How to Make a Mask for Acne

Co-authored by R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH

Last Updated: August 10, 2021 Approved

Acne has been one of the worst nightmares for both teenagers and adults. Fortunately, nature has its own solutions. In addition to maintaining a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough rest, you can also make some face masks using simple ingredients from your kitchen. These masks may help reduce acne. Not all of these masks will work right away, however; some will require a few treatments before you get the results you want.

Ingredients

Aspirin Mask^{[1]
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5 to 7 aspirin tablets
Distilled water
1 teaspoon honey

Egg White Mask^{[2]
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1 egg white
1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Juice from ½ of a lemon (optional)

Strawberry Mask^{[3]
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5 fresh strawberries, stems removed
1 tablespoon honey
Juice from ¼ of a lemon

Matcha Green Tea Mask^{[4]
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1 teaspoon matcha green tea powder
½ to 1 teaspoon honey, water, or yogurt

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Making an Aspirin Mask

1
Crush the aspirins and put them into a bowl. The easiest way to crush them is using a pestle and mortar. If you don't have one, then you can put them into a plastic sandwich bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- Do not use this mask if you are allergic to aspirin.
2
Add enough water to turn the aspirin into a smooth paste. Use a fork to help mush the two together. For a richer mask, you can try plain yogurt instead.
- Make sure that you use distilled water and not tap water.
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Honey is naturally antibacterial, so it will help kill any acne-causing bacteria.^{[5]
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Expert Source

R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH
Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Interview} It is also hydrating and will prevent your face from becoming too dry.^{[6]
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Research source} Keeping your face hydrated is an important part of tackling honey; if your face becomes too dry, it will produce more oil to compensate.
^{[7]
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Research source} Focus on the areas that have the most acne, and take care to avoid the sensitive areas around the eyes.
You can use this mask up to two times per week, but no more than that. Do not reuse any old paste; remake it every time.^{[8]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Making an Egg White Mask

1
Separate the egg white from the egg yolk and put it into a small bowl. You can use an egg separator, or simply pass the yolk between the two shell halves a few times. Pour the egg white into a small bowl and discard the yolk (or save it for another recipe. The egg white will help tighten your pores and firm up your skin.
- To reduce the risk of Salmonella, use pasteurized eggs.^{[9]
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  U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health
  
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This will create a smooth base for your mask and make it easier to apply. It will also give it nice, foamy texture that will feel more pleasant on your skin (as opposed to its original slimy texture).
You can also use both for the ultimate face mask. Honey is naturally antibacterial and hydrating. It will cleanse your skin while keeping it silky-soft. Lemon is a natural astringent and toner. It will tighten your pores, and even out your skin tone.
^{[10]
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Research source} You can apply it with your fingers, or you can use a soft makeup brush for a more spa-like experience. Take care to avoid the areas around the eyes, nose, and mouth.
If you did not add any honey to your mask, you might want to follow up with a lightweight moisturizer.^{[11]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Making a Strawberry Mask

Strawberries contain salicylic acid, which helps clean out pores and get rid of blackheads. They are also naturally exfoliating.^{[12]
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Honey is naturally antibacterial; it will help cleanse your skin as well as heal it. It is also hydrating, so it will keep your skin smooth and soft.
Lemon has natural astringent properties, which help close pores and brighten the skin. It is also great for evening out skin tone and reducing the appearance of scars.^{[13]
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You want the mixture to be mushy. If it is too liquidy, you won't be able to spread it easily on your face.
Focus on the areas that have the most acne, and avoid the sensitive areas around the eyes.
You can use this mask twice a week, but be sure that you make a fresh batch each time. Never reuse an old mixture.^{[14]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Making a Matcha Green Tea Mask

The matcha green tea powder will help even out your skin tone and reduce inflammation caused by acne. You can find it at an Asian grocery store, a well-stocked grocery store, or a tea shop. You can also buy it online.
2
Add some honey, water, or yogurt. Choose only one of these options. If you use all three, your mask will be too runny. Here are the benefits of each option:^{[15]
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- Honey is naturally hydrating and antibacterial. It will kill the acne-causing bacteria while keeping your skin silky-soft.
- Yogurt is moisturizing. It will also help tone, brighten, and gently exfoliate your skin.
- Use water if you just want a quick, simple mask. It is perfect if you don't like having a lot of stuff on your face.
If it is too thick, add a little bit of water. If the mixture is too thin, add some more honey or yogurt; if you are making a simple mask, then add a little bit more matcha powder.
Gently massage the mask into your skin using small, circular motions. Avoid the sensitive area around the eyes.^{[16]
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You can use this mask once or twice a week. Do not reuse any old mixtures, however; make a new mask each time.

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Tips

Always use a soft, clean towel to pat your face dry.

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Don't rely on these masks alone to bust acne. You should also focus on managing stress, getting enough rest, eating healthy, and getting enough exercise.

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Don't get discouraged if a mask doesn't work after the first time. Some people require several treatments before they start seeing the results they want.

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Warnings

Do not use a mask if you are allergic to one of the ingredients.

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Don't use these masks more than twice a week because they will make your face dry.

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Do not use aspirin-based masks if you are allergic to aspirin.^{[17]
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Egg whites may contain Salmonella. Try to use eggs that have been pasteurized or treated for Salmonella.^{[18]
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US Food and Drug Administration
U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health

Go to source}

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