Calling all oily girls! If you’ve been around these rosy parts for a hot sec, chances are, you’ve caught a post or two talking about my own skin struggle bus. Oftentimes, if/when my skin is freaking the freak out, the oil can be to blame. Whether it’s a breakout battle, pore the size of Jupiter or just greasier than a Big Mac, somehow somewhere, excess oil is behind-the-scenes with a devilish grin. Because I’ve been on a kick lately with masking (cos summer skin can be particularly greaseball-ish), I figured I’d share my favorite face masks for oily skin.
I try to mask at least twice a week – one to be a solid detox, and one to be a bit more hydrating to replenish anything unnecessarily stripped or lacking. It’s one of my favorite things to do for me-time, since my skin always feel so much more bombdotcom when it’s all masked and done (see what I did there? HA. Go home, E, your jokes aren’t funny.) My personal general rule o’ thumb is to leave a mask on for 10-15 minutes max – although I’m 100% guilty of forgetting I had a mask on until I tried to talk and couldn’t actually move my face, so there’s that. Once all done, I either hop in the shower to take it off, or wash at the sink – either way, I like removing with my Dew Puff (which I talk more about here), cos it’s a super gentle yet effective cleanse. SO. Let’s dive in – my favorite face masks for oily skin that’s acne-prone and extra AF. I’m breaking the best general masks/practices down by main ingredient, explaining each, then featuring masks that I have + use personally for each. Cool? Cool. Let’s begin.
THE BEST FACE MASKS FOR OILY SKIN
MUD vs. CLAY
Mud is more of a “healing” agent, used as a hydrator (since mud is water-based). On the flip side, clay is more of a drying agent – hence why it’s better for us oily gals who need a lil’ detox. Didja know all that???? I didn’t. I found that on Mr. Google and geeked out cos it was such a fun lil’ fact. #SCIENCE!
Clay Benefits:
- Draws oil from pores, preventing them from becoming clogged
- Has vitamins + nutrients
- Draws out toxins, especially from the environment!
- Smooths wrinkles
- Tightens lines + promotes elasticity
- Can be anti-inflammatory
Mud Benefits:
- Can be made with a clay base, so even if mud is typically more hydrating, it can still detox/unclog!
- Helps get rid of excess facial oil, cos it’s great for cleansing! Drying mud traps bacteria + dead skin cells, so they’re sloughed off when the mask is removed.
- Smooths wrinkles
- Tightens lines
Featured Masks: (phew, what a mouthful), Pure Clay , Pure Clay , Pure Clay,, Blue Lotus Seed Mud Mask & Exfoliant
Charcoal Benefits
- Charcoal (along with pure clay) acts like a magnet to literally draw out deeper impurities – oil, dirt, and anything stemming from pollution in the air (cos there’s a lot).
- Makes pores look smaller (since dirt in there is what makes them look large)
- Can be used to treat some poisonous bites + disinfect some wounds (when it’s activated), cos it’s not metabolized or absorbed by the body and has been shown to neutralize some infection-causing pathogens.
Featured Masks: , Pure Clay (has charcoal in it),
Strawberry Benefits:
- Strawberry (+ rosemary) eliminate impurities
- Rich in Vitamin C! Good to revitalize, cleanse out, + nourish.
- Acidic by nature, which helps remove any excess sebum (read: oil)
- Strawberry juice effectively lightens skin, which is great for lightening blemishes and any scarring from past breakouts.
- They have alpha-hydroxylic acid, which helps get rid of dead skin cells
- Easy homemade concoction: Strawberry puree, either fresh cream (dry skin) or yogurt (oily skin), + one tablespoon of honey. Apply errrr’where, leave for 10 minutes, rinse off with warm water. Meant to reduce acne! Can be frozen + stored, too.
Featured Mask:
Probiotic Benefits:
Probiotics have live microbes (think bacteria/yeast) in ’em that promote a ~balanced~ ecosystem, whether that’s on yo’ face or in yo’ gut. Here’s some science for ya. (The short version: probiotics have lactic acid in ’em, which combats a whole slue of stuff).
- Restores balance in skin! Skin goes through a lot, fighting pollutants, dirt, etc. Bring back balance!
- Anti-inflammatory
- They’re antimicrobials, meaning they help fight acne, rosacea, + more
- Exfoliant properties via the lactic acid – great for cell turnover!
Featured Mask: (also available )
In terms of probiotic skincare, I swear by – I’ve been using a bunch of their products for awhile now, and I always see a good difference with more consistent use. I’m the worst at sticking to just one product/brand (BAD, since it’s a lot harder to see if something works then), but that’s mostly since I’m sent products by PR companies to test for y’all! BUT, when I DO stick to something, I see the difference. Sticking to Tula def makes that difference! Some other Tula faves of mine:
I’ve been *hooked* on the lately for getting rid of random texture, I use the daily (#WorthIt – I travel with!), + I lovelovelove the – yes, even as an oily gal! – especially in fall/winter. This is bombdotcom right about now in Philadelphia, and my mama + I both have the .
Q: Would y’all want a whole post on probiotic skincare solely? Let me know in a comment below, wouldja?
If you’re interested in picking anything up from , use code COMINGUPROSES for 20% off + free shipping! Nope, not sponsored at all – I just grabbed a code from them to share with y’all, since the products can get pricier but they’re *so* worth having + trying. I’m lookin’ out. 😉
What are your favorite face masks for oily skin?
Also, not all of us have oily skin (le duh). If you’re more on the dry side or combination/normal – WHATEVER SKIN YOU’VE GOT – what’s your favorite mask?
Do you do mask mixing? (Is that what the kid’s call it nowadays?)
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