Many of us might not have had to suffer from acne during our teenage years... But being in your 20s and 30s doesn't make you immune to the skin condition we normally associate with teens. Adult-onset acne can rear its head in your mid 20s right through to your 40s.
In fact, adult acne is caused by the same root problems as the acne we can get in our teenage years - clogged pores caused by excess sebum oil production, bacteria on the skin, hormone changes, inflammation, and smoking. It can also be genetic, so check to see if anyone in the family has suffered from adult acne - it's always better to be prepared for a breakout should it happen.
Face masks can be a godsend to all of our skin problems - and there are many that are specifically formulated for acne. With their super charged ingredients that lock in moisture, battle bacteria and unclog pores, you'll have all the tools you need to fight acne.
Look for ingredients such as clay, charcoal, salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide which help fight acne directly, while tea tree oil is a good bet for a natural bacteria bust.
Best face masks for acne
1. Dermalogica Medibac Sebum Clearing Masque
Fight acne with a vengeance with this powerful face mask.
Niacinamide, zinc gluconate, yeast extract, caffeine and biotin work to calm and soothe irritation by inhibiting sweat glands, while spiraea and cinnamon bark extracts prevent the growth and spread of bacteria to keep skin clear and healthy.
Can be used exclusively on trouble areas like your T-zone or as an all over face mask. Simply smooth a thick layer onto the face and neck for up to ten minutes before rinsing.
Price: £45.63 | Buy it now from Amazon
2. Origins Out of Trouble Ten Minute Mask to Rescue Problem Skin
This is a perfect emergency masque for those SOS moments where you break out and need your blemishes gone ASAP.
Zinc Oxide and Sulphur absorb excess sebum oil, while the glycerin hydrates and moisturises.
This rescuing face mask buffs and lifts dead skin cells to the surface while refining the skin's texture for a smooth, refined complexion.
Price: £22 | Buy it now from Lookfantastic
3. Aesop Chamomile Concentrate Anti-Blemish Masque
Acne prone skin that suffers from regular breakouts needs TLC. Luckily the botanical extracts and chamomile in this mask soothe and refresh irritated skin while neutralising any redness.
Bacteria is one of the main causes of acne and this anti blemish masque from Aesop inhibits the spread of bacteria while combating blemishes.
Use this mask twice weekly for 15 minutes at a time to improve the look and feel of your skin.
Price: £31 | Buy it now from Space NK
4. Avène Cleanance Mask-Scrub
The Cleanance range by Avene is specifically designed for oily and acne prone skin.
Filled with both AHAs and BHAs, spots don't stand a chance against this cleansing and hydrating face mask.
Monolaurin controls excessive sebum production - a factor that can lead to blocked pores, while Kaolin clay mattifies the skin. The Avène thermal water also soothes the complexion when it's inflamed and irritated.
Apply to dry skin for five minutes before rinsing off to reveal instantly mattified, soothed skin. This mask can be used one- to- two times per week.
Price: £15 | Buy now from Boots
5. Dr Jart Dermask Clearing Solution Ultra-Fine Microfiber Sheet Mask
Bursting with niacinamide, tea tree oil, and salicylic acid, this holy grail of an ingredient list is sure to battle your breakouts and acne prone skin.
These highly powerful sheet masks contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents that deeply penetrate the skin and also boost brightness.
After applying the silky microfibre sheet mask, remember to tap the excess product serum into your skin for ultimate spot-busting.
Price: £5.50 | Buy it now from Selfridges
6. GLAMGLOW Supermud Mask
Another skincare favourite GlamGlow works to combat common concerns on the skin, especially acne flare ups.
As one of GlamGlow's award-winning formulas, this mask contains BHA Salicylic acid and AHAs Glycolic and Lactic Acids for an effective cleanse.
Expect to see clearer complexion and clarified pores that look extra refined after regular use all over the face.
Price: £44 | Buy it now from Lookfantastic
7. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clay Mask
La Roche-Posay is a heavyweight beauty brand and this mask should definitely be added to your skincare routine if you suffer regular breakouts.
Packed with Argilla, which mops up excess oil from the surface of the skin, and kaolin which removes oil from the deeper skin layers, this mask will leave your face feeling squeaky clean.
Complete with a 5% dose of moisturising Panthenol B5, it helps reduce inflammation and helps stimulate the healing process.
Price: £14 | Buy it now from Lookfantastic
8. Kate Somerville EradiKate Foam-Activated Blemish Treatment Mask
Powered by a hefty 5% Sulfur formula, this brand has taken the US by storm and is now converting skincare lovers in the UK too.
It's been praised for its ability to dissolve impurities and unclog pores without stripping or over-drying the skin.
The foaming gel cream mask gently penetrates the skin to calm and soothe complexions and is complete with an advanced botanical complex featuring honey and rice bran extracts.
Price: £46 | Buy it now from Cult Beauty
Now you've seen the list, you're equipped to win the battle against acne with these top rated face masks for acne.
Now you can pick up the best cleansers and foundations for oily skin.
