How to Get Rid of Acne with a Clay Face Mask

Many of us mistakenly believe that pimples won’t plague us beyond our high-school years, but the sad reality is that acne doesn’t have an age limit. So, what causes acne in adulthood? Various factors, such as hormones, pollution and stress, can result in the clogged pores that lead to whiteheads and blackheads. If you’re wondering how to get rid of acne, a clay face mask is a good place to start. Clay is known for its purifying powers and amazing ability to absorb excess oil. Plus, clay gets to the root of the problem: It sucks dirt from deep within your pores. Intrigued? Read on for some pointers on how to get rid of acne by using a clay face mask.

1. Choose the right mask.

All L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay masks are made from three different varieties of mineral clay—kaolin, montmorillonite and Moroccan lava—plus super ingredients that are tailored to specific skin concerns. There are five (yes, five!) different varieties to choose from.

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Mask for Dull Skin contains charcoal, a game-changing ingredient that helps remove dirt, oil and makeup trapped in your pores for an energizing boost.

Exfoliating, which removes dead skin cells, is crucial in the fight against pimples, so L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Mask for Rough Skin with red algae is an ideal face mask for acne. Do you struggle with visible pores? This clay face mask will shrink them; you’ll notice results immediately.

Another great option for exfoliation, especially if your skin is more sensitive, is L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Mask for Skin with Imperfections. Infused with uplifting yuzu lemon extract, this clay face mask deep-cleans your face and evens your skin tone—and the refreshing scent makes this mask a great pick-me-up at the end of a long day.

If your oil production is in overdrive, L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Mask for Oily Skin is definitely your best bet. This clay face mask, which contains eucalyptus, is a lean, green zit-fighting machine! You’ll notice instant results; your skin will be less shiny, and your excess oil will be under control.

Is your skin easily irritated? Don’t worry! You can still get in on the clay face mask game. L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Mask for Sensitive Skin is cool, blue and, most importantly, gentle. The seaweed-infused formula is soothing for stressed skin but tough on pimples.

If you have combination skin (say an oily T-zone but dry, scaly cheeks), you can use more than one clay face mask at a time. The #multi-masking trend is all over Instagram, and it’s an easy way to address several problem zones at once. Plus, L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay masks come in such fun colours (yellow, blue, green) that it’s the perfect opportunity to snap a #self-care selfie!

2. Start with a clean slate.

Once you’ve selected the right clay face mask for your skin, it’s important to do some prep before you get started. In order for a mask to work its magic (draw out impurities and absorb excess oil), you have to remove all of your makeup and cleanse your skin first. Try a gentle cleanser like L’Oréal Paris Fine Flowers Cleansing Gel; it will gently get rid of grime without overdrying, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

3. Brush it on.

In a pinch, using your fingers to apply a clay mask is totally acceptable. (Just make sure you wash your hands first to avoid transferring more dirt and oil to your skin.) However, the best way to ensure that the mask is evenly applied is to use a foundation brush. Using a brush also gives you a more precise application, making it easier to avoid your eyes and lips as you paint it on. And remember: Less is more when it comes to clay face masks. You don’t need to build up a thick layer of product; a nice, thin coat does the trick.

4. Don’t overdo it.

Leaving a mask on for longer than the recommended time (10 to 15 minutes) doesn’t make it work better. In fact, if you leave the mask on for too long, you risk irritating your skin and drying out your face (which actually causes your pores to overproduce oil). And although it’s tempting to mask every day—we get it, that fresh feeling on your face is amazing—we still recommend masking two to three times a week max.

And that’s it! Tackling perky breakouts and blemishes *is* possible when you find the right products for your skin’s needs.