15 Deep Cleansing Mask Recommendations + 7 Skincare Tips To Fight Stubborn Acne

No matter your skin type, a deep cleansing mask is an essential part of your skincare routine. Before applying any serums or treatments, it’s critical to make sure your face is thoroughly cleansed. That’s the key to helping your skin absorb nutrients effectively. But do you know how to use deep cleansing masks correctly? How often should you use them? Which brands work best? In this post, we’ll answer all your questions.

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The 5 Main Types of Deep Cleansing Masks — Each With Unique Benefits

Different types of deep cleansing masks offer various benefits, so it's important to choose one based on your skin type and specific needs.

1. Clay Masks

Clay masks are often considered the most powerful in terms of cleansing. Tiny mineral particles penetrate the pores to absorb excess oil and impurities while promoting exfoliation. Rich in trace elements, these masks can also help brighten the skin.

2. Sheet Masks

The most common type, sheet masks are typically known for hydrating and brightening. Those with cleansing properties may also contain ingredients like collagen purifiers or charcoal-infused fabrics to help lift dirt and purify the skin.

3. Gel Masks

Exfoliating gel masks usually come in a jelly-like form, featuring gentle beads, enzymes, or fine granules. As you massage the mask in, these particles soften and lift away dead skin cells. Some gel masks also help remove blackheads and provide mild chemical exfoliation.

4. Peel-Off Masks

These masks—such as nose strips or gel-based peels—adhere to the skin and physically pull out impurities when removed. However, they can also strip away skin and tiny hairs, potentially causing irritation or enlarged pores. Always follow up with calming and pore-tightening products after use.

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How Often Should You Use a Deep Cleansing Mask?

Many people use deep cleansing masks regularly in the pursuit of glowing, clear skin. However, it's important to understand how frequently they should be used. Frequency depends on two major factors: peel intensity and how closely the mask adheres to the skin.

1. Sheet Masks

Use for 15–20 minutes depending on the season and humidity. Remove the mask while it’s still slightly moist to avoid pulling on the skin. These are gentle enough for daily use.

Use soft, skin-friendly materials like bio-cellulose or plant fibers for optimal comfort and effectiveness.

2. Clay Masks

Highly purifying and oil-absorbing, clay masks should only be used once a week to avoid over-cleansing and irritation.

Apply a thick, opaque layer to allow the clay (e.g. kaolin, volcanic mud, or sea mud) to activate. When the mask is about 80% dry, dampen it and gently massage before rinsing off. Be careful to rinse thoroughly, especially in areas where the mask may cling.

Note: Due to their fine powdery ingredients, clay masks may include preservatives to prevent bacterial growth. Sensitive skin types should consider avoiding clay masks for this reason.

3. Gel Masks

Recommended use is 1–2 times per week. These masks form a hydrating barrier and boost absorption through mild occlusion.

While gentler than clay, gel masks are less effective at oil control. Those with oily skin may prefer clay or sheet masks. Some gel masks double as sleeping masks, though sensitive skin users should ensure they're breathable and gentle.

Important tip: Regardless of the mask type, always remove it within 20 minutes to prevent leftover essence from attracting airborne pollutants.

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7 Pro Tips for Using Deep Cleansing Masks Correctly

Deep cleansing masks are your best friend for summer skincare, helping to clear clogged pores, balance oil production, and treat acne and blackheads. To reap the full benefits, follow these seven tips:

1. Cleanse Your Face Thoroughly First

Apply after showering, when pores are open and the face is clean. Use 1–2 times weekly to avoid over-stripping the skin.

2. Use a Warm Towel or Facial Steamer

Before applying the mask, use a hot towel or steamer to help open up your pores for better absorption.

3. Mist Your Skin with Toner First

Before applying the mask, spray on toner or essence water to maintain skin hydration. This prevents applying the mask on dry, tight skin and improves results.

4. Avoid the Under-Eye Area

Apply masks only on oily or blackhead-prone areas. Avoid the delicate skin under the eyes to prevent dryness or irritation.

5. Apply a Thick Layer for 10–15 Minutes

Thicker layers are more effective for cleansing. Don’t wait until the mask is bone dry to remove it, as that can over-dry the skin.

6. Rinse Off Using Circular Motions

After masking, rinse with water or wipe with a soft facial cloth. Use gentle circular motions to thoroughly remove dirt from pores.

7. Follow Up With a Hydrating Mask

Deep cleansing masks often remove oil and dead skin, so always follow with a hydrating mask, toner, and moisturizer to replenish and lock in moisture. Cleanse, hydrate, and tighten — this trio is key to glowing skin!

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15 Editor-Recommended Deep Cleansing Masks for Skincare Beginners

Feeling overwhelmed by the choices out there? Don’t worry — we’ve curated a list of 15 popular deep cleansing masks to help you find your perfect match.

1. Chantecaille Flower Infused Cleansing Mask

Formulated with French Kaolin clay, honey, and rosemary, this luxurious mask purifies, controls oil, and nourishes the skin.

Price: HK$900 / 50g

2. Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask

A cult favorite made with Amazonian white clay from Brazil. It softens keratin, clears pores, and balances oil. Includes aloe and oatmeal, suitable even for sensitive skin.

Price: HK$340 / 142g

3. Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask

This “black diamond” of masks uses activated charcoal to draw out deep-set oil and dirt. Great for oily, combination, and summer skin.

Price: HK$185 / 75ml

4. Clinique City Block Purifying Charcoal Clay Mask + Scrub

Combining a clay mask with exfoliating scrub, this product uses bamboo charcoal and kaolin to clear skin without drying it out. Suitable for all skin types.

5. Aesop Chamomile Anti-Blemish Masque

Aesop’s Chamomile Anti-Blemish Masque is beloved for its soothing and healing properties. Infused with a calming blend of citrus, herbal, and earthy aromas, this masque features botanical ingredients like chamomile, tea tree leaf, and evening primrose to deeply cleanse the skin while calming irritation. It's gentle enough for acne-prone and sensitive skin alike.

Size: 60 ml Price: HK$355

6. IPSA Luminizing Clay Exfoliator

IPSA’s Luminizing Clay is the first dual-use exfoliating clay in the skincare market, suitable for both wet and dry application. Enriched with deep mineral clay and chamomile extract, it exfoliates dead skin and unclogs pores when used dry, while offering a gentle massage and hydration boost when used wet. A multitasking solution for deep cleansing!

Size: 100 g Price: HK$340

7. Clarins SOS Pure Rebalancing Clay Mask with Alpine Willow Herb

Designed for combination and oily skin, Clarins’ SOS Pure Mask combines organic Alpine willow herb—renowned for its purifying effects—with white and green clays. It effectively absorbs excess sebum and helps refine pores, leaving the skin clean, matte, and silky-smooth.

Size: 75 ml Price: HK$410

8. TTM Flawless Pore Refining Mineral Mud Mask

Famous for its popular sheet masks, MIT Taiwanese brand TTM also excels with its Flawless Pore Refining Mineral Mud Mask. Using Canadian glacial oceanic clay, it absorbs impurities while biodegradable cellulose beads gently exfoliate dead skin. This mask offers a triple-action formula—deep cleansing, exfoliation, and oil balancing.

Size: 100 ml Price: NT$750

9. (MALIN+GOETZ) Deep Cleansing Foam Mask

Hailing from New York, minimalist skincare brand (MALIN+GOETZ) presents a high-efficiency yet simple solution: the Deep Cleansing Foam Mask. Just apply a thick layer for five minutes and let the foam work its magic—removing dirt from pores without leaving the skin dry or tight. It's like enjoying a deep-cleansing, hydrating, and brightening bubble spa at home.

Size: 118 ml Price: HK$430

10. Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Clay Masque

Sukin’s best-selling Super Greens Detoxifying Clay Masque has a light almond scent and is packed with natural clays like kaolin and bentonite. These fine particles penetrate pores to draw out impurities, perfect for managing oily skin and blackheads in summer. It also contains botanical oils like baobab seed oil for deep hydration.

Size: 100 ml Price: AUD$20

11. LUSH Dark Angel Fresh Face Mask

LUSH’s Dark Angel Mask channels mysterious “dark powers” for an ultra-deep cleanse. With charcoal powder and kaolin clay, it purifies pores and removes dirt and excess oil. Apply a thick layer, wait 10–15 minutes, and enjoy refreshed, clean, and smooth skin.

Size: 75 g Price: HK$170

12. Kanebo DEW Lavender Scented Soap-Clay Mask

Kanebo’s DEW Lavender Scented Soap-Clay Mask pampers the skin with a silky texture and aromatic touch. It gently removes dead skin cells that cause dullness and roughness, leaving the skin smooth, revitalized, and radiant. In addition to the classic lavender scent, limited-edition mint and rose versions are also available this year.

Size: 90 g Price: NT$1,050

13. I DEW CARE Yoga Kitten Houttuynia Clay Mask

From the Korean-American hybrid brand I DEW CARE, this bestselling Yoga Kitten Purifying Clay Mask features purifying ingredients like houttuynia cordata and kaolin. It calms irritation and reduces redness while removing impurities and excess oil from pores for a refreshingly clean complexion.

Size: 75 ml Price: HK$183

14. nomel Smart Deep Purifying Clay Mask

The nomel Smart Deep Purifying Clay Mask is your ally against acne and blackheads. Packed with salicylic acid, niacinamide, and white willow bark extract, it cleans pores, regulates sebum, and prevents breakouts—making it a go-to solution for summer skincare.

Size: 50 ml Price: HK$133.25

15. FANCL Pore Cleansing Clay Gel

FANCL’s Pore Cleansing Clay Gel features a unique "mineral cleansing formula" with three types of clay that effectively absorb oil and clear impurities. Once the originally dark grey paste turns light grey, rinse off to reveal clean, refined, and breathable skin.

Size: 120 g Price: NT$650

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Chronic Acne Sufferer Tries the “Ultimate Cure for Pimples” — Does It Really Work?

As someone who has struggled with acne from adolescence into adulthood, I no longer chase "perfect" skin—just "healthy" skin. For people with acne-prone skin like me, the ultimate goal is simply to stabilize the skin condition and prevent new breakouts. But since everyone’s acne has different causes, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

After countless trials and errors with anti-acne products, I finally pinpointed the main culprit behind my breakouts: excessive oil production!

While skin type is largely genetic, over-cleansing or taking unsuitable medications—Western or Chinese—that disrupt hormonal balance can worsen inflammation, making it easier to develop deep cystic acne. So how should oily skin be properly de-oiled and exfoliated to promote healthy skin turnover? After failing with many approaches, I decided to try what was being called the “ultimate acne cure.”

Here’s an excerpt from the official website:

Perfect Medical Acne Treatment

Utilizes advanced medical research and a dual-helix suction drainage technology. One tube deeply cleanses and disinfects the skin, painlessly and gently removing oil, dirt, and dead skin cells from up to 30–35mm beneath the skin's surface, improving absorption of skincare nutrients. The second tube delivers a medical-grade serum deep into the skin to rapidly activate collagen regeneration and repair damaged tissue, leaving the skin soft and refined.

This process helps suppress oil production, unclog pores, dissolve blackheads, eliminate acne, and reduce inflammation. With continued treatment, it effectively reduces breakouts and prevents pore congestion, delivering long-lasting acne-fighting results.

Since Perfect Medical offers a free first trial of this acne treatment, I gave it a try—and the experience was really positive. From consultants to therapists, everyone was highly experienced. They even said my skin issues were “minor” compared to the severe cases they had seen and successfully treated, which reassured me.

Although it was a free session, they didn’t cut any corners. After the treatment, my skin felt noticeably lighter and visibly brighter—results I’d never achieve even after two to three hours of home treatments. And it only took about 10 minutes lying down! The serum they used also included fruit acids to prolong the treatment’s exfoliating effect.

For at least half a month after the treatment, my face felt light, clear, and free of dead skin. One session wasn’t enough to fully prevent new breakouts, though, so I decided to purchase the full course. I’ve now completed four sessions (about halfway through), and the most noticeable changes are that old pimples heal faster, scars have faded significantly, and even new pimples are mild and heal quickly. I’m very satisfied with this treatment's ability to keep acne under control long-term.

If you’re acne-prone, I’d recommend giving this a try. The treatment combines vacuum dermabrasion with fruit acid infusion, making it suitable for most skin types. Many friends have asked me about it, so I checked again—and the free first trial is still available. You just need to register.