Face Masks to Prevent Acne

Acne can strike people of all skin types. Whether your skin is dry or oily, you can use a facial mask to treat and help prevent acne breakouts. It is simply a matter of choosing the correct combination of ingredients for your skin type. Many over the counter and homemade face masks are specialized for dry or oily skin. Each is respectively used to treat and help prevent acne breakouts.

What do Acne Facial Masks Do?

The main idea behind an acne facial mask is to remove impurities and toxins from the skin; cleaning the surface as well as deep down inside the pores. A mask is more of an intensive treatment than a daily cleanser. By leaving the mask on for an extended period of time, fifteen minutes or more, you allow the ingredients to take effect and start to heal acne.

Before Applying an Acne Facial Mask

Before you apply the mask, clean your face as you normally would, and then exfoliate with a gentle scrub. This will remove dead skin cells and leave your pores more open for the mask to do its job. It is advised that you dry your face completely before applying the mask unless the mask directions say otherwise. Sometimes water can dilute the effective ingredients in the mask.

Acne Masks for Oily Skin

One surprising idea for a facial mask is to apply unflavored Milk of Magnesia to your face and neck, allow it to dry and rinse it off before applying a light moisturizer. This mask removes oils and impurities to help treat and prevent acne without drying the skin, which would cause it to produce more oil.
Clay and mud based store bought masks are recommended for oily skin. St. Ives has a full line of clay and mud masks for oily skin.

Acne Masks for Dry Skin

Dry skin requires deep cleansing and moisturizing to prevent acne. A simple mask of half an avacado mashed with a quarter cup of honey, will absorb impurities, while moisturizing the skin. Simply leave the combination on for about 15 minutes, before rinsing it off and applying a moisturizer. Facial masks that you can buy for dry skin tend to include glycerine, honey and essential oils. Burt's Bees makes a facial mask that is ideal for dry skin whether it is acne prone or not.

Professional Facial Masks

Dermatologists, as well as skin care specialists at salons and spas, can provide you with personalized combinations for your skin type to help treat and prevent acne breakouts. These may include ingredients such as clay, mineral combinations, silica, and even seaweed extracts. Think of it as a cocktail for your face, and by combining just the right ingredients your skin will look and feel better.