irritated skin and make skin less likely to break out.
Below are the key ingredients in Corum Manuka Mud.
