In the quest for smooth, youthful skin, we all face different issues. For some, it might be wrinkles. For others, it might be acne that always seems to pop up at the worst times. Thankfully, there’s a natural way to clear up acne-prone skin with only a few simple ingredients found in your kitchen. Here are the best acne-fighting face masks to help clear up even the worst acne outbreaks, and help keep them away for good. Let’s get started!

OATMEAL & COCONUT OIL

• Scoop 3 tablespoons of oatmeal into a mixing bowl.

• Add ¼ cup of warm water.

• Mix until you’ve made a paste.

• Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and mix well.

• Wash your face and neck with warm water and an oil-free cleanser to cleanse your face and open pores.

• Apply the mixture and let it sit for 15 minutes.

• When the 15 minutes are up, gently massage your entire face using small circular motions for another 2 minutes. This brief massage will help remove dead skin cells, that if left, can clog pores.

• Finally, rinse the mask off with cool or lukewarm water.

Why it works: Coconut oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties, so it’s an ideal choice to help fight acne. Add to that the soothing and pH-balancing power of oatmeal, and you’ve got an amazing recipe for clearer skin.

AVOCADO & VITAMIN E

• Remove the pit and skin from half of an avocado.

• Mash the avocado in a mixing bowl.

• Add 1 teaspoon of Vitamin E oil and mix well.

• Wash your face and neck with warm water and an oil-free cleanser to remove makeup and open pores.

• Apply the mask and let it dry for 15 minutes.

• Remove the mask with lukewarm water first, then splash your face with cool water to close your pores.

• Gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel.

Why it works: Vitamin E is a powerful immune system – booster when taken orally, which also makes it great for treating and preventing stubborn acne-prone skin. When combined with avocado, these ingredients produce a powerful anti-acne mask for a clearer complexion.

HONEY, OAT & WHOLE MILK

• Pour 3 tablespoons of dried oats into a blender.

• Add 1 tablespoon of whole milk and mix until you’ve made a paste.

• Mix in 1 tablespoon of organic honey.

• Wash your face and neck with warm water and an oil-free cleanser to remove makeup and open pores.

• Remove the mixture from the blender and apply evenly.

• Let the mixture dry for 15 minutes.

• Rinse the mask off with warm water, then splash your face with cool water to close your pores.

• Pat your skin dry with a soft towel.

Why it works:Honey is a natural nourishing agent known for its ability to help skin retain moisture, which prevents your body from producing excess oil that can lead to acne.

Oats are beneficial for acne-prone skin too. They contain properties that will help keep your skin clear and healthy.

BAKING SODA & COCONUT OIL

• Mix 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a bowl.

• Stir until the ingredients form a smooth paste.

• If necessary, add more baking soda one pinch at a time until the paste becomes thick and smooth.

• Wash your face and neck with warm water and an oil-free cleanser to remove make-up and open pores.

• Apply the coconut oil and baking soda mixture and let it sit for 15 minutes.

• Gently massage your skin with small, circular motions for 2 minutes.

• Rinse your face with warm water to remove the mask, then rinse a second time with cool water to close your pores.

Why it works: Baking soda it is a natural exfoliant that is especially effective for those with sensitive skin. It can also help keep your skin’s pH levels balanced, which is an important factor in the fight against acne.

KEFIR & HONEY

• Measure ¼ cup of kefir into a bowl.

• Add 1 teaspoon of honey.

• Mix well.

• Wash your face and neck with warm water and an oil-free cleanser to remove make-up and open pores.

• Apply an even layer of the mixture to your face and let it dry for 15 minutes.

• Rinse your skin thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove the mask.

• Splash your face with cool water to tighten pores.

• Gently pat dry with a soft towel.

Why it works: Never heard of kefir? It’s essentially a type of yogurt. The neat thing about kefir, though, is that it contains approximately 40 times more beneficial bacteria than regular yogurt. That’s great news for your skin!

The extra bacteria coupled with the lactic acid in kefir will exfoliate, hydrate, and soothe red, acne-prone skin.

EGG WHITE & PAPAYA

• Add 1 whipped egg white in a mixing bowl.

• Mash ½ cup of papaya and add it into the whipped egg white.

• Add 1 teaspoon of honey.

• Mix well.

• Wash your face and neck with warm water and an oil-free cleanser to remove make-up and open pores.

• Apply the mixture and let it dry for 15 minutes.

• Wash the mask away by rinsing with lukewarm water and a soft washcloth if necessary.

• Splash your skin with cool water to close and tighten pores, and then pat dry with a soft, clean towel.

Why it works: Papaya is packed full of acne-fighting vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and C, beta hydroxy acid, papain, and potassium. When mixed with egg white and honey, papaya is ideal for reducing redness, healing acne, and shrinking pores.