8 Easy DIY Peel-Off Face Mask Recipes for Acne and Glowing Skin

• Peel-off face masks trap and remove dirt, grime and dead skin cells, and can provide a thorough surface cleanse.
• Homemade peel-off masks can be formulated with selected ingredients to suit any skin type and treat a range of skin conditions.
• The peel-off process can be painful, and may cause damage to healthy skin.

DIY peel-off face mask formulas consist of a gel or paste-like substance that adheres to the skin and dries upon application. Unlike face masks, which are washed off, these are peeled off, removing impurities such as dirt and dead skin from the skin’s surface. However skin can become irritated or damaged in the process.

Peel-off masks are readily available to purchase. However, homemade formulas offer the advantages of customizing ingredients and choosing the desired skin care benefits.

Benefits of Peel-off Face Masks

The active ingredients in peel-off masks loosen oil, dead skin and other debris from the surface of the skin. These impurities become trapped as the mask hardens, and the peel-off process then physically strips them away.

By removing pore-clogging materials and reducing oil buildup, these masks can help decrease acne formation. The combined effects of the ingredients and the removal process also provide an exfoliating effect that leaves the skin feeling soft, refreshed and deeply cleansed, leading to a brighter and clearer complexion.

Peel-off masks can also be formulated with a variety of added ingredients to provide a range of additional skin care benefits, and to make them more suitable for specific skin types.

DIY vs. commercial peel-off face masks

Commercial masks often include chemicals such as glycerin and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to help them adhere to the skin. Although these chemicals are nontoxic, they can irritate dry or sensitive skin.

DIY formulas can replace these chemicals with gentle, natural ingredients that are less likely to cause irritation. DIY masks also offer more freedom in terms of ingredient selection: they can be customized to treat a wide variety of conditions and address the needs of any skin type.

However, as commercial peel-off mask products are formulated and tested in a controlled environment, they tend to provide more consistent results, and are less likely to cause side effects and irritation. They may also be formulated with added beneficial ingredients that are difficult to find in a form that can be incorporated into DIY formulas.

What Do Dermatologists Think of Peel-off Face Masks?

The efficacy and safety of peel-off masks is a topic of contention among dermatologists. Some of their purported benefits are not supported by science, and they are known to strip away healthy skin cells. Many dermatologists believe these masks are ineffective and harmful.

Safety concerns

Removing these masks can sometimes be painful and damaging. Small hairs often become trapped in these masks, and are pulled out during the peel-off process. Healthy skin cells may also be ripped away, leaving the raw skin underneath exposed and vulnerable to inflammation.

The skin’s barrier function can also be disrupted when the mask is removed, which can lead to loss of moisture and irritation. Masks containing charcoal can also aggressively strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it unbalanced. These effects can be particularly detrimental to dry and sensitive skin.

Are they effective?

Peel-off masks can effectively remove oil, dead skin, dirt and debris from surface skin, which can reduce acne formation and brighten a dull complexion. However, some masks are marketed as being able to remove blackheads, but this is inaccurate. Peel-off formulas do not penetrate the skin deeply enough to extract blackheads from pores.

The impurities drawn out by these masks are actually sebaceous filaments, small accumulations of oil and dead skin cells that develop in follicles around the nose. They appear naturally in healthy facial skin, and removing them has no function in treating or preventing acne.

What’s in a DIY peel-off face mask?

All peel-off face masks contain a base ingredient that enables them to adhere to the skin and harden. DIY masks most commonly make use of either glue, gelatin or egg whites.

Other ingredients vary depending on the specific skin type or condition targeted by the mask. Common ingredients include honey, milk, charcoal, fruit extracts and essential oils.

Glue

Glue is a common ingredient in DIY peel-off masks as it is easily obtainable and has strong adhesion; masks containing glue are very effective at trapping skin impurities. As glue masks harden and solidify when they dry, they typically peel off in one single piece, and do not leave behind any residue.

Gelatin

Peel-off masks formulated with gelatin offer a gentler alternative to glue. The malleability of gelatin makes these masks easier to peel off than glue-based ones. Gelatin is also water soluble, so if a gelatin mask is uncomfortable to remove, it can be washed off instead.

Gelatin, however, is an animal byproduct; it is made from collagen extracted from the bones, skin and connective tissues of animals. This may make such products undesirable for vegetarians.

Egg whites

Egg whites are another popular base for masks. Application of these masks typically involves a layering process – a layer of egg white, followed by a piece of thin tissue paper and then another layer of egg white. After drying, this results in a translucent white face mask that peels away easily.

Egg white masks are purported to be the gentlest DIY option available, however they involve a messier and more complicated application process. They are also extremely fragile, which makes them less effective at pulling away surface impurities than other peel-off masks.

Ingredients to avoid in DIY face masks

When using glue as the adhesive base for your DIY mask, avoid strong ones such as superglue which can damage skin, and choose only those identified as nontoxic.

If you are adding charcoal to your face mask formulation, select only activated charcoal. Other preparations may be too abrasive, and are likely to deplete your skin’s natural oils.

Lastly, be sure to select ingredients well suited to your skin type and skin care needs.

DIY Peel-off Face Mask Recipes for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin  

Target oily and acne-prone skin and prevent breakouts with a mask containing anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and oil-absorbing ingredients. Witch hazel, honey and tea tree oil ease irritation and prevent infection, while charcoal absorbs excess sebum from the skin.

Honey and turmeric peel-off mask for acne-prone skin

Curcumin, a chemical component found in turmeric, has been found to fight skin infections and reduce inflammation. Coconut vinegar and honey—especially Manuka honey—have antibacterial properties, while witch hazel reduces inflammation.

Ingredients:

• 3 tsp coconut vinegar
• 3 tsp witch hazel
• 1/2 tsp Manuka honey
• 1 drop turmeric essential oil
• 2 tsp unflavored gelatin powder
• 1 tbsp warm water

Instructions:

1. Combine gelatin powder and water in a heat-resistant glass bowl
2. Heat the bowl in a microwave for 10 seconds; stir until the gelatin powder dissolves
3. Let the mixture cool until it begins to thicken
4. Add coconut vinegar, witch hazel, honey and turmeric oil; stir until fully blended
5. Cool; apply to clean, dry skin with a brush
6. Wait 15 minutes; gently peel off mask

Honey and tea tree oil peel-off mask for acne-prone skin

Target acne-prone skin with a mask combining the antimicrobial properties of both honey and tea tree oil. Use with caution, however, as tea tree oil can sometimes cause irritation and swelling when applied to sensitive skin.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp unflavored gelatin powder
• 1 tbsp manuka honey
• 2 drops tea tree oil
• 2 tbsp warm water

Instructions:

1. Combine gelatin powder and water in a heat-resistant glass bowl
2. Heat the bowl in a microwave for 10 seconds; stir until the gelatin powder dissolves
3. Let the mixture cool until it begins to thicken
4. Add honey and tea tree oil drops; stir until fully blended
5. Apply to clean, dry skin with a brush
6. Wait 15 minutes, then carefully peel off the mask

Charcoal peel-off mask with gelatin for oily skin

The absorbent quality of charcoal particles is ideal for removing excess oil from the surface of the skin. However, this also has the potential to strip the skin of its natural oils; those with dry or sensitive skin should avoid charcoal face masks.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 tsp activated charcoal powder
• 1/2 tsp unflavored gelatin powder
• 1 tbsp warm water

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl until they form a paste
2. Apply to clean, dry skin with a brush
3. Wait 30 minutes, then carefully peel off the mask
4. If any residue is left behind, or if the mask is too painful to peel off, it can be wiped away with a warm, wet towel

Charcoal peel-off mask with glue for oily skin

Charcoal peel-off masks made with a glue base will effectively pull away heavy grime buildup. Remove these masks gently and slowly to avoid irritating or damaging the surface skin.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp activated charcoal powder
• 2 tsp nontoxic PVA glue

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl until they form a paste
2. Apply to clean, dry skin with a brush
3. Wait 15 minutes, then carefully peel off the mask 

Lemon and egg peel-off mask for acne-prone skin

Egg whites contain lysozyme, an enzyme with antibacterial properties, which may make them a suitable ingredient in a mask tailored for acne-prone skin.

Ingredients:

• 1 egg white
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Tissue paper

Instructions:

1. Combine egg white and lemon juice in a bowl
2. Apply half of the mixture to clean, dry skin with a brush
3. Gently press tissue paper onto your skin so that it adheres to the mixture
4. Wait 5 minutes, then apply the rest of the mixture over the tissue paper layer with a brush
5. Wait 15 minutes, then carefully peel off the mask

DIY Peel-off Face Mask Recipes for Glowing and Hydrated Skin

DIY masks that incorporate antioxidants such as honey and vitamin C, exfoliants such as lactic acid or moisturizers such as almond milk will brighten skin and promote a glowing complexion.

Honey and egg peel-off mask for dull skin

Honey has powerful antioxidant properties, while milk contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid known to bolster collagen production. A formula combining these two ingredients will increase skin cell turnover rate, encouraging a brighter and healthier complexion.

Ingredients:

• 1 egg white
• 1 tsp gelatin powder
• 1 tsp Manuka honey
• 1½ tbsp whole milk

Instructions:

1. Combine the gelatin powder and milk in a heat-resistant glass bowl
2. Heat the bowl in a microwave for 10 seconds; stir until the gelatin powder dissolves
3. Let the mixture cool until it begins to thicken
4. Add egg white and honey; stir until fully blended
5. Apply to clean, dry skin with a brush
6. Wait 15 minutes, then carefully peel off the mask 

Almond rose peel-off mask for dry skin

Almond milk is rich in nutrients, and its high vitamin E content promotes hydrated, supple skin. Almond oil is also an effective emollient, and has been found to improve the skin’s barrier function. These ingredients inhibit moisture loss and encourage a bright, healthy complexion.

Ingredients:

• 3 tsp almond milk
• 3 tsp rose hydrosol
• 3 drops almond oil
• 2 tsp unflavored gelatin powder

Instructions:

1. Combine gelatin powder and almond milk in a heat-resistant glass bowl
2. Heat the bowl in a microwave for 10 seconds; stir until the gelatin powder dissolves
3. Let the mixture cool until it begins to thicken
4. Add rose hydrosol and almond oil; stir until fully blended
5. Apply to clean, dry skin with a brush
6. Wait 15 minutes, then carefully peel off the mask

Orange and yogurt peel-off mask for dull skin

Orange flower water is rich in vitamin C, which has antioxidant properties and stimulates collagen production. These combined effects encourage a firm, smooth skin texture and a bright complexion.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp plain yogurt
• 2 tsp coconut vinegar
• 4 tsp orange flower water
• 2 tsp unflavored gelatin powder

Instructions:

1. Combine gelatin powder and orange flower water in a heat-resistant glass bowl
2. Heat the bowl in a microwave for 10 seconds; stir until the gelatin powder dissolves
3. Let the mixture cool until it begins to thicken
4. Add vinegar and yogurt; stir until fully blended
5. Apply to clean, dry skin with a brush
6. Wait 15 minutes, then carefully peel the mask off

Alternatives to Homemade Peel-off Face Masks

Although they provide a slightly less effective surface cleanse than peel-off varieties, wash-off face masks offer a more gentle alternative. These masks also loosen surface debris, but do not adhere to the skin, and can be easily rinsed away without causing discomfort or irritation to skin. Wash-off mask formulations may be purchased or made at home from natural ingredients.

DIY peel-off masks can exfoliate by stripping away dead cells, but they often do so aggressively. Chemical exfoliants are specially formulated to loosen dead skin cells without harming the skin. These products commonly contain a mixture of alpha and beta hydroxy acids.

Specially formulated commercial cleansers penetrate the layers of the skin more deeply than DIY peel-off formulas, and are more effective at cleansing pores and breaking up blackheads. 

Most cleansers contain salicylic acid, which reduces sebum production, exfoliates the skin and reduces inflammation. Regular application of cleansers as a part of your daily skin routine can reduce the severity and frequency of breakouts, and prevent the formation of blackheads.

Takeaway

Homemade masks effectively remove impurities from the skin’s surface, and carefully selected ingredients can help to address a number of skin concerns. However, these masks are not without potential risks, and their removal process can cause damage and irritation, especially for those with dry or sensitive skin.

DIY peel-off face masks are made with glue or gelatin, or egg whites and tissue. Glue-based masks are the most effective at removing impurities and cleansing skin. However, they are also the most likely to unintentionally remove areas of healthy skin. Egg white-based masks are the gentlest, but are less effective at removing debris.

Ingredients such as witch hazel and tea tree oil will provide acne-fighting benefits, while ingredients such as vitamin C, lactic acid and almond milk revitalize the skin and brighten the complexion.

Those with particularly dry and sensitive skin should avoid DIY peel-off masks and instead make use of wash-off formulations with moisturizing ingredients.