Best Face Mask for Acne Scars According to Dermatologists

The best face masks for acne scars have ingredients that are mildly exfoliating and lightening such as lactic acid, salicylic acid and vitamin C. These ingredients smooth the texture of the skin and soften dark marks, making acne scars less visible. In this post I have found you the best face masks for acne scars that are recommended by dermatologists.

If you have dark marks and pigmentation left on the skin from acne scars it’s best to look for lightening ingredients in your face mask. Good lightening ingredients include vitamin C, aloe vera, lemon juice, pearl powder, licorice, potato, niacinamide or willow bark extract.

As well as dark spots, acne can cause ice pick scars, rolling acne scars and boxscar scars. Ice pick acne scars are deep holes in the skin’s surface that look like it’s been punctured, rolling acne scars form from scar tissue and give the skin a bumpy appearance, and boxscar scars are like craters in the skin.

To reduce these type of scars you should look for ingredients that are mildly exfoliating and can smooth the skin’s surface. Lactic acid is an excellent exfoliant for acne scars since it both smooths and lightens the skin. You should look for beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid, or alpha-hydroxy acids like glycolic acid, and lactic acid. These acids all provide gentle exfoliation to the skin’s surface.

I have hand picked the best face masks to reduce acne scarring as well as created a DIY recipe for acne scars so you can make your own mask at home.

This post is all about the best face mask for acne scars

Best Face Mask for Acne Scars

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1. Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask

The Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask is the best mask if acne has left you with raise scars and uneven skin. It contains pumpkin enzymes which help to resurface and refine the skin, as well as remove any dead skin cells. Any debris on the surface of the skin which could cause further breakouts is removed.

The formula also contains aluminium oxide crystals which are the same crystals that are used in microdermabrasion. They help to polish dull looking, uneven skin and clear out the pores to make the complexion brighter.

This mask has a lovely warming scent like cinnamon spiced pumpkin pie. Be aware that your skin may look red straight after use but the redness will disappear, and you will be left with luminous skin with velveteen softness.

How to Use: Massage a thin layer onto clean skin and leave for 5-7 minutes. Be aware if you have particularly sensitive skin you may only want to leave the mask for 3 minutes. You will notice results after the first use, but reapply 1-2 times a week to prevent further acne and scarring.

Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

2. REN Clean Skincare Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask

The REN Clean Skincare Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask contains both exfoliating and lightening ingredients. It has lactic, glycolic, tartaric and citric acids which all work together to remove dead skin cells and smooth any raised scars. It also contains papain enzyme from papaya which works to both resurface the skin and lighten any dark spots.

This is the best face mask for acne scars with uneven skin tone since the fruit acid complex unclogs and tightens the pores and gently refines the texture of the skin. The papaya and lactic acid both have lightening properties and reduce dark spots and uneven skin tone.

The formula also contains grape seed oil, blackcurrant seed oil, and cranberry seed oil which contain vitamin e and fatty acids that help to moisturise the skin and protect the skin barrier. They also help to prevent the acids in the formula from causing dry skin.

How to Use: Apply a generous amount to the skin and leave for 10 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water.

Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Related: Glycolic Acid Vs Salicylic Acid for Acne – Which one is Better?

3. GlamGlow Flashmud Brightening Treatment Mask

The Flashmud Brightening Treatment by Glamglow is excellent for diminishes dark spots and dullness. It contains skin lightening ingredients such as willow bark and niacinamide as well as salicylic acid and diamond powder to brighten and exfoliate the top layer of the skin.

The mask also contains kaolin clay which helps to absorb excess oil and prevent future breakouts on oily skin. Kaolin clay is one of the best natural ingredients for acne-prone skin since it has antibacterial properties and helps to purify the skin.

How to Use: Apply the mask to dry skin and leave for 20 minutes. The mask turns semi-transparent as it dries. Rinse off with water. Use 2-3 times per week.

Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

4. Pink Clay Mask by Sun Prive

Most Affordable Face Mask for Acne Scars

This is a really affordable but effective face mask for acne scars. It contains green tea extract which contains caffeine and tea tannins which brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of any dark patches. It’s also rich in Mangosteene which is an Australian fruit that contains the highest known natural source of vitamin C.

Not only does this mask reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation but it also helps to stimulate collagen production helping the skin to heal faster and reducing fine lines. The added vitamin E has antioxidant properties and protects the skin from free radicals which lead to premature skin ageing.

The formula also contains Old Man Weed which is a traditional indigenous medicinal remedy with antimicrobial properties to target the cause of acne. Vitamin A encourages cell turnover and is perfect for oily complexions to achieve clearer skin.

This mask contains bentonite clay which promotes skin regeneration and healing, and is known to fade acne scars significantly.

How to Use: Apply the thick paste over the entire face avoiding the eye area. Leave for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with water.

Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

5. Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Gel Mask

The Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Gel Mask was designed specifically to target facial scarring and uneven skin texture. It contains Acerola cherry which is rich in vitamin C and encourages natural cell renewal without compromising the skin’s ph level.

The mask has a cooling gel formula and contains papain from papaya which helps to fade discolouration on the skin. It also contains enzymes that effectively break up the layer of dead skin cells that accumulate on the skin’s surface. In just two weeks the skin will start to appear clearer and more supple.

How to Use: Apply 3-4 pumps onto clean skin. Leave for 8-10 minutes before rinsing off. You may feel a tingling sensation as the active ingredients work on your skin.

Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

6. Tata Harper New Advanced Formula Resurfacing Mask

The Tata Harper New Advanced Formula Resurfacing Mask is one of the more expensive face masks I tried for acne scars, but in my opinion well worth the extra cost. It contains beta hydroxy acids from white willow bark and pomegranate enzymes which help to remove raised scars left behind from cystic acne.

This formula contains rose flower oil which has astringent properties and helps to tighten pores and control sebum production. It also contains Kaolin clay which is a common clay used in acne masks to naturally exfoliate the skin.

This mask can be used on any skin type and can be used as a targeted treatment as well as a face mask. If you want to use the mask as a spot treatment, dab a small amount directly onto the pimple and leave overnight. The witch hazel and willow bark will reduce redness and inflammation. Since willow is a natural source of salicylic acid it can gently clear the blocked pores without the need for drying chemicals.

How to Use: Apply a thick layer onto the skin and leave on for 20 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Use up to 3 times a week.

Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

7. Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Enzyme Masque

The Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Enzyme Masque helps to smooth raised acne scars and uneven skin as well as dissolve dead skin cells on the skin’s surface. It contains vitamin C to minimise dark marks left behind from acne, as well as hyaluronic acid to help the skin retain moisture.

This is a good face mask if you have dull skin from a build up of dead skin cells on the surface layer of the skin. The vitamin C combined with natural fruit enzymes gently exfoliate and brighten the skin, making it look more radiant. It also clears out the pores helping to prevent acne forming in the first place.

Regular use of this mask will lead to more beautiful skin and a reduction in the number acne lesions. It contains hydrating ingredients so would be the right face mask for you if you have acne prone skin which is prone to dehydration.

How to Use: Apply a generous amount to clean skin and leave for 5-30 minutes. Rinse with warm water. This mask can be used daily or as required.

Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Homemade Facial Mask for Acne Scars

If you prefer to make your own facial masks this is easy to do at home using ingredients such as egg white, tea tree oil, orange peel, aloe vera gel, and almond milk.

One of my most effective home remedies for acne scarring is made with aloe vera leaf, licorice powder, almond flour, tea tree oil and apple cider vinegar.

Aloe vera, tea tree oil and licorice all help to lighten the pigmentation in scar tissue. Tree tree oil also has antibacterial properties so can help to reduce any current blemishes. Creams containing both aloe vera gel and tea tree oil have been clinically proven to reduce acne scarring.

The almond flour acts as a natural exfoliant which helps to remove dry, dead skin and leaves skin more luminous and radiant. I also add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the mask since apple cider vinegar is also a natural exfoliant which helps to absorbs excess oil and unblock the pores.

What You Will Need For Your DIY Face Mask for Acne Scars

• 4-6 drops tea tree oil
• 1 tablespoon licorice powder
• 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
• 1 tablespoon almond flour
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar

Directions to Make Your DIY Face Mask

1. Mix all of the ingredients together until it forms a paste
2. Smooth the mask evenly over you face avoiding the eye area
3. Leave for 30 minutes
4. Rinse off with warm water
5. Reapply twice a week

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

OTHER TREATMENT FOR ACNE SCARS

• Red Light Therapy for Acne Scars
• Alpha Arbutin for Acne Scars and Hyperpigmentation
• The Ordinary Peeling Solution for Acne Scars
• The Ordinary for Acne Scars: 9 Best Products and How to Use Them

OTHER POSTS RELATING TO ACNE

• Homemade Face Mask for Acne: 20 Natural Recipes to Make at Home
• Best Vitamins for Acne – 5 Amazing Supplements to Clear Your Skin
• 21 Best Body Washes for Sensitive Acne Prone Skin
• 21 Best Toners for Oily Skin and Large Pores
• 5 Best Cerave Products for Acne that will Clear Your Skin!

POSTS FROM OTHER BEAUTY BLOGGERS

If you found this article helpful, you may enjoy the following posts from beauty bloggers that I follow and trust.

RUTH CRILLY

• How Can I Reduce Pigmentation and Acne Scarring?
• Best Skin Resurfacing Face Masks
• Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion: Bye Bye Scrubs

CAROLINE HIRONS

• What Does Lactic Acid Do?
• Top 10 Acid Toners
• Sunday Riley Good Genes with Lactic (not Glycolic) Acid

REALLY REE

• Pestle and Mortar NMF Lactic Acid Toner Review
• Oskia Liquid Mask Lactic Acid Micro-Peel Review
• Omorovicza Acid Fix Review – Resurface, Brighten & Plump

BRITISH BEAUTY BLOGGER

• Elemis Pro-Collagen Tri-Acid Peel
• Murad Replenishing Multi-Acid Peel
• Murad Vita-C Triple Exfoliating Facial Review

This post was all about the best face mask for acne scars

Thank you for reading my post about the best face mask for acne scars. If you have tried any of the masks I have recommended, or made your own diy face masks then please leave me a comment below and let me know how you got on. If you have acne or acne scarring, using clay masks as part of your skincare routine is a good way to get smoother, clearer skin. As well as beta and alpha hydroxyl acids, benzoyl peroxide is also a good ingredient to use regularly if you have overly oily acne prone skin.