Acne fighting face masks to the rescue

As youths, we tend to experience acne breakouts. Don’t you wish they would just disappear?

I had a serious acne condition earlier this year, which affected my self-esteem. I resorted to medication but after one pimple vanished, out popped another. Nothing kept them away until I started using facial products regularly. Now, I absolutely swear by them.

If your skin is prone to breakouts, like mine, I have personally tried and tested these marvellous face masks that will help you get rid of those pesky zits in no time.

Disclaimer: These products were tested on acne-prone combination skin (oily/sensitive) and are not recommended for those with dry combination skin. Proceed with caution.

1. BHA sheet mask from Innisfree ($3.50 per sheet)

It is no surprise that the leading Korean cosmetic brand would have an effective face mask. Look at all the Korean celebrities, they have such pristine skin!

BHA, better known as salicylic acid, is a leave-on exfoliant packed with antioxidants.

Salicylic acid is commonly found in many acne cream or gel medications, and is especially useful in diminishing bumps, blackheads, and enlarged pores. Essentially, this BHA sheet mask will have your face feeling fresh and glowing.

However, I do not recommend using the mask every day as it can leave your skin a little sensitive. As this is a single-use mask, it may not show the best results for those suffering with severe acne. It would take about two to three uses a week over an extended time period for you to see any improvements.

Tip: Layer the excess serum in the bag on top of the mask to reduce wastage.

2. Cosmetic Warrior from Lush ($31 per pot)

By now, Lush has probably become tremendously popular among youths. Surprisingly, not many people know about their holy grail product.

The Cosmetic Warrior, a fresh face mask, has plenty of acne fighting ingredients, such as green grapes, eggs, garlic, honey, and tea tree oil.

Like its name, the mask really packs a punch to your pimples. Whenever I have those big, red pimples on my face, they will usually reduce in size by the next day. The smaller bumps are usually non-distinguishable too. This mask is gentle enough to be used daily to help soothe your face and prevent further breakouts.

At first, you might find the mask’s scent rather overwhelming, due to the garlic. Do not knock it until you have tried it, though!

Even though Cosmetic Warrior is in the mid-range price, it is definitely worth the splurge. I managed to see results after just two weeks.

Tip: Remember to keep this in your fridge after applying it on your face. The fresh face mask will turn rancid if left in room temperature for a few hours.

3. Supermud Clearing Treatment from GLAMGLOW ($92 per jar)

GLAMGLOW has been hot on the heels of beauty junkies this year, due to its silver peel-off gravity mud mask that is popular among beauty gurus on YouTube.

Another hot product from this American brand is their Supermud Clearing Treatment, a mud mask formulated for troubled skin.

The product contains activated charcoal, which helps to extract impurities on your face, especially blackheads. This in-demand mask works best as a spot treatment, and is effective in clearing major zits and redness by the next morning.

GLAMGLOW may be the most expensive out of the lot, but it is definitely worth the splurge because it is a lifesaver when you are truly desperate to look your best. This treatment is especially handy if you have a special function to attend, or if you are seeing that important someone the next day.

I recommend using it only once a week for your entire face, or twice a week on your oiliest zones. Using it in moderation will save a few holes in your wallet too.

Tip: Do not leave the mask on for more than 20 minutes, and remember to moisturise your face after each use.