The Best Natural Face Masks for Acne

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Tired of struggling with acne in your 30s and 40s? Here are the best natural face masks for acne I’ve used to clear up my skin and keep new blemishes away.

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The Best Products for Adult Acne

We commonly think of teenagers when we hear the word acne. But acne can happen in our 20s, 30s, and 40s–even if you were one of the lucky ones who didn’t have acne problems in your teens.

I wasn’t so lucky. I struggled with acne off and on throughout my teen years, and after changing my diet in my 20s, I got rid of it for good–or so I thought.

In my late 30s, I started experiencing hormonal imbalances due to hypothyroidism, and my acne returned. As frustrated as I was, I decided it wasn’t going to beat me. So I started researching online and learned that I wasn’t alone.

“Adult-onset acne is more prevalent in women and more likely to appear along the jawline than in the “T-zone” of the forehead, nose and chin,” reports F. Clarissa Yang, MD, Chief of Dermatology at Tufts Medical Center. “Jawline acne in women can suggest a hormonal imbalance.”

I had learned the tie between our diet and acne years ago, so I made the necessary changes to what I was eating. Now, while I worked with my doctor to balance my thyroid, I had to find a topical product for my skin to use in the meantime.

Wanting to avoid products with toxic chemicals, I was looking for natural products, specifically the best natural face masks for acne. Some of the products (and tools) I researched included:

Sheet masks for acne, anti-aging, skin tightening and hydration.
Clays for acne and all-over skin toning.
Facial tools to redefine the skin.
Serums for acne, acne scars and wrinkles.
Spot treatments to reduce blemishes and clear the skin.
Face masks – one of the best natural treatments for acne.

I share my review of the best natural face masks (including the all-time best selling mask for acne) in detail below.

What is adult acne and why does it happen?

Having acne flare-ups can really erode confidence. It’s like being a teenager all over again. And even with makeup, you can still see the hills, dips and valleys on your face.

Many people become less social as they try to hide from what they imagine is disgust others’ eyes. And they become more and more frustrated as they try product after product with no lasting results.

So why does acne return in our adult years and why are women more likely to get it than men?

According to medical research, adult acne is probably due to one or more of the following reasons:

Diet:
- According to Dr. John McDougall, advocate of a whole food, plant-based diet, “a high-fat diet increases the amounts of fats in and on the skin (sebum). With extreme changes in food intake such as almost total avoidance of fat… or inclusion of fat as the sole source of food the amount of sebum production has been found to be greatly altered.Please note that it does not take much fat on the skin to plug the pores, feed the bacteria, and cause acne in susceptible people. Also note the bacteria eat vegetable oil as well as animal fats.”
- In addition, he states that a lack of antioxidants and other nutrients from plants promotes acne. And eating a high-fat diet results in poor circulation to the skin. This allows the skin to be more susceptible to acne.
- I have personally found that whenever I eat dairy products, I almost immediately get an itchy breakout on my jawline. This lets me know there is a link between diet and hormones (see next item below).
Hormonal imbalance:
- Women generally experience a shift in hormonal balance around their period, after starting or stopping birth control pills, and during pregnancy, peri-menopause, and menopause.
- Jawline acne that’s caused by hormonal imbalance is usually thought to be caused by a relative increase in androgen levels, Dr. Yang explains. Androgens are male hormones which, when elevated, can result in more oil production and clogging of pores.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is another hormonal imbalance that also causes irregular periods, weight gain, ovarian cysts, facial hair, acne, and/or thinning of the hair.
Stress:
- Researchers have found that there is a relationship between how stressed you are and acne flare-ups. When we’re stressed, our bodies make more androgens (yes, that male hormone we talked about earlier). These hormones stimulate the oil glands and the hair follicles in our skin, which can lead to acne.
Hair and skin care products:
- Ingredients in skin and hair care products can irritate the skin and cause acne. Be sure to read the ingredients on these products and make sure they are:
  - Non-acnegenic
  - Non-comedogenic
  - Oil-free
  - Won’t clog pores
- Also, steer clear of the following ingredients. Not only have they been linked to acne, but cancer as well:
  - parabens
  - mineral oil
  - sulfates
  - phthalates

Best Natural Face Masks for Acne

I’ve tried many clay masks and this is the best clay mask for acne-prone skin. I’ve been using this clay mask for years–not only for my face, but for my hair as well. It detoxes your skin (and hair), shrinking pores and leaving you with a radiant glow. Here are my before and after results:

I mix the clay with part apple cider vinegar and part purified water. I leave it on for 15-20 minutes then rinse. It leaves my skin clearer, tight and glowing. I love it!

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And here are two clay masks I want to try–this mask that fades scars, treats acne as well as reduces fine lines and wrinkles:

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And this beautiful Australian Pink Clay Porefining face mask that detoxes and tightens pores:

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I’ve fallen in love with the ease and convenience of sheet masks. And I’ve found some that are good at fighting acne. I usually make my own star anise sheet mask using these Disposable Cotton Facial Sheet Masks, but I’ve used a few commercial ones as well.

I’ve heard great things about this Eve Hansen Collagen Sheet Mask. It contains natural ingredients and is a good way to detox your skin.

It’s called the “glow-giving treatment that instantly restores radiance to skin” and it looks luxurious. I’ve researched this brand and love their story and their commitment to using all-natural ingredients in their products. This Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask is a great investment in your skin. It’s best for blocked pores, dull or rough skin.

The M3 Naturals Activated Charcoal Scrub is one of the most favorite, best-selling face masks. I love using a charcoal mask and have used several DIY versions. This mask detoxifies, removes blackheads and brightens the skin.

Common Questions About Getting Rid of Acne

When shopping for a natural face mask for acne, you’re bound to have some questions. Maybe this will help–here are the most commonly asked questions about which face mask is best for acne and how to get clear skin naturally:

Which face mask is best for acne?

In my opinion and from my experiments with several different types of acne masks, the best face mask for acne is a clay mask. Here’s why:

clay masks that contain bentonite clay have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties which are best for acne-prone skin,
white or kaolin clays can purify the skin and draw out impurities from deep within your pores,
they can reduce the appearance of pores,
there’s a clay out there that can meet the needs of just about every kind of acne.

How can I clear up acne fast?

Most people want to clear up acne fast–overnight if possible. But can you really get clear skin overnight? There are some ways that have helped me clear up acne quickly, such as:

Use home remedies such as apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, green tea or aloe vera (see below for a recipe for an effective home remedy).
Change in diet to a whole foods, plant-based eating plan. This means cutting out processed foods, fast foods, and added oils.
Go on a detox from the inside out using a plan like this one to get spotless skin in seven days.

What is the best home remedy for acne?

Looking for a natural remedy to clear your skin naturally? Try this home remedy for acne using apple cider vinegar (I found this apple cider vinegar to be the best one to use):

Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 3 parts water (if you have sensitive skin, use more water).
Cleanse your face with a natural face wash, then apply the apple cider vinegar mixture using a cotton ball.
Let sit for 10–20 seconds, rinse with water and pat dry.
Repeat this process 1–2 times per day, as needed.

What is the best skin care routine for acne?

If you’re looking for a regimen that will not only get rid of acne naturally, but will also prevent new flare-ups, here are some of the best skin care routines for acne:

The Last Thing You Need to Know about Clearing Up Acne with Natural Face Masks

When you’re looking for the best face mask for acne, use this guide to help you clear up acne fast–from the inside out. By making changes in your diet, fixing hormonal imbalances, improving your sleep habits, reducing stress, and finding the best natural face mask for acne, you can clear your skin naturally at home.

What ways have you found to get clear skin naturally? Share with us below the best face masks for acne you’ve had success with or want to try.