Sheet Masks for Acne: 7 Picks That Don't Cause Breakouts

Who doesn't love a face mask on a  #SkinCareSunday?

If you have acne-prone skin, the last thing you want is an occlusive material holding back bacteria, heat and sebum. That won't make you refreshed - it'll just give you a breakout. Some masks offer deep hydration and require heavy ingredients, but some don't work well. 

Heavy and/or comedogenic ingredients found in some face masks irritate the skin and may aggravate breakouts. That’s why, choosing the right sheet mask for your skin is crucial to prevent any flare-ups of breakouts on the skin. 

The Best Acne-Safe Sheet Mask should be formulated with such ingredients that are as follows:

• Non-Comedogenic
• Paraben Free
• Hypoallergenic
• Non-greasy
• Deeply Hydrating
• Support Barrier Repair
• Alcohol Free
• Non-Drying

The Top 7 Picks For Sheet Masks For Acne

1.  The Derma Co. 1% Salicylic Acid Sheet Mask 

First up, we've got The Derma Co. 1% Salicylic Acid Sheet Mask! 

Active ingredient alert - we've got a dose of salicylic acid at 1% which means it helps to get rid of pesky pimples while balancing the pores. 

If you've got sensitive skin and are wary of fragrances, we're here to tell you that this formula is fragrance-free.

Double win - along with being able to treat acne, this formula is packed with hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin at the same time.

2.  Garnier Bright Complete Anti Pimple Sheet Mask

Designed with a face contour fit that matches an Asian facial outline and fits perfectly in any skincare routine. This mask is created with biodegradable materials. Every sheet mask is enriched with the same amount of actives as 1 whole bottle of serum. It hydrates and smoothens your skin well. Enriched with the goodness of Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide & Vitamin C, it combats acne, gets rid of dark marks, illuminates your skin tone and is super hydrating.

3. Neutrogena Refreshingly Clear Grapefruit Mask 30 ml

If your pores have become congested, Neutrogena's Refreshingly Clear Grapefruit Mask is the best to use. This hydrogel mask is infused with grapefruit extract to deeply cleanse pores, banish blemishes and leave you with a cool, refreshing and purified feeling, particularly on breakout-prone and acne-prone skin that craves a clear complexion. It is made with 100% hydrogel technology, it adheres to your face and deeply hydrates repairing the skin barrier with a relaxing cool sensation. This is an easy-to-use refreshing mask to give your skin instant rejuvenation and glow in just 15 minutes, the perfect way to achieve some fast and easy skincare or a relaxing at-home self-care session.

4. Renee Salicylic Acid Sheet Mask

This sheet mask reduces the appearance of pores, acne, spots and fine lines and refreshes and moisturises tired and dry skin for every type of skin. It is enriched with the goodness of:

• Salicylic acid - unclogs pores, removes dead skin cells and reduces breakouts
• Niacinamide - evens out skin tone, pores, marks and redness
• Willow bark extract - absorbs oil and cleans pores
• Aloe vera - hydrates and calms inflammation
• Hyaluronic acid - plumps and moisturises skin barrier
• Glycolic acid - brightens the skin

5. Himalaya Dark Spot Clearing Turmeric Face Sheet Mask (30 g)

This mask features organically sourced turmeric and a potent combination of phytonutrients to help fade dark spots. 

This sheet mask is powered with the cold pressed extract of Turmeric, Niacinamide and Glycolic Acid that help combat free radicals, and enhance the skin's natural barrier function, leaving your skin visibly clear, healthy and radiant.

6. Beauty of Joseon Centella Asiatica Calming Mask (25 ml)

• Filled with soothing green tea extract for red, angry skin
• Has hyaluronic acid (3 types) for prolonged hydration and plumpness
• Contains cica extract to soothe distressed skin for a healthier look
• Crafted with a lightweight tencel sheet to maximize comfortability

7. Mamaearth Ubtan Bamboo Sheet Mask 

Antiseptic, Anti-inflammatory, pH balancing and anti-blemishing properties help the active ingredient reduce the formation of blemishes and clear patchy skin.

Green Tea – This component reduces signs of aging, prevents and soothes irritation, preventing acne. Additonally, it aids to reduce the appearance of swelling and redness with soothing.While fixing damage, Kiwi which is a highly antioxidant fruit brightens and repairs UV damage with vitamin C and E and antioxidants fight radicals and amino acids reducing the signs of premature ageing. It helps in reducing inflammation. Saffron extract helps in reducing the dark pigmentation to improve the unevenness in skin tone. 

Comparative Table 

The Truth Behind Breaking Out When You Apply a Sheet Mask Without First Washing Your Face

Sealing in bacteria and sebum 

An unwashed face is coated in everyday sweat, oils and bacteria that contribute to acne (such as C. Acnes), and the physical mask serves as an occlusive barrier that seals in this mix of pore-cloggers right up against your skin.

Pushing Impurities Deeper

Sheet masks contain a lot of moisturizing agents called humectants. This makes the skin permeable, thereby shoving more of the moisture into the skin. When using this on unwashed skin, you are forcing all of the surface grime and pollution even deeper down into your pores.

Inhibit Absorption Of Essence From Mask 

The dead skin cells and surface oil on your skin form a barrier which prevents nutrients in the mask from being adsorbed by skin in time. The interaction between the essence and surface oil will make skin tacky. They block the pores and cause the occurrence of black and whiteheads. 

Why Prep Your Skin With Alite Anti-Acne Face Wash Before Applying Sheet Mask?

Alite's Anti-Acne Face Wash can surely be your best buddy when it comes to managing and preventing acne while using a sheet mask. The various benefits to prevent breakouts offered by the Face Wash are:

• Deep Cleansing of the pores of the skin
• Controls Excess Oils by removal of excess sebum from the skin, making it fresh and non-greasy
• Reduces Dark Spots with prevention of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, acne breakouts and inflammation
• Soothes the Skin  by calming the inflamed skin with skin soothing agent like aloe vera
• Mild and Gentle formula doesn't damage the natural skin barrier
• Regulates the Sebaceous Glands with the action of Activated Charcoal Sebum Control Enzyme

Some of the best anti acne ingredients present in this gentle Cleanser are in the table below in order to understand how their mechanism of action prevents the acne:

The Best Routine To Add To Your Sunday Skincare Regime

1. Wash Face

Using Alite Anti-Acne Face Wash 

• Wash your hands
• Take a small amount of face wash on your hands
• Massage onto the face
• Gently lather
• Rinse well with water
• Pat dry with a clean towel

2. Put Non-Comedogenic Sheet Mask on

• Unfold sheet mask and press firmly onto face
• Leave on for 15-20 minutes only
• Ensure the sheet mask does not completely dry out on face
• Massage the Essence after removing the sheet mask
• Do not rinse off. 
• Gently pat excess serum on your skin to absorb

Key Takeaways

Sheet masks are definitely great for some intense self-care ritual but do not pick just about any. Your sensitive skin will blame the sheet mask if it suffers from pore blockage, and in the case of sensitive skin, this becomes very important to try out a mild, light-weight sheet mask. Non-comedogenic sheet masks for acne-prone skin are a blessing that support deep hydration.

Here are seven sheet masks that are perfect to fight acne, add hydration to your face, help you calm down, and fight dark spots.

1. The Derma Co. 1% Salicylic Acid Sheet Mask
2. Garnier Bright Complete Anti Pimple Sheet Mask
3. Neutrogena Refreshingly Clear Grapefruit Mask
4. RENEE Salicylic Acid Sheet Mask
5. Himalaya Dark Spot Clearing Turmeric Mask
6. Beauty of Joseon Centella Asiatica Calming Mask
7. Mamaearth Ubtan Bamboo Sheet Mask

However, if you're using sheet masks to fight acne, it might be useful to know what should ideally not be in your routine. 

If you decide to wear sheet masks over the oil and dirt still on your face, you'll be doing exactly the opposite. They would actually lead to a build-up of impurities on the skin. So make sure you wash your face properly and then use Alite Anti-Acne Face Wash before opting for your non-comedogenic sheet mask for better results.