OK, so it's no secret, I love me a good face mask. Part of my obsession with masks has come from my journey with acne.
In my teens, I was fairly lucky. I had a couple constellations of zits, but nothing major. Then in college, my face broke out in painful, cystic acne. I felt like I looked like the most horrible before picture from a Proactiv commercial and it really did a number on my self-confidence.
Naturally, I tried everything possible to get rid of it. A dozen drugstore face washes, fancy bank-breaking face washes, spot treatments, giving up makeup, medicated prescription creams, prescription medications, I mean everything. Nothing was working and that was only making me feel worse.
I decided to try a more natural approach: products with ingredients I could actually pronounce, not harsh chemicals that bleached spots on my pillow cases and towels.
And it worked! My acne started clearing up!
Disclaimer: Just because these worked for me doesn't mean I can guarantee they'll work for you; I'm not a professional or a doctor.
1. Pumpkin Enzyme Masque from Banish Acne Scars
As a pumpkin spice late loving gal, I was honestly pumped to be putting pumpkin on my face. This mask exfoliates without harsh scrubs or chemicals for bright, glowing skin.
Heads up! The enzymes in the mask can make it feel a little tingly at first!
2. The Banish Oil from Banish Acne Scars
I'm 100% convinced this is some kind of sorcery. I've been using it for about a month and already noticed my acne scarring is less visible. Plus, it doesn't feel heavy or greasy.
3. The Banisher from Banish Acne Scars
Game. F*cking. Changer. This is honestly what's made the biggest difference with my most stubborn acne scars. My acne scarring was so bad that even with full coverage foundation and concealer, the hyperpigmentation was still peeking through.
Now, most of it is covered with some bb cream and a little concealer.
4. Activated Charcoal Clay Masque from Banish Acne Scars
OK, so I know those pore strips are super satisfying, but this pulls impurities out of your skin like a million times better.
5. Mask of Magnaminty from Lush Cosmetics
If you're gonna get any mask, get this one. It's got everything you could want in a mask: deep cleaning, exfoliation, and moisturizing. The mint gives it a cool, tingly feeling.
Also, there's the added bonus of feeling like Dana Scully in season 6 episode 15 of "The X Files." Just sayin'.
6. Cosmetic Warrior from Lush Cosmetics
If my skin is feeling super congested, this is my go-to. Garlic and tea tree are awesome for deep cleansing skin without leaving it parched.
7. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Natural Calcium Bentonite Clay
Definitely the most budget-friendly option and it still does a great job detoxing, making it a cult-favorite. For an extra boost, mix the powder with apple cider vinegar.
