Dermalogica Sebum Clearing Masque Review: Can it Help Treat Your Acne?

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Clay masks are nothing new. In fact, they actually date back to over 5000 years ago, when Ayurvedic traditions encouraged their use on both the face and the body before weddings and other such rituals.

That said, clay masks have come a long way since then. In addition to clay, they contain a plethora of other ingredients capable of targeting a wide range of skin concerns, giving them a multi-purpose versatility that so many find appealing.

The Sebum Clearing Masque from Dermalogica is a great example. It claims to tackle multiple skin issues at the same time, but is it really effective at doing so, or does the brand simply have a good marketing team? That’s exactly what we wanted to find out…

What is the Dermalogica Sebum Clearing Masque?

The Dermalogica Sebum Clearing Masque is a clay masque designed for people with oily skin. It comes in a 2.5oz tube, and each application is meant to make a visible difference to the skin in a few different ways.

What Beauty Benefits Will This Anti-Sebum Mask Bring to Your Skin?

As mentioned, this mask offers up multiple skin benefits. Let’s take a closer look at some of the main ones:

Dermalogica Sebum Masque

Removes Excess Sebum for Breakout Control

One of the biggest acne triggers out there is when sebum settles into the pores, leading to blockages, inflammation, and pimples.

However, this mask is able to counter that. It absorbs excess oils from deep within the pores, enabling it to put a stop to acne development before it has even properly started.

This also has the added benefit of mattifying the skin, leaving the face looking smooth and healthy rather than greasy and shiny.

Can Soothe Aggravation Brought on by Breakouts & Blemishes

If you’re currently dealing with active acne, then this means that inflammation in your skin is rife. In order to clear breakouts, you’ll need to focus on reducing that inflammation, which this mask promises to help with.

It’s able to soothe breakout irritation, both on the surface of the skin as well as in the pores, thanks to its calming botanicals, giving you clear and happy skin in no time at all.

Reduces Fine Dehydration Lines and Wrinkles

Many often make the mistake of neglecting to properly hydrate oily skin, believing that all of that excess oil will do the job for them. However, oil is very different from water, and it’s water that your skin cells need in order to function optimally. A lack of moisture leads to dehydration lines and wrinkles, accelerating the overall skin aging process.

This mask promises to minimize premature signs of skin aging by delivering a number of hydrating ingredients deep into the skin. This plumps up skin cells from within, which refines skin texture to leave it looking smooth, firm, and youthful.

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Evens Out the Skin Tone

Those with acne-prone skin will be all-too-familiar with the hyperpigmentation often left behind by breakouts. This is why any good product designed for oily skin will contain ingredients capable of lightening and brightening those acne marks.

This mask does exactly that – it’s infused with compounds that reduce excess melanin production, which clears away dark spots to leave you with an even skin tone.

Pretty girl with even skin tone using toner on cotton pads

Key Ingredients

How is this mask able to do so much for the skin? It all comes down to the carefully selected active ingredients that Dermalogica has incorporated into this formula:

Salicylic Acid

This beta-hydroxy acid is a must-have for anyone dealing with acne. Studies have found that salicylic acid is extremely effective at reducing the number of acne lesions on the skin – in fact, it works even better than benzoyl peroxide, yet without the unwanted side effects [1].

What makes it such a powerhouse? Well, not only does it unclog blockages in pores, but it also reduces the excess production of sebum, enabling it to both treat and prevent breakouts.

Kaolin & Bentonite

Both kaolin and bentonite are types of clay. These oil-absorbing clays help detoxify skin by binding themselves to the sebum in your pores. Once you wash the clays off, all of that oil that they’ve attached themselves to will also be rinsed away. This helps to prevent pore congestion and clogged pores, which therefore stops breakouts from forming.

Chestnut extract being used for medicinal and skincare

Horse Chestnut Seed Extract

This is an ingredient that you don’t often see in skin care products, yet it offers up some fantastic benefits for the complexion. For starters, it contains more antioxidants than many of the other plant extracts out there [2], enabling it to protect your skin cells from damage.

It’s also known for its calming, anti-irritant properties, making it the perfect addition to this soothing clay masque.

Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract)

Another antioxidant-rich botanical extract, cinnamon is often used to treat hyperpigmentation and discoloration.

However, it’s also a fantastic anti-aging ingredient because of how it supports collagen synthesis in the skin [3].

Oat Kernel Extract

Oatmeal is a popular ingredient in at-home skincare recipes, mainly because of how soothing it is. Research shows that oats, including oat kernel extract, have anti-inflammatory properties [4] that make them a great match for every skin type. It reduces irritation and protects the skin, which is especially useful in a spot treatment masque.

These effects are enhanced even further when combined with bisabolol, which you’ll also find in this clay mask.

Safflower Seed Oil

When it comes to hydrating ingredients, safflower oil is one of the best. Not only does it effectively moisturize the skin, helping to treat breakouts and minimize premature aging, but it’s also loaded with antioxidants to keep your skin cells healthy.

Niacinamide & Licorice

Although these two ingredients are very different, they both have similar effects when it comes to evening out the skin tone. They work by preventing melanin from clustering underneath the skin, thereby fading hyperpigmentation.

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Does This Product Work? Here’s What Customer Reviews Say About Results

We took a look at hundreds of product reviews and the majority of them were very positive. People love how this mask acts as a spot treatment for both oily and combination skin, making it especially useful for those with a greasy t-zone.

It offers natural exfoliation, helps with enlarged pores, and keeps the skin calm and happy.

The only negative reviews that we could find were written by those with dry or sensitive skin. However, considering that this formula has been designed for oilier skin types that are acne-prone, this isn’t really an issue.

How to Use This Face Mask

Woman applying face mask in the bathroom

Some clay face masks can be downright messy and annoying to use, but Dermalogica has made this one as simple as possible.

You’ll need to start with a cleansed face – we would recommend using Dermalogica products for this, such as the skin purifying wipes or the prescribed Medibac clearing regimen.

Then, apply a smooth layer of the mask over your entire face and throat, keeping it away from your eye area. Leave it to sit for 10 minutes and enjoy the cooling sensation that you’ll feel. Then, rinse it off with warm water and follow up with an oil control lotion or a moisturizer.

Dermalogica recommends that this mask should be used three times a week.

Purchase & Shipping Information For Dermalogica Products

Ready to shop for this mask? We’ve scoured the net looking for good prices, and the best deals are to be found on Dermalogica’s official website. Plus, not only will you be able to benefit from their different shipping options, but you’ll also be guaranteed a genuine product.

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FAQ:

Woman in bath towel with face mask cream on

Q: What does a sebum clearing mask do?

A sebum clearing mask removes excess sebum from the skin.

Q: Do clay masks get rid of sebum?

Yes, clay has sebum-absorbing properties, making it great for getting rid of sebum.

Q: Are clay masks good for your skin?

Clay masks are great for your skin, so long as you use one designed for your skin type.

Q: How often/how many times a week should you use Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Masque?

This mask can be used up to 3 times a week.

Q: What dissolves sebum in pores?

A thin layer of salicylic acid is great for dissolving sebum in pores.

Q: Does Dermatologica work for acne?

Yes, Dermalogica products are fantastic for acne.

Q: Is Medibac the best thing for acne prone skin?

Medibac, combined with other acne treatments, is great for people who are acne-prone.

Q: Is the Overnight Clearing Gel any good?

Yes, it’s an effective overnight acne treatment.

Dermalogica Sebum Clearing Masque Review Conclusion: Should You Buy it?

If you’re looking for an acne treatment that not only works well but also feels great and is fun to use, then we would highly recommend giving Dermalogica’s Sebum Clearing Masque a try.

Granted, it may cost a little more than some of the other face masks out there, but the fact that this one is able to both treat and prevent acne while also hydrating the skin to reduce visible signs of aging makes it well worth spending a little more on.

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References

[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1535287/
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18503457/
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22233457/
[4] https://jddonline.com/articles/dermatology/S1545961615P0043X

Avatar for Megan Foley

Megan has been a freelance writer and editor since 2016. In that time, she’s penned a diverse collection of articles for online publication, with a focus on skincare and beauty. From in-depth product reviews to concise marketing content, Megan is passionate about developing content that informs, entertains, and inspires.