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The 5 Best Charcoal Masks For Treating Oily Skin
by BDG Commerce
Bustle

Caring for oily skin is all about balance. In an effort to quell oil-production, people with oily skin often turn to harsh, drying ingredients that wind up compromising their skin's moisture barrier — which can lead to a difficult combination of even more oil, increased sensitivity, and patches of dry skin. When it comes to how to treat oily skin, it's important stick to a skin care routine for oily skin focused on cleansing gently, never skipping your moisturizer, and using treatment products — like masks or peels — once or twice a week. And adding the best charcoal masks for oily skin into that routine could help your skin significantly.

Charcoal masks are an amazing treatment for oily skin because they help draw sebum, dirt, and makeup residue out of your pores. Our pores are incredibly important to the skin's natural cleansing system, and when they get clogged with gunk bacteria has a prime place to grow, which is a major cause of acne. Over time, regular use of charcoal masks can lead to clearer pores that can do their job better, by removing excess oil from your face and helping to balance the skin.

These five highly-reviewed charcoal masks are worthy of a permanent place in your beauty rotation!

1

This Rich Oxygenating Bubble Mask

Imagine Dermatology Bubbling Charcoal Mask, $18, Amazon

Effectiveness aside, bubble masks are a major win in the skintertainment department. There's nothing like watching a mask go from liquid to a rich, frothy bubble-beard in minutes, complete with the snap, crackle, and pop soundtrack to bubble magic. The Imagine Dermatology Bubbling Charcoal Mask gently bubbles impurities and excess sebum out of the pores, allowing oxygen to enter, without the drying effect of many clay masks. And, this mask is formulated without harsh sulfates or fragrance, so it's suitable for sensitive skin types.

2

This Hot & Cool Mask Duo That Clears and Tightens Pores

Caolion Premium Hot & Cool Pore Pack Duo, $23, Amazon

The Caolion Premium Hot & Cool Pore Pack Duo features two separate clay masks, designed to work best in tandem. The Blackhead Steam Pore Pack is a self-heating mask that becomes warm when applied to the skin. The warmth helps to relax the skin while grain powder gently removes dead skin cells, allowing blackheads and excess sebum to be more easily drawn from the pores.

The cool Pore Original Pack is formulated with menthol, to help calm, de-puff, and tighten pores. Because menthol helps to reduce inflammation, this mask is a great option for people with oily, acne-prone skin.

3

This Soothing & Clarifying Sheet Mask

Dr.Jart+ Pore Minimalist Mask Black Charcoal Sheet Mask (5 Sheets), $30, Amazon

The Dr. Jart Pore Minimalist Black Charcoal Sheet Mask is a much less messy alternative to traditional charcoal wash-off masks. Overproduction of oil can lead to enlarged pores over time, because excess sebum can fill up the pore, causing it to stretch. This mask features spearmint, which is believed to improve elasticity, and help pores become more resilient against stretching.

4

This Cult Favorite Clay Mask Made With Bamboo Charcoal

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask. $21, Amazon

The Origins Clear Improvements Active Charcoal Mask is a favorite for people with oily skin that's also sensitive. Many clay masks go way overboard, drying and irritating the skin after use, but a great mask should never do that!

The bamboo charcoal in this mask works to gently draw out excess sebum from the pores, while soothing ingredients help prevent irritation. Apply this mask for 10 minutes after cleansing and toning the skin. With weekly use, you should start to see results in four weeks.

5

This Salicylic Acid Charcoal Mask For Acne-Prone Skin

Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask, $10, Amazon

The Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask is formulated with 0.5% salicylic acid, which helps treat acne by gently exfoliating the skin, unclogging pores, and reducing inflammation. This clarifying mud mask features a blend of soothing botanical ingredients — including aloe vera, tomato, and chamomile — to condition skin while removing excess oil.

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