So you’ve already dived headfirst into the bliss that is sheet mask life, and you’ve read and memorized our guide to the best masks. But if you have pimples (as so many of us do), you might wonder what the best face mask for oily skin might be.
When it comes to choosing masks for a specific issue, knowing what ingredients work is key. Most acne-sufferers already know tea tree oil is a godsend, but it’s not the only one that can work wonders.
Another ingredient to know is Centella Asiatica extract. It’s a medicinal herb renowned for its powerful properties, even called a “cure-all” in pharmaceutical studies since it’s packed with vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B1 and B2, niacin, and carotene. Its special power against acne is Madecassic acid, which stimulates collagen synthesis and inhibits the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. All that in one little plant!
Another power player in the fight against acne is activated charcoal. It’s a magnet for dirt, chemicals, and bacteria that cause breakouts. The longer activated charcoal makes contact with your skin, the more effective it’ll be (ideal for a mask that sits on your skin for 20 minutes or more). If you want to be even more proactive, read our guide to why the cleanser you’re using is probably CAUSING your acne rather than keeping it at bay.
Polyphenols are also your friend if you have angry skin. These antioxidant molecules naturally occur in a ton of foods, including wine, tea, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. Skincare products made with green tea contain polyphenols – and that’s great news since these little guys are scientifically proven to reduce sebum production. Add a green tea mask into your routine and watch oil production come to a skidding halt.
The best face masks for oily skin
1) Leaders Insolution Tea Tree Relaxing Renewal Mask ($5)
This is a great mask to use if you’re in the middle of a breakout. It contains tea tree oil, which we know is excellent for fighting blemishes, but it also got organic leaf extracts that protect your skin from all the hateful things the environment throws at it.
2) My Beauty Diary Apple Polyphenol Mask (10 for $16)
As we learned earlier, polyphenols are the acne sufferer’s friend. This excellent mask contains apple polyphenol, which will brighten overall skin tone and fight off blemishes. My Beauty Diary’s sheet masks are also famously lightweight and retain their moisture for well over the suggested 20 minute wear time. On top of that, they’re amazingly cheap!
3) Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Sheet Mask ($3)
This sheet mask combines the power of bamboo charcoal powder, tea tree oil, and Centella Asiatica to help bid acne farewell. You can also count on the power of BHA, so you get a dose of actives too.
4) Mediheal Teatree Care Solution Essential Mask EX (10 for $22.36)
Mediheal is one of the most renowned names in Korean beauty – so much so that wildly popular K-pop band BTS chose them for their first skincare collaboration. This mask is made of silk cellulose, meaning it will cling to you like a second skin (but much, much lighter). It also has both tea tree oil and Centella Asiatica in its ingredient list.
5) Dr. Skinica Centella Blemish Therapy Mask (5 for $23.10)
I’ve been masking for what feels like a million years, and this mask is easily in my top five of all time. It’s that good. It contains similar ingredients to some of the other masks in this list, but there’s something about it that feels incredibly indulgent and effective. My skin felt so good after I used this that it was still glowy the day after. The cost is a bit higher than some of the other options on this list, but it’s well worth it.
MORE BAZAAR DEALS:
- This ingredient is the new skincare powerhouse you’ve never heard of
- The 20 best Korean sheet masks
- The 7 best Korean beauty cleansers
The Daily Dot may receive a payment in connection with purchases of products or services featured in this article. Click here to learn more.