What is the best face mask for acne?

The best face mask for acne is formulated with charcoal or clay to help draw out acne forming bacteria, impurities and soak up excess oil.

If you’re using a clay or charcoal face mask choose one formulated with the addition of moisturising ingredients to keep skin hydrated. Clay and charcoal are natural yet powerful ingredients. They can be drying to the skin if not teamed with moisturising elements in a face mask formulation. 

Why choose a charcoal mask for clear skin?

Charcoal makes an effective face mask for clear skin thanks to its pore purifying and refining magic.

The type of charcoal used in skincare is known as activated charcoal. It’s not the kind of charcoal lump you’d find at the bottom of a BBQ pit!

Instead, activated charcoal is created by burning carbon-rich materials at higher temperatures. This means it’s much more porous than regular charcoal.

Thanks to its porous structure, activated charcoal acts like a sponge, drawing out and soaking up excess oil and acne bacteria from the skin. These impurities then bind to the charcoal and are cleansed away along with the face mask.

This deep cleansing action is particularly beneficial for combination and acne-prone skin with large pores. Bacteria mixing with oil and dead skin cells blocks pores and creates the perfect environment for acne to thrive. By helping keep pores clear, activated charcoal minimises the chances of breakouts.

Face masks with this natural, mineral-rich ingredient can also promote a brighter, smoother skin texture overall. When pores are clogged, they can appear enlarged and ‘dirty’ looking. Skin is also dull and bumpy to touch. With the regular use of activated charcoal, pores become clearer helping them appear smoother and more refined.

Why choose a clay mask for clear skin?

Like activated charcoal, a clay mask for acne helps detoxify the skin by drawing out impurities and absorbing excess oil. They also do a great job of tightening skin so pores appear smaller.

The key to getting the most out of your clay mask is choosing the right type of clay for your skin type and concerns. Both bentonite clay and kaolin clay are great choices for acne-prone skin.

Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay is formed from volcanic ash and has been used for centuries as a natural skin care ingredient. It’s highly absorbent and boasts antibacterial activities which can play a role in neutralising breakout causing bacteria on the skin.

Kaolin Clay

A gentle cleanser, kaolin clay (also known as white clay) helps absorb excess oil, mildly exfoliates the skin, and extracts impurities. It doesn’t cause redness or irritation which makes it ideal for sensitive skin and inflamed breakout-prone skin.

The best of both worlds

Treat your skin to the detoxifying, breakout busting benefits of both charcoal and clay with esmi

Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask. One of the best face masks for acne, the benefits include:

• Brighter, softer skin
• Detoxifying
• More even skin tone
• Smoother, supple skin
• Exfoliates
• Repairs and strengthens

The detoxifying, oil-absorbing trio of kaolin clay, bentonite clay, and charcoal help clear pores, control acne, and soften skin. The jojoba oil and sweet almond oil in this charcoal and clay mask for acne help the skin retain moisture while promoting healing.

How to use Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask

Step 1: After cleansing, use clean fingers or a mask brush to generously apply the mask. Make sure you avoid the eye area.

Step 2: After the mask has dried*, massage your face with wet fingertips or esmi Charcoal Brush to gently buff the fine clay particles. This helps loosen dead skin and impurities to be washed away.

Step 3: Rinse well or remove with esmi's Microfiber Facial Cleansing Mitt. Follow with your favourite esmi treats.

*The length of time to leave the mask on depends on how liberally the mask is applied. It will take longer to dry the more that is applied.

The clay mask isn’t the only face mask for pimples in the esmi range! If you’re dealing with inflamed, active breakouts the Anti-inflammation Mint Gel Booster Mask could make a great addition to your weekly routine. This mask is designed to shut down inflammation, redness and breakouts with powerful natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Check out our Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask and Anti-inflammation Mint Gel Booster Mask today!