Homemade Acne Masks

Acne breakouts occur on the skin when the sebum, or skin's natural oil, becomes overactive. This over-

activity leads to clogged pores, resulting in pimples and other breakouts of blackheads and whiteheads. Acne facial masks help reduce or control acne breakouts by removing excess oils from the skin and cleansing and tightening pores. Even though you can purchase acne masks at the store or from your dermatologist, you can make homemade facial masks that are just as effective and cost less.

Things You'll Need

Pot

1 cup distilled water

5 dried bay leaves

Strainer

Bowls

4 tbsp. French clay

Spoons

Washcloths

Towels

Knife

Tomato

Food processor

1 tbsp. instant oatmeal

1 tsp. lemon juice

Instructions

Bay Leaf and French Clay Acne Facial Mask

1

Boil 1 cup distilled water, then remove the pot from the stove. Add 5 dried bay leaves and allow them to steep until the water is completely cooled.

2

Pour the bay leaf liquid through a strainer and discard the leaves.

3

Place 4 tbsp. French clay in a bowl and slowly add the bay leaf liquid to the clay. Stir constantly, until you're no longer able to stir the thick mixture. Manipulate the clay mixture to make sure all ingredients are well mixed.

4

Smooth the bay leaf and French clay acne facial mask onto the skin. Allow the mask to remain on the skin until it becomes dry and starts to crack. The French clay will draw impurities and toxins out of the skin while removing oils and giving you a healthy-looking complexion, says the Pioneer Thinking website.

5

Wet a clean washcloth with warm water and wipe the dried facial mask off the skin. Splash lukewarm water over the face to make sure all traces of the mask are removed, then pat the skin dry.

Tomato-Oatmeal Acne Facial Mask

6

Chop one whole, fresh tomato and place it in a food processor. Tomato and tomato products such as tomato sauce or juice help shrink large pores and tighten the skin.

7

Add 1 tbsp. instant oatmeal and 1 tsp. lemon juice to the food processor and puree the mixture until it forms a paste. Oatmeal soothes the skin, cleanses excess oils and helps reduce blemishes and breakouts.

8

Apply the tomato-oatmeal facial mask to the skin and leave it on for 10 minutes, according to the Natural Home Remedies website.

9

Rinse the facial mask off the skin with lukewarm water, then pat dry.

Tips & Warnings

When possible used distilled water for homemade skin care products because it has been processed to remove chemicals and impurities.

See a dermatologist for severe acne breakouts that do not respond to any at-home or over-the-counter remedies.