Homemade Facial Masks for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin

by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist @ ABZ

Ever tried DIY face masks only to end up with a mess? No worries! We’ve got you covered with easy, unusual, and effective recipes that work wonders for oily and acne-prone skin.

homemade face mask

Homemade facial masks can be as effective as professional treatments, especially for oily and acne-prone skin. With just a few key ingredients and some time, you can create masks that help manage oil, reduce acne, and refresh your complexion.

Take a break and enjoy the benefits of DIY skincare—studies show that homemade masks can deliver impressive results. Use simple, often unexpected ingredients to tackle common issues like excess oil and blemishes.

Here are some unique recipes to customize your facial mask and address your skin's specific needs.

Facial mask for oily skin using cat litter

Homemade face mask for oily skin using clean cat litter.

Oily skin

Cat litter! Yes, clean, 100% clay cat litter is excellent for absorbing excess oil and detoxifying the skin. Its oil-absorbing properties help manage shine and reduce greasiness, making it an effective solution for oily skin. By drawing out impurities and excess sebum, this mask helps keep your skin balanced and refreshed.

NOTE: Use the plain 100% clay cat litter. Not the expensive “fancy” kind with special odor destroyers, special scents, or clumping action.

  • To make a cat litter mask – simply mix a cup of cat litter with enough water until it takes on a pastelike consistency. 
  • Massage this paste on oily areas of the face and let dry for about 15 minutes.
  • Then rinse well. It may be a little harder to rinse this, so you might wish to clean up in the shower and use a warm washcloth.

If you still have oily skin, follow up with a gentle at home toner of vinegar mixed with water. Helen of Troy and Roman women were said to have used this trick.

Best facial mask for blackheads and rough skin

Minimize pores and blackheads with an aspirin facial.

Rough, flaky, or dull complexion

Give your complexion a nice scrub with a mixture of Arm and Hammer baking soda and water.

  • Just add a small amount of water to a handful of baking soda and scrub all over.
  • Then rinse well. Apply your favorite moisturizer and you’ll notice how soft your skin will be. (Avoid the eye or sensitive areas.)

Need something stronger?

For stronger action against a dull complexion and clogged pores or blackheads, try a crushed aspirin facial.

What does an aspirin face mask do?

Pure, non-coated aspirin contains a form of Beta hydroxy acid (BHA). BHA's can help smooth and tighten the skin. It also reduces redness and inflammation.

Note: Just be sure to use plain, non-coated, aspirin.

Facial masks with honey

facial masks with honey

Moisture hydrating masks

Honey is not only hydrating but also excellent for acne-prone skin due to its antibacterial properties. For an oil-balancing effect, mix honey with lemon.

It also makes a great an anti-aging facial because of the loads of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found naturally in honey. 

  • Just mash them up, add a little water and massage gently over your face and neck. Leave on for 10-15 minutes and rinse well.
  • For extra hydration, add some organic extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil to your homemade facial mask for a youthful glow.

Egg white face mask

Egg facial mask

Tightening and Brightening Masks for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

Egg whites are fantastic for tightening and firming oily skin while helping to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. Simply mix 1-2 egg whites and apply them to your face and neck. Allow it to dry for a tightening effect.

For added benefits, include a bit of lemon juice or papaya to address blotchiness and uneven skin tone. This mask not only tightens but also helps control oil and enhance skin clarity.

Tip: Try not to move your face while the mask dries. And save the left over yolks for a dry skin mask.

Irritated or blotch skin?

Oatmeal and cucumbers are great for people with red and sensitive skin, as they are very soothing.

You may need a blender for these ingredients to get them a bit liquefied.

Don’t forget to wash off your homemade facial mask in your shower – it’s much cleaner that way!

coffee

Coffee beans for oily skin.

Struggling with blackheads or oily skin?

Add ground coffee beans to your homemade facial mask for a boost in oil control and blackhead reduction. Caffeine helps to improve circulation and unclog pores.

How Coffee Beans Can Help

The benefits of using ground coffee beans in homemade facial masks for oily skin and blackheads include:

Oil Control: Caffeine, found in coffee, can stimulate circulation and help regulate oil production. While coffee grounds themselves don't directly control oil, the massage and exfoliation can help manage excess sebum.

Blackhead Reduction: Coffee grounds provide gentle exfoliation, which can help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, potentially reducing blackheads.

Circulation and Detoxification: The massaging action and caffeine may enhance blood flow and support the removal of toxins from the skin.

However, while these effects can be beneficial, they are not a cure-all. Regular use and a comprehensive skincare routine are generally necessary for significant improvements in oily skin and blackheads.

Simply Mix:

Mix a tablespoon of cooled coffee grounds with a few drops of face oil, then massage it onto your face and neck.

This blend encourages lymphatic drainage, helping to clear out excess oil and reduce blackheads. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

FAQ: Homemade face masks

Do you have more questions about homemade masks? Ask your questions  here.

Q: Can face masks remove wrinkles?

A: Not really. Facial masks that exfoliate can help lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but won't remove wrinkles permanently. 

Q: What is the best homemade mask for face aging?

A: As we age, the biggest issues are dry skin, dull complexion, and fine lines. Any mask that hydrates and exfoliates can make quite a difference in your appearance.

  • You can target these two issues with one simple mask, make with sugar mixed with jojoba oil or olive oil.
  • Just mix a small amount of each into a paste and massage all over your face, neck, and chest.

Let it sit for a few minutes and rinse well. Then follow up (while your face is still damp) with a good moisturizer. Do this a few times a month. Most people see an improvement after the first treatment.

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About the Author:
Linda Robison is a Facial Fitness Specialist and the founder of Anti-Aging Beauty Zone. She shares expert insights on skincare, facial rejuvenation, and beauty treatments—blending traditional wisdom, personal experience, and science-backed research for both at-home and in-office solutions.

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