Homemade Masques for Acne

Some commercially prepared acne masques do more than expected – like irritate already-sensitive skin. If you’re not happy with some of the scary sounding, multi-syllabic ingredients that you don’t know what are, much less pronounce, nor do you want to spend the big bucks these preparations fetch, take a look at some of these homemade masques for acne we’ve come up with. You just might find the perfect one for your own, individual skin.

Oatmeal, Honey, and Yogurt 

Mix together a half-cup each of oatmeal and plain yogurt in a small non-metallic bowl or small pan. Add one tablespoon of honey. Warm in the microwave or on top of the stove just until slightly heated. (You don’t want to burn your fingers or your face!) Applying a warm mixture helps open up pores (and it makes the experience that much more enjoyable!), but warming is not absolutely necessary.

Scoop the mixture up with your fingers and, using upward strokes, smooth it on your face. Allow to dry for 15 to 30 minutes. You will feel a tingling sensation as the mixture dries. Rinse with lukewarm – never hot – water first, then splash the face several times with cool water. Apply a good-quality, non-greasy moisturizer afterward.

Egg Whites

This ultra-simple, homemade masque for acne has been around for decades. It only takes a few minutes to make and works remarkably well: Separate one large egg, putting the white into a small bowl. (You can’t heat this type of masque, or you’ll wind up with cooked egg!) Using a fork, whisk the egg white for a few seconds until it’s somewhat separated. It will be a little easier to apply this way.

With your fingers, scoop the egg whites up and onto your face, smoothing it on as best you can. It may be a little tricky since egg whites are very slippery. Allow to dry, which usually takes about 20 minutes, depending on how humid the air is. Wash off with warm water, then cool water, as mentioned above. Use moisturizer as directed.

Cucumber Masque

Another good homemade masque for acne requires nothing more than cucumbers and lemon juice. Peel, seed, and run through the blender one medium-sized cucumber. To this, add one teaspoon of lemon juice and mix well. This mixture can be heated slightly if you wish to make a more comfortable, pore-enlarging concoction. Smooth on the face and allow to rest for half an hour. Rinse well and moisturize. Cucumbers provide a soothing, calming effect for acne-prone, sensitive skin that is inexpensive and as available as your local grocery or produce stand.

Homemade masques for acne are usually very safe and effective. Some people, however, may be allergic or sensitive to some ingredients, so it’s always wise to do a skin test on the underside of your wrist before putting applications on your face.

In addition to using homemade masques for acne, other helpful things to ward off acne breakouts are to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, get lots of exercise, and drink water instead of soda, alcoholic beverages, or anything with caffeine. And just so you’ll know, acne is usually temporary. Chances are, by the time you reach adulthood, acne will be a thing of the past.