5 Best Masks For Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

You can banish shine and breakouts with these skin savers.

Sep 11, 2020

When it comes to dealing with acne-prone skin, most of us don’t exactly reach for masks as a go-to remedy. For many, the usual first line of defense includes topical treatments that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, or natural zit zappers like tea tree oil and witch hazel.

But masks, particularly clay and peel-off formulas, can also be effective acne-fighters—all while delivering a bevy of other skin benefits. “Masks can detoxify your pores, draw out any excess oil and impurities from skin, as well as clear the skin of toxins, debris, and dirt, making them helpful in fighting acne breakouts, including maskne,” explains Dr. Maximin Navarro, Fellow of the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) and co-founder of Bella Pelle Philippines. Certain formulas can also calm the skin, lighten blemishes, and improve skin’s glow.

Curious as to how you can boost your complexion with the right mask? We’ve rounded up five of our fave oil-controlling and skin clarifying picks, each boasting of unique properties to cater to different kinds of skin types. If you don’t have oily or acne-prone, you can also benefit from these skin savers—just be sure to heed this reminder from Dr. Navarro: “Since some clay masks can be drying, it’s good to invest in a good quality moisturizer.”

Check out these top skin-saving masques:

Biologique Recherche Masque Bain de Plantes

What makes it special: The name Bain de Plantes translates to a “bath of plants,” and this mask literally drenches your skin with a plant-based concoction—a ritual inspired by the late Queen of France, Marie Antoinette.

How it works: Unlike drying masks, this formula works to keep sebum at an optimum level by using natural ingredients to control production, as well as zinc and oleanolic acid to rebalance skin. It also has Vitamin B to promote gentle healing, wild pansy (a European flower) to decongest, detoxify, and tone, and burdock to deliver anti-inflammatory, purifying, and moisturizing properties.

Ideal for: sensitive skin, including seborrheic skin

Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant

What makes it special: Dubbed as a “purifying” and a “balancing” mask, it’s one of Biologique Recherche’s most popular masks for oily and acne-prone skin.

How it works: Containing high concentrations of cucumber, witch hazel, and live yeast extracts—which are packed with amino acids and vitamin B—this mask regulates sebum, unclogs and tightens pores, refreshes the skin, and prevents breakouts.

Ideal for: dull and tired skin

Biologique Recherche Masque VIP O2

What makes it special: This anti-pollution mask is packed with oxygenating powers to improve the health and appearance of tired and stressed skin.

How it works: Formulated with botanical ingredients, detoxifying white clay, and essential fatty acids, this mask neutralizes pollutants and prevents them from wreaking havoc within the skin. It’s also infused with a moisturizing active ingredient to nourish and soothe the complexion, leaving it calm, purified, and visibly brightened.

Ideal for: dull, stressed, and environmentally-exposed skin

Biologique Recherche Biomagic Mask

What makes it special: If you’re looking for an instant tightening and mattifying effect, here’s the mask for you. Dubbed as the “Red Carpet Masque,” this miracle worker leaves skin feeling squeaky clean and supple, making it the perfect mask to use before any special occasion.

How it works: Formulated with a subtle combination of mineral and terrestrial ingredients (including bentonite and kaolin), this quick-acting mask delivers detoxifying and lifting properties to the skin, purifying the epidermis, tightening the pores, and giving you a fresh, matte finish.

Ideal for: dull or sensitive skin

Biretix Mask, P1,350

What makes it special: If you love Biretix products, you can add this mask to your anti-blemish roster. Apart from stripping skin of excess oil, this also helps in fighting the early signs of aging.

How it works: This combines the power of RetinSphere® Technology (which works to combat acne, pigmentation, and aging) with green and white clay to control excess sebum and unclog pores, preventing pimples and blackheads in the process. Rice bran oil and Vitamin E, meanwhile, help keep skin nourished and work to ward off dryness.

Ideal for: stressed and aging skin

If you wish to consult with a dermatologist for a customized treatment plan, Bella Pelle Philippines offers online skin care consultations. You can book your appointment here.