Face Mask Recipes for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin

There are some wonderful recipes for homemade face masks that will help tighten oily and acne-prone skin. They can also be wonderful for smoothing out your skin tone. 

These masks are not only easy to make, but they've been tried and tested and beloved by other women and men with oily, acne-prone skin. Plus, they're all organic.

The recipes feature ingredients that are excellent for oily skin, such as bananas, clay, fruit juice, and oatmeal. These ingredients help remove excess oils while naturally soothing skin and providing a balanced pH.

Oils Are Actually Anti-Aging

Even though your oily skin can seem like a hassle, the good news is that the oils are great for keeping wrinkles at bay. The irony is that when you get older, your skin will likely stop making as many oils and it will become dry, or at least drier.

As you age, you may find yourself slathering on the most moisturizing lotions you can find. So keep in that mind. You may have to deal with oily skin today, but someday you may actually miss your former oilier self.

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Banana Mask for Oily Skin

A bunch of bananas
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Bananas will brighten your skin and help reduce oils, so it's a perfect choice for a soothing face mask. The banana mask recipe is remarkably simple, mashing the fruit with honey and lemon or orange juice.

It's actually a perfect way to use up any ripe bananas you have in the house. You can also freeze them when they're too ripe to eat so they're ready when needed.

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Aspirin and Lemon Juice Mask for Acne

Bottle of aspirin
Bottle of Aspirin. Tetra Images/Getty Images

Pimples are one of the worst parts of having acne-prone skin and they seem to pop up right before a big event. There's a simple trick that many people swear by and say they'll use again whenever a zit appears.

The aspirin and lemon juice mask is quick and effective. You'll simply crush a few aspirins, mix them with the juice, apply the paste, then let it dry before washing it away. Apparently, it works because aspirin contains a certain acid that's similar to one found in spot treatments for pimples.

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Strawberry Mask for Acne-Prone Skin

Strawberries
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Those beautiful strawberries in your refrigerator are also a great treatment for acne. They naturally contain salicylic acid, which is the primary ingredient in store-bought acne treatments, according to Janice Cox, the author of "Natural Beauty at Home."

You have a few options for a strawberry face mask recipe. The easiest simply mixes the berries with yogurt, while the others mix them with honey, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Not only will the masks keep oils at bay and help prevent breakouts, they're also great for brightening up your skin.

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Fruit Juice Masks for Oily Skin

Raspberries and skincare
r. Birte Möller / EyeEm for Getty Images

Fruits are amazing and can do wonders for your beauty routine. Many are natural toners, astringents, and cleansers and they're ideal for simple masks that can clear up your skin.

The homemade juice mask recipes use everything from lemons to papaya, and they all ​smell great. You do need to be careful, though. Avoid the sun while wearing the masks and be sure to wash it away completely before stepping outside.

Fruit juices are naturally photosensitive and you risk a severe (potentially second-degree) burn if it's on your skin under direct sun. Keep that in mind when making your margaritas as well. There is an actual sunburn nicknamed "margarita dermatitis" and it's quite serious.

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Oatmeal and Onion Mask for Acne-Scarred Skin

Oatmeal face mask
Oatmeal and onion work well on acne prone skin. Taxi for Getty

Admittedly, this may not be the best smelling face mask, but it's supposed to work miracles. If you're tired of pimples, it's worth a shot. You can always follow it up with a product that has a more pleasant fragrance.

This oatmeal and onion mask recipe is very simple and it is good for cleansing your acne-prone skin of impurities. It works because onions naturally have anti-inflammatory properties. At the same time, the oatmeal will give your pores a deep cleanse.

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Turmeric Face Mask for Unclogging Pores

Turmeric powder mask
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Turmeric is useful far beyond those delicious Indian curries. This bright yellow spice has long been used in beauty and is great for brightening skin. Beyond that, it also has antioxidant and antibacterial properties and can unclog your pores, exactly what your oily skin needs.

The turmeric face mask recipe combines the spice with flour, honey, yogurt, and lemon juice. It will leave your skin feeling and looking great and give you an unbelievable glow. 

This mask is best for dark and olive skin tones. Turmeric is known to stain fair skin, though it does wash away after awhile. You'll also want to protect your clothes and use an old washcloth.

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Clay Mask for Oily Skin

Aztec Secret bentonite clay
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Clay masks are a great treatment for oily skin and you might want to use one often to keep oils in check. The bentonite clay removes excess oils while healing and soothing skin.

A clay face mask recipe can be as simple as mixing powdered clay with water. It's just as effective as any store-bought clay mask. Then again, you can add oils, oats, or egg white to enhance the experience. No matter which you choose, these are some of the most purifying masks you'll find for oily skin.