Battle acne with a homemade facial mask

If you suffer from acne, you’re always on a mission for clear skin. A homemade facial mask for acne is a great way to soothe acne-prone skin.

Facial masks do everything from soak up extra oil, remove impurities that clog pores, exfoliate away dead skin cells and balance the moisture in your skin.

• You may think less moisture is the key to preventing acne, but your skin actually needs a certain level of oil; if it doesn't, it will try to correct an imbalance by producing more oil.

Remember that an acne facial mask alone will not cure acne.

• There are other factors at play with acne including what you eat, stress levels and hormones (to name a few).
• Always apply masks to clean skin. Use masks as part of a healthy skincare regimen and you should see results.

Legend has it that Cleopatra preferred honey to keep her skin smooth and supple. Today it is still a wonder ingredient for any skin mask.

• Honey is full of antioxidants (great for fine lines and wrinkles) and is antibacterial (great for acne prevention). It’s also a lovely moisturizer. Use raw, unpasteurized honey to ensure its healing nutrients are at their strongest.

Apply honey by itself or mix with other ingredients for a soothing facial mask to help deter acne. Use a food processor to grind up hard raw vegetables and fruits:

• Lemon juice
• Cinnamon
• Aloe vera gel
• Yogurt
• Apple
• Carrot
• Apricot

Mud masks use clay as the main ingredient to draw out toxins, tighten pores and rejuvenate tired skin.

There are different types of clay that can be used as homemade facial masks and are beneficial for acne-prone skin including white, Bentonite, Fullers earth or kaolin. Simply:

• Mix with water or other wet ingredient to make a fine paste.
• Spread a thin layer on face, avoiding eye area. As it dries, you will feel skin tighten.
• Wait until fully dry then rinse with lukewarm or cool water.

There are a couple of combinations you can try:

• Bentonite clay and rose water
• Fullers earth and aloe vera gel
• White clay and milk

Egg whites act similarly to clay to tighten pores.

• Beat an egg until frothy and mix with the juice of half a lemon. The lemon will help brighten and exfoliate the skin. It is also rich in vitamin C.
• Apply to clean skin.
• Allow to dry, then rinse with lukewarm or cool water.

Oatmeal serves as a great base ingredient for many masks. While its great for any skin type, it’s highly beneficial for itchy or irritated skin.

• Customize your oatmeal mask to your skin type by mixing with lemon (oily skin), yogurt or honey (combination skin) and even mashed banana or avocado (dry skin).
• Apply a light layer and leave on skin for 15 – 20 minutes.

Used as part of your regular skincare regimen, homemade facial masks can help tone and brighten skin, unclog pores and exfoliate and soothe damaged skin.