9 DIY Face Masks to Unclog Pores

Pumpkin papaya facial mask

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According to Puristry, an organic skincare products company that shared this recipe, “Since the enzymes in pumpkin and papaya will already be working hard to break down skin’s top layer of dead cells, massaging this mask into the skin is not necessary. If you’d like a deeper exfoliating effect, gently and slowly massage mask into skin for 30 seconds before allowing to set.”

What you’ll need:

2 tablespoons pure pumpkin puree

1/2 cup diced fresh papaya
2 teaspoons fresh, organic coffee grounds
1 teaspoon Purity Restorative Facial Oil or jojoba oil

Directions:

1. Mix pumpkin and papaya in a food processor on low until evenly combined.
2. Whisk in facial oil and coffee grounds until smooth and evenly dispersed.
3. Apply to face and neck, then leave on for 15 minutes.
4. Rinse with warm water.

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Orange-honey facial mask

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Did you know that honey is naturally antibacterial? Because it’s so full of antioxidants, the sticky substance is great for acne prevention and tissue regeneration, shares the mask’s creator, Rochelle Maribojoc at Spa Pechanga. Meanwhile, the citric acid in orange juice aids in skin exfoliation and the sea salt preserves the mixture, so it will keep in your shower or bathroom unrefrigerated for at least 1 ½ weeks.

What you’ll need:

½ cup raw honey
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice (the more pulp, the better)
1 tablespoon sea salt

Directions:

1. Mix honey and orange juice to form a paste. If needed, add more honey to thicken.
2. Apply to dry, clean skin and leave on for about 15 minutes.
3. Rinse well with lukewarm water.

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Green tea facial mask

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“Excess sebum production is associated with pore enlargement and is one of the causes of acne,” says Rebecca Lee, RN, and founder of RemediesForMe.com. “EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) found in green tea inhibits an enzyme found in sebaceous glands and reduces sebum secretion, which is associated with enlarged pores.”

What you’ll need:

1 tablespoon green tea powder
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon sugar

Directions:

1. Mix all the ingredients.
2. Apply the paste over your face–avoiding your mouth, eyes, and eyebrows.
3. Massage the paste for 1 to 2 minutes in slow circular movements.
4. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes, then wash off.

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Cinnamon and aloe vera facial mask

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“Use this mask to remove blackheads and unclog pores,” shares Lee. However, if you have sensitive skin, this mask may be too irritating for you.

What you’ll need:

1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon honey
1⁄4 cup aloe vera gel

Directions:

1. Mix all the ingredients together.
2. Apply the paste over your face–avoiding your mouth, eyes, and eyebrows.
3. Rub the paste over the face for one minute, in slow circular movements.
4. Leave on for ten minutes then wash off with lukewarm water.