With proper care, acne scars and dark pimple spots can be prevented and erased. We took it upon ourselves to do the hard work to determine the very best face mask for acne, dark spots, and blackheads.
Top 10 anti-acne face masks
There are plenty of these products, some of which are high-end and expensive, while others are of good quality yet can be bought from the drugstore for cheap. Scroll below to read our reviews and check out our full list.
When your skin pores become clogged with dirt, sweat, and excess oil, you are likely going to get acne and pimple breakouts. Sometimes, these are triggered by hormonal changes during puberty or pregnancy and period in women.
Below, we have listed the best tried and tested anti-acne face masks (both commercial and homemade) that have been tried and tested for removing acne scars.
The big problem with pimples and acne zits is that they leave visible spots on your skin – something we all don’t like. The spots can turn red when fresh due to inflammation. They are sometimes black when the pimples finally die off.
You can count on masks to cleanse your pores and peel off the skin with blackheads and blemishes. The result is clear, radiant, and youthful skin.
The thing with the good products is that they are made with acne-fighting ingredients. While you can make them at home, the bottle ones are highly potent. You can jump to the best ingredients for clearing pimples here.
What is the difference?
Commercial masks work faster compared to the homemade ones. While you don’t expect to get overnight results, you can easily lighten dark spots within a few weeks of application.
For acne scars to go away completely, you first of all need to replenish your pores and prevent any future breakouts that may increase the number of dark spots on your face.
Acne treatments in a bottle are just what you need, but the problem is that there are so many in the market. You can hardly figure out which one will work for you and which one will not.
Here are the top-rated products that will not only prevent but also fade away black spots from pimples and acne zits.
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
Pros:
- It is deep cleansing and will open up pores to prevent further breakouts.
- It works fast. Some reviewers saw pimples and dark spots disappearing within 2 weeks of use.
- It is cheap. You can get it on Amazon for just $9.
- The mask is 100% natural, with no additives.
Cons:
- It can easily cause irritation and redness when used for long on a tender, sensitive skin.
- You will need to use a moisturizer afterward since it dries out the skin.
Anyone with acne-prone skin should have Aztec and bentonite clay products. These are usually very good at cleansing pores, opening them up, and, more importantly, lightening and clearing dark spots.
The clay absorbs dirt, toxins, and excess oils and will prove very good for people with oily skins. It provides deep cleansing benefits for your skin, therefore leaving you with fewer blemishes and breakouts each time you use it.
According to Acne.org, “When applied on the skin, it tightens up your skin, creating a pressuring feel on your skin, which results in the circulation of blood. Generally, this creates a very calming and good sensation.”
The name can be misleading, so just forget it first. It is not a skin-bleaching and whitening product. The ingredients in the mask are exactly what you need to clear and get rid of blemishes on your skin.
It contains licorice root and kojic acid. These two can be found in anti-acne spot soaps and even creams that are known to fade the scars in record time.
Review rating
With all-natural bentonite clay ingredients, it is one of the best face masks for acne scars. As the label claims, it is the most powerful face mask.
However, we advise that you do a patch test fast before using it to prevent any possible irritation. If this is a problem, you can try out the mild Pure Body Naturals Purifying Dead Sea Mud Mask Facial Treatment.
Murad Clarifying Mask
Pros:
- It works by absorbing pore-clogging oil and dirt.
- It will help regulate your oil production. If you have oily acne-prone skin, this product will help you reduce the shine.
- Combines potent blemish treatments with moisturizer and pore-gunk removers.
Cons:
- Can be a little bit uncomfortable if you leave it overnight.
- May leave a little bit of smell on your skin for a couple of hours.
Murad’s mask is a highly rated product due to its effectiveness and results. Like the Indian clay one, it is made of natural muds and sulfur that help in treating acne and pimple breakouts.
This facial application works by drawing out dirt, excess oil, and other impurities to stop breakouts from forming.
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid and sulfur acne treatments; glycerin and allantoin for moisturizing your skin; kaolin clay for absorbing oil and buildup.
Review Rating
We noted that this clay feels smooth and makes the skin cool. You will notice a faint earthy smell when applying it on your face, but it is nothing overwhelming.
Although the price is a little higher than other drugstore anti-acne masks, it still works and delivers good results.
Clinique Acne Solutions Oil-Control Cleansing Mask
Pros:
- It is an oil-free formulation.
- Does not irritate the skin.
- Hydrates the skin while cleansing it.
- Can be used by people of all skin types.
- The salicylic acid ingredient helps fade away dark spots on face from acne.
- It is very easy to apply as it takes just 5 minutes of use for results.
Cons:
- The salicylic acid concentration is very low in a basic clay pH. The ingredient may, therefore, not have an exfoliating effect, which means that it works at a slower rate. You may take longer to have the blemishes on your face cleared.
Like the other top-rated acne face masks above, Clinique’s product is clay-based. It helps heal blemishes that erupt due to acne and pimple breakouts.
What we like about this product is that for just about $25, you get a medicated formula that will not only unclog pores but also fade away black spots and remove black spots.
The good thing about this is that you do not need to use it overnight. Just applying the mask and leaving it on for 5 minutes only will give you great results – a clear, smoother skin.
Review rating
We found it perfect for preventing further breakouts. If you have oily skin, it will also help prevent shine and unclog your pores. It is, therefore, a great product for getting rid of blackheads and preventing acne hyperpigmentation.
Kate Somerville Eradikate Mask Foam-Activated Acne Treatment
Pros:
- It soothes the skin, making it a good mask for people with irritated acne spots.
- It prevents further breakouts. Consistent use will give your skin a clearer look over time.
Cons:
- The product seems a little overpriced for what it can do.
- The smell isn’t that great for a product that you apply on your face.
Although this is not a very popular blackhead removal product, it is touted as one of the best face masks for acne scars that are clinically tested and proven.
According to the manufacturer, “After just 1 week* of using this acne mask with Colloidal Sulfur, 88% of test subjects in a clinical study showed a reduced number of blackheads. *Results based on an independent Clinical Study”
Unlike Clinique’s formula, the foam acne treatment clears acne scars by exfoliating them, paving the way for new skin cells to grow and leave you with a clear complexion. The exfoliation also unclogs pores by removing dead skin cells, gunk, and oils, thus, preventing further breakouts.
Our review
The honey extract in the product seems to give it a boost in lightening dark spots from acne. Though it is made by a celebrity skin-care expert, it does not really work that fast. We would recommend it if you want to prevent further breakouts and blackheads on your face.
Burt’s Bees Natural Acne Solutions Pore Refining Scrub
Here are our reasons why it is the best face mask for acne scars with natural ingredients:
Pros:
- Clinically tested and proven to exfoliate acne scars and improve the appearance of pores.
- Does not dry up or irritate the skin.
- It is made of 99 percent natural ingredients.
- Works well to prevent future breakouts due to its deep cleansing power that opens up pores.
- Specially designed for oily, acne-prone skins.
- It is noncomedogenic.
Cons:
- It has a creamy consistency with very few scrubbing particles.
- May work slowly for very dark, deep acne scars.
With all-natural ingredients, Burt’s Bees’ formulation is a dermatologist-tested noncomedogenic acne treatment that promises the best results in fighting acne scars and dark blackhead pores. It is the manufacturer’s best anti-acne facial scrub, according to their website.
This product contains willow bark extract that is known to have naturally occurring beta hydroxy acids (BHA). BHA is a common ingredient in facial masks and exfoliators. It unclogs blocked pores to prevent breakouts and acne scars.
Sometimes oily skins can be a challenge. If a product goes wrong, the most likely consequence is usually more breakouts. We liked Burt’s Bees natural acne solutions because of its natural ingredients and effective results. It is worth a try, especially since it is fairly cheap.
The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Face Mask
Pros:
- It leaves the skin feeling smooth, soothed, and calm.
- The cleansing effect is deep and removes dirt and other impurities from the pores.
- Tea tree oil fades acne scars, leaving you with a clearer-looking skin.
- It is 100% vegan.
Cons:
- It may not be good for hypersensitive skin. Tea tree oil can irritate, so it is important to test before applying it to your face.
Pimples and blackheads erupt on the skin due to bacterial activity that irritates the pores.
Tea tree oil is often used as a potent ingredient in most acne scar treatments because it has antibacterial properties that help kill bacteria and prevent further bumps.
The Body Shop Tea Tree Mask is a clay-based product that works well to heal acne-prone skin. It helps soothe the irritation on the bumps for a fresh feeling. The clay helps to absorb excess oil, gunk, and dirt from the pores to prevent further breakouts.
The product is suitable for blemish-prone skin and blackheads. It works with consistent use. However, you should not leave it overnight, as tea tree oil can easily irritate your skin.
Though it is an oil, it purifies the skin and leaves you with a mattified appearance.
Since it is a good drugstore facemask for getting rid of acne scars, we think you should try it as its content is interesting.
Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating Cleanser Mask
Pros:
- It unclogs blocked pores to not only remove black spots but also prevent them for clearer skin.
- It reduces oil. If you have oily skin, your blackhead problem is caused by dirt and excess oil blocking pores. This cleanser will solve it.
- Exfoliates the skin to help fade away blemishes and visible marks from pimple breakouts.
- The salicylic acid in the mask can help.
Cons:
- It may not be good for hypersensitive skin. Tea tree oil can irritate, so it is important to test before applying it to your face.
Blackheads and dark spots give the skin blemishes. If you have them, this is one of the best face masks for blackhead removal and prevention.
According to the manufacturer, the cleanser is “formulated with Micro-Clear technology, a powerful technology, scientifically shown to boost delivery of maximum strength blackhead-fighting medicine to the source of breakouts.” [Neutrogena]
We liked this liquid because of its ability to eradicate blackheads without leaving the skin feeling dry with patches.
You can use it as a daily cleanser if you have acne-prone skin. However, if you are going to use it as a mask, limit your application to just two to three times a week. This will prevent any irritation and redness.
You can find the product on Amazon.
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Daily Leave-On Mask
Pros:
- The mask is clinically proven to reduce and shrink breakouts fast (within hours, according to the manufacturer).
- It cleanses the pores deeply and can get rid of a persistent blackhead problem.
- Prevents further breakouts.
- Moisturizes the skin.
- Formulated with 2.5 benzoyl peroxide, a common effective acne medication.
- The benzoyl peroxide active ingredient in this formula fades away dark acne scars and spots.
Cons:
- The product is not good for sensitive skin. An application will cause itchiness, irritation, and redness.
- May bleach your towels and clothes.
This is the second product from Neutrogena in our list. We found it to be one of the top-rated anti-acne face masks due to its strength in preventing or killing blackheads before they even start to form.
If you experience redness due to acne irritation, this mask will help you relieve that.
To get rid of pimples and remove blackheads, you apply the mask on your face and leave it on. There’s no rinsing required.
If you have many dark spots and pimple scars, this product will help you fade them away faster than most other products on the market.
The only problem you may encounter with it is a little irritation, so we do not recommend it for people with sensitive skin. We also noted that too much use could cause a little discomfort, so just use once or twice a week instead of applying it daily.
Rating: 4.6/5 (for getting rid of pimple scars and dark spots on the face and preventing further breakouts)
Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores
Pros:
- Clears pores within 7 days.
- The product is safe for healthier skin because it does not have phthalates, sulfates, and parabens.
- Unlike many products based on clay, this one has glycerin and myrtle water to keep the skin hydrated and well moisturized.
- The porosity of the charcoal and clay combo in the product’s formula keeps pores clear, and ultimately, blemish-free.
- It is suitable and works for all skin types.
Cons:
- The product is not good for sensitive skin. An application will cause itchiness, irritation, and redness.
- May bleach your towels and clothes.
There is an increasing number of beauty products with charcoal as an ingredient. Why? Because charcoal is a magnet for toxins.
This Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask from Origins is one of those with excellent performance when it comes to clearing blackheads and opening up pores.
The active charcoal works as a deep cleansing and purifying mask that cleans the skin and removes excess oil from the skin.
According to the manufacturer, the technology used to make the product – Clear Improvement – helps to “flush out environmental toxins, dirt, and debris that can clog pores and cause the skin to look dull—leaving the complexion clarified, refreshed, and healthier-looking.
Bamboo charcoal acts like a magnet to draw out deep-dwelling pore-cloggers, white China clay absorbs environmental toxins, and lecithin dissolves impurities.”
Our review found the product to give a solution for clogged pores, oily skin, and uneven texture that usually follows recurrent acne breakouts.
Yes To Tomatoes Clear Skin Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask
Pros:
- It prevents breakouts and blackheads.
- Detoxifies the skin and removes impurities for clear, young-looking skin.
- The watermelon and aloe vera ingredients make it a highly hydrating mask compared to the other clay-based products.
- Restores dry and damaged skin.
- If your acne is irritated, this mask will soothe and calm it.
- Hypoallergenic, so it will be gentle on your skin.
Cons:
- Works slower on stubborn dark spots.
- You need to use it for long to get rid of stubborn cystic acne.
Another charcoal and mud-based face mask for removing acne spots and scars. Formulated with 96% natural ingredients and without including parabens and silicones, it is suitable not only for acne-prone skin but all skin types.
It is made with salicylic acid, a blend of tomato, watermelon, chamomile extracts, aloe vera, and pumpkin. The result is a creamy face masking consistency that gives probably the best homemade spa-like experience.
Our product review
The mask is comfortable on the skin. It is also very easy to apply and remove. It actually works with consistent use, and for the drugstore price it has (under $10), it should be one of your best detoxifying charcoal mud masks for removing acne scars and dark spots.
While the above top 10 products can help you remove scars from pimples and zits, a natural routine of cleansing your face will help you get the best results. If your spots are too deep and stubborn, you could also try a good spot corrector cream to fade them away.
Other masks we thought are worth mentioning on our list are Blackhead and Acne Peel-off Mask and
Mario Badescu Whitening Mask. You can try them if you are looking for something that will work as an alternative to the ones above.
Important ingredients in anti-acne products that work
When it comes to a face product, there are so many things that you consider. Your skin type can easily determine what to buy and what not to try. Other than this important factor, here are the most effective ingredients known to get rid of acne and prevent scars and dark spots.
Honey
Honey is natural and has been used for centuries as a medicinal remedy. It is said to have many therapeutic benefits, even though there is little scientific research to support such benefits.
The reason for its application is that it works as a natural antibiotic and anti-inflammatory, the two common problems that occur with acne breakouts.
Most importantly, however, it has skin lightening capabilities, meaning that it can get rid of acne scars. Some people recommend that if you have deep scars and dark spots from pimples on your face, a mask with this ingredient will be ideal for you.
Kate Sommerville’s mask uses honey extract as one of its primary ingredients.
Charcoal
Charcoal based masks and face creams are some of the best when it comes to getting rid of blackheads and dark pores. The activated charcoal works like a magnet that attracts, binds, and draws out excess oil, dirt, and other impurities that cause breakouts.
If you have large pores that need shrinking, a good face mask with this ingredient will provide a good solution.
One of the best face masks for acne with charcoal and clays as the major ingredient is the Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask. Using it weekly can really help improve the problem of acne-prone skin.
According to a board-certified dermatologist in Beverly Hills Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, the advantage of using charcoal masks is that they are less drying compared to other anti-acne ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide.
Best pick: BOSCIA Charcoal Pore Pudding Intensive Wash-Off Treatment
Benzoyl peroxide
To eliminate acne, most brands use ingredients that exfoliate the skin to get rid of dead skin cells and help unclog oil-blocked pores. Benzoyl peroxide (BP) is one such ingredient. The oxygen detoxifies pores and makes them release sebum buildup.
One of the major problems with benzoyl peroxide is that it can leave the skin feeling dry and blotchy. To remedy this problem, you should use plenty of moisturizers to keep your face hydrated and prevent further breakouts.
While BP is effective in shrinking acne spots, it can also be harsh to sensitive skin.
Even for the normal skin, you can feel a little uncomfortable if you leave the cleanser on your skin for long periods. It does, however, work in getting rid of pimples and acne bumps.
Best pick: Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Cleanser
Bentonite clay
Do you have oily, acne-prone skin? A good product that is highly likely going to eliminate your excess sebum and breakout problem should be based on bentonite clay. A good number of the creams we have reviewed above are based on some kind of mud, most of them, bentonite clay.
The clay is ultra-absorbent and swells when mixed with a liquid to make a sponge. When used as a face mask, it draws out bacteria, excess oil, sebum, and dirt to leave your pores cleansed. It, therefore, provides a solution for blackheads and all kinds of breakouts on the skin.
Best pick: Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
Other benefits of bentonite mud include the following:
- Detoxifies the skin for a healthier, younger look.
- Softens the skin.
- It will leave the skin glowing.
- Fades away acne scars to improve their appearance.
- It will leave your skin glowing.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it a good ingredient for people with sensitive skin. What makes it even better is its moisturizing and soothing effects. Why is it beneficial as an acne-fighting face mask?
Aloe contains hormones that are antibacterial called gibberellins and polysaccharides that are responsible for killing and even protecting the skin from inflammation and pimple-causing bacteria.
Other than that, it is rich in Vitamin E, a good ingredient that helps heal deep pitted acne scars.
The best way to use aloe vera extract for an acne problem is with other potent ingredients. Some face masks combine it with salicylic acid, clays, etc. to make the products more effective.
Best aloe acne face mask: Tosowoong Pure Aloe Mask Pack; Yes to Tomatoes Mud Mask.
Salicylic acid
According to the Wiley Online Library, topical use of salicylic acid produces mild to moderate activity to inflammatory lesions caused by acne vulgaris. It is an approved formula for treating acne in children.
The reason why it is used as a potent ingredient in top-rated anti-acne face masks is that it can break down the keratotic plugs (blackheads and dead skin cells that block pores), leaving the skin with open pores.
The anti-inflammatory capabilities also make it a good ingredient for people with inflamed acne bumps and zits.
- The beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) works well for people with sebum plugs that cause acne.
- It penetrates the skin deeply and dissolves the excess oil as well as the surface layer of the skin.
- Creams, face washes and masks made using salicylic acid are good at clearing pores and drying up pimples.
Best salicylic acid face mask for acne: Indie Lee Clearing Mask; Murad Clarifying Mask
Sulfur
Sulfur is a common ingredient in over-the-counter treatment for acne as well as prescription medications. Topical application to mild pimples and acne breakouts makes them dry, shrink, and peel off.
This effect gets rid of acne scars and blackheads. The antibacterial effect of sulfur helps prevent infected zits due to bacterial activity in the pores.
If you have a skin that reacts to Retin-A creams and products based on benzoyl peroxide, sulfur is one of the best alternatives for you.
Although some sulfur-based creams can smell awful, today’s beauty products have an improved smell, and some of the best face masks for acne and blackheads using this ingredient do not smell that bad.
Best sulfur mask for acne: Dr. Dennis Gross Clarifying Colloidal Sulfur Mask
Tea tree oil
It might not make sense adding oil to the list when the problem is caused by it, yes? Tea tree oil is a natural ingredient with powerful antibacterial effects. Acne is usually caused by bacterial activity. Applying a mask containing this ingredient will definitely kill the microbes and prevent breakouts and dark spots.
According to a study by the department of dermatology at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW titled “A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne” both tea tree oil and BP were found to be equally effective in healing acne.
However, there were fewer side effects when tea tree oil was used compared to BP.
Best tea tree oil mask for acne scars: The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Clay Mask
Note: Tea tree oil products may cause redness, burning, and stinging on sensitive skin.
Blue tansy oil
Also known as Moroccan Tansy, this oil comes in a magnificent blue color with a sweet herby scent. But that is not all. It has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect on the skin, making it a good ingredient in products for acne-prone skin.
Top-rated pick: Herbivore Blue Tansy AHA + BHA Resurfacing Clarity Mask
Best drugstore face mask for pimples and scars
Most of the products here are affordable, but others are priced way higher than what you want to get from your local drugstore. Here’s a list of our top 5 drugstore masks if you don’t want to make one at home or even get a high-end product.
- Blackhead and Acne Peel-off Mask
- Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
- Burt’s Bees Natural Acne Solutions Pore Refining Scrub
- The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Face Mask
- Freeman Facial Charcoal & Black Sugar Polish Mask
The only problem we have been encountering with most drugstore anti-acne products is the quantity. Some come in small tubes that you can only use a few times. Acne treatments need to be used for a while to get the best results. You may not see an improvement in the appearance of dark spots if you use a spot correcting mask only three times. We recommend you try to get products that come in packs of two, like the last one on the list above.
And when you do not want to try a drugstore or high-end acne scar removal wash, mask or cream, you can make one for yourself at home. Below are some of the best homemade face masks for acne treatment and fading away dark spots on the face.
Best DIY face masks for removing acne scars and blackheads
Acne scars can be very stubborn and hard to remove. Some of them can last for years, even after the teenage years. This happens especially if you are always picking at the bumps when they are itchy. Since getting rid of pimple scars can take a long time, it requires patience and a lot of effort. You can persistently treat them with your own DIY face mask.
In that sense, here are our top 4 homemade face masks for acne scars and removing blackheads that lead to more pimple breakouts. Try these recipes.
Turmeric face mask for acne
Turmeric contains cumin, a compound that has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on the skin. It will prevent the excess production of melanin and help with the replacement of damaged skin cells with new ones for glowing skin. The antibacterial property also makes it effective in treating acne.
More importantly, turmeric powder can lighten dark spots that are left behind when an acne spot shrinks and dies. Here’s a recipe for making a turmeric face mask at home.
Turmeric + gram flour + honey recipe
- Put 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder into a bowl.
- Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of gram flour.
- Mix the two and then add a little honey.
- Stir well to make a paste with good consistency.
- Spread the paste on your face, making sure the acne scars are well covered.
- Allow it to dry for and stay for a few more minutes.
- Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
After this remedy, apply enough moisturizer on your face to keep it well hydrated.
Honey face pack recipe
Honey is often mixed with other home remedies to make a recipe that gets rid of dark spots and treat acne spots. For this particular face pack, we will use it with milk.
Why honey and honey? Milk has skin lightening properties and will help keep your skin well hydrated and moisturized. Honey, on the other hand, is good for its skin potency in treating acne and lightening dark spots.
Procedure:
- Put 3 tablespoons of milk in a bowl.
- Add 3 tablespoons of honey.
- Stir well to mix these ingredients.
- Apply all over your face and allow it to stay for 15 minutes.
- Wash it off with lukewarm water.
Apply this homemade mask once every day to get quicker results.
Cinnamon + homemade honey mask
Cinnamon is a good anti-inflammatory agent. If you are suffering from itchy acne bumps, it will soothe them out and stop the itching. It is also antibacterial and will kill any bacteria in your pores. Most importantly, this ingredient exfoliates the skin, thus helping open up clogged pores.
Procedure: Mix cinnamon and honey together to get a fine mixture. Do this by adding honey slowly to the cinnamon powder as you stir to get a consistent thickness. Apply it on your face covering all the black acne scars. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water. Use the recipe daily for the best results.
Egg white + almond milk
Egg white is one of the best anti-aging home remedies. If you are looking to tighten your skin and banish fine lines and wrinkles fast, it is a treatment you can try at home. Other than that, you can mix it with almond water to make a DIY face mask for getting rid of acne scars permanently.
- Egg white is an astringent and will control excess oil that causes acne eruptions. Almond milk moisturizes your skin.
- This mask is, therefore, very nourishing for a dry, oily acne-prone skin.
What you need:
- Two tablespoons of 100% natural almond milk.
- Egg white from organic eggs
- A tablespoon of lemon juice
- Almond milk.
Recipe procedure:
- Put egg white from two eggs in a bowl.
- Add 2 tablespoons of natural almond milk.
- Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Stir to mix all these ingredients well.
- Apply as a mask all over your face except for the area around your eyes.
- Leave it for 15 minutes and then wash it off using lukewarm water.
To clear dark spots and scars from acne, use this remedy twice a week until the stubborn marks are gone.
Apple cider vinegar + honey
Note, for this recipe, ensure that you use organic apple cider vinegar. It is the one that contains alpha hydroxyl acids that have the most benefits for your skin. The compound helps in removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores that lead to acne spots and blackheads.
Apple cider vinegar and acne are also both skin lightening agents and will help bleach dark spots on your face.
Ingredients: Green tea, brown sugar, honey, and apple cider vinegar.
Steps to follow:
- Put 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into a bowl.
- Add 2 tablespoons of green tea and sugar.
- Mix well.
- Add honey to the mixture as you stir to make a fine consistency.
- Apply the mixture to your face and leave it for 15 minutes
- Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
This homemade face mask for acne and blackheads can be used twice a week for the best long-lasting results.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2836431/
- Cochrane Online Library: Topical azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, and sulfur for acne: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD011368/full
- The US National Library of Medicine: Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4554394/
