Happy Friday! April has been flying by, but this week has been brutally slow. Alright, May… I’m ready for you (specifically my trip to LA and nicer Florida weather). Every beauty routine should include a go-to clearing mask to combat unexpected breakouts and redness. Masks nourish and rejuvenate your skin, while absorbing all the excess oil responsible for blemishes. Now, if you didn’t know, I experienced one of the worst ever breakouts about a year and half ago. It was hormonal; never switch birth controls twice in two months and expect your skin to be your friend. Regardless, I tried everything under the sun to get my red and cystic acne-scarred skin back on track. Ergo, I’ve gone through my fair share of products and consider myself to be a self-proclaimed expert in the best of the best in clearing acne masks.

Best Face Masks for Acne-Prone Skin

1. AHAVA “Time to Clear” Purifying Mud Mask

AHAVA is one of my favorite product brands, utilizing active dead sea minerals to keep your skin fresh and clear. I received a sample in my April Birchbox and purchased a full bottle a few days later. “Time to Clear” leaves your skin feeling oil-free, fresh, and clean after just 2 minutes of application. Best of all, it’s completely gentle and great for people with sensitive and red skin, like moi. 

2. GlamGlow SUPERMUD Mud Mask

GlamGlow basically gives you a salon mud mask facial with every 10-minute application. It’s amazing. Without using any harsh chemicals, this mud mask activates moisturizing collagen synthesis, instantly tightening your skin and leaving you feeling youthful and pure. GlamGlow’s SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment is the same price and equally as fabulous. I highly recommend both! Go to Sephora and request a sample before taking the full-price plunge, though. Not all masks work for everyone. 

3. Kate Somerville EradiKate Mask

This particular mask is intense but an absolute game-changer for anyone with adult acne. It gives pores a good deep clean and has helped during even my most intense breakouts. It’s also relatively affordable, too, compared to some of Kate Somerville’s other products. 

4. Bliss “Steep Clean” Pore Purifying Mask

This formula is essentially a 15 minute DIY facial for all skin types. It deep cleans and clears pores, exfoliates and smooths the skin surface, helps prevent blackhead build-up, brightens skin, and leaves pores less prominent for a glowing complexion. I’ve been using Bliss for years, and it never loses its luster. Love it.

5. Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque

This intense formula has stellar reviews and  successfully improves overall skin texture, softens skin, soothes irritation, and smells amazing. Best of all, results are almost immediate. The combination of antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, and B5 dramatically calms your skin and instantly de-stresses you and your complexion. Plain and simple, it just leaves your skin feeling great, and it’s worth every pretty penny.  

What are some of your favorite//most effective masques? I love all product suggestions, so don’t be shy. I hope y’all have a wonderful, relaxing, and long weekend!