Remember the satisfaction of peeling the glue off your hands when you were a child?
Well, peeling off facial masks can give you the same gratification, along with making your skin radiant, firm and free of blackheads.
Peel-off homemade face masks are very easy to use and give you the much-deserved spa experience at home with low cost and natural ingredients.
These DIY face masks effortlessly remove dirt and dead skin cells, tighten pores as well as improve blood circulation on your skin, ultimately revealing a fresh and glowing new layer of skin.
You don’t need to spend a fortune on ready-made peel-off masks containing synthetics that do more harm than good to your skin.
You can take control of what goes on your face by whipping up your own DIY peel-off facial masks to deep clean pores and blackheads using simple kitchen ingredients.
They are easy on your pocketbook, time-saving and you don’t need to worry about their expiration date. Yay!
You can either make a DIY peel-off facial mask using gelatin as a base or opt for a non-gelatin mask that uses either eggs or glue.
Before you try out any of the recipes, there are few ground rules you must adhere by.
- It goes without saying – always do a patch test before proceeding with any beauty mask to check your skin’s sensitivity to any particular ingredient. If one doesn’t work, hop on to another.
- Apply a peel-off mask on a clean and dry face. You want to clean the pores and not shove the dirt in further.
- Tie your hair up in a tight ponytail, so it doesn’t fall on your face and get pulled out with the mask. Ouch!
- Avoid applying this homemade face mask near your eyebrows as well as under and over your eyes or any hair follicle. The skin near the eyes is quite sensitive, and the masks are powerful enough to tug out your brows.
Now that you know the basics, here are the 5 best DIY peel-off facial masks to deep clean pores and blackheads.
Contents
Masks with Gelatin
Method 1: Activated Charcoal Peel-Off Mask
While donning a black layer of charcoal might not be your best look, this gritty black ingredient works miraculously in sucking out the toxins from your body.
When used in a peel-off mask, activated charcoal binds with and pulls dirt, sebum, and toxins out of your skin’s pores. You can also use activated charcoal to make your mascara or eye liner.
The gelatin in the recipe helps fight acne and replenishes the collagen in your skin, which reduces wrinkles and fine lines.
Things you’ll need:
- Unflavored gelatin – ½ teaspoon
- Distilled water – 1 tablespoon
- Activated charcoal – ½ teaspoon
Step 1. Combine gelatin and activated charcoal in a bowl
- Put ½ teaspoon each of gelatin powder and activated charcoal in a bowl.
Step 2. Add warm distilled water and mix well
- Add 1 tablespoon of hot distilled water and mix well using a skewer.
Step 3. Apply the mask on your face once a week
- Clean and dry your face before applying this homemade face mask. You can also place a warm towel over your face to open up your pores.
- Using a brush, apply a thin coat of the mask all over your face, avoiding the eyes and brows. Apply another layer or two to thicken the mask. You can use the mask only on your T-zone to remove blackheads from the nose.
- Let the mask dry completely. It can take a while, so be patient. Kill some time watching Netflix while the mask pulls the grime out of your pores.
- Once it’s dry, peel off the mask in an upward direction. Don’t struggle with the tiny bits of mask still holding onto your skin. You can wash them off with warm water.
- Apply some coconut oil on your face to soothe the redness, if any, and create an antibacterial layer in your clean pores. Alternatively, you can apply a light moisturizer.
Use the mask 3 or 4 times a month to get rid of blackheads and have clearer skin.
Method 2: Orange Peel-Off Mask
The bright orange fruit is loaded with antioxidants that fight free radicals and prevent premature aging of your skin. Rich in vitamin C, oranges also impart an instant glow to your dull and tired face.
The gelatin used as a base in this mask encourages healthy regrowth of skin cells by replenishing it with collagen. It also helps in reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
Things you’ll need:
- Unflavored gelatin – 2 tablespoons
- Orange juice – 4 tablespoons
Step 1. Mix gelatin and orange juice in a bowl
- Put 2 tablespoons of gelatin in a heat-resistant bowl.
- Add 4 tablespoons of fresh orange juice to the gelatin.
Step 2. Heat the mixture in a double boiler
- Create a makeshift double boiler by putting a few stones into a large, deep saucepan. Fill it one-fourth of the way with water. Your double boiler is ready to use.
- Place the glass bowl in the middle of the pan and heat the mixture until the gelatin powder dissolves completely.
- Remove it from the heat and let it cool off a bit, but not for too long as gelatin solidifies very quickly.
Step 3. Apply the orange peel-off mask on your face once a week
- Clean and dry your face before proceeding to apply the mask.
- Use a brush to apply 3 thin coats of the mask on your face, avoiding the eye area.
- Let the mask dry completely.
- Pull it off and rinse your face with water.
- Finish with a light moisturizer.
Use the mask once a week for healthy and glowing skin.
Method 3: Milk Peel-Off Mask
Legend has it that the secret behind Cleopatra’s flawless beauty was milk baths. Milk, which contains lactic acid, acts as a cleanser for your skin and digs out debris from the deepest of layers.
While you may not find it feasible to sit in milk for hours, you can surely twist up the beauty secret into a DIY peel-off facial mask to deep clean pores and blackheads.
Combine it with gelatin, which gives a collagen boost to your skin to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Things you’ll need:
- Milk – 1½ tablespoons
- Unflavored gelatin – 1 tablespoon
Step 1. Mix milk and gelatin in a bowl
- Put 1 tablespoon of gelatin in a heat-resistant bowl.
- Add 1½ tablespoons of milk to the gelatin.
Step 2. Heat the mixture in a double boiler
- Arrange a double boiler by placing a few stones in a large saucepan. Fill it one-fourth of the way with water and place the bowl with the ingredients in the middle of the saucepan.
- Heat the mixture until the gelatin dissolves completely.
Step 3. Apply the milk mask on your face once a week
- Remove the bowl from the heat.
- Using a brush, apply the mask all over your face. You’ll have to be really quick between heating the mixture and applying it on your face, as the gelatin begins to harden up pretty fast.
- Wait for the mask to dry completely.
- Peel off the mask and rinse your face with cool water, then pat dry.
Use the mask once a week to maintain healthy and clear skin.
Masks without Gelatin
Method 1: Egg White Peel-Off Mask
Eggs are a good source of protein that will nourish and heal your skin. Eggs, particularly egg whites, act as an astringent, shrinking the pores and tightening loose skin.
Egg whites also reduce the occurrence of blackheads and whiteheads.
Adding lemon juice evens out your skin tone and also increases the cleansing properties of the mask.
Things you’ll need:
- Egg whites – 1 egg
- Lemon juice – 1 teaspoon
Step 1. Extract and collect the egg whites in a bowl
- Crack open an egg and collect only the egg whites in a bowl. You can use the yolk to make a DIY hair mask for greasy hair.
Step 2. Add lemon juice & use the mask once every week
- Squeeze out 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice into the egg whites.
- Whisk the mixture thoroughly.
- Apply the mask on clean skin using a clean makeup brush.
- Press a tissue paper on top of the first coat. Apply another layer of the mask. The tissue paper will keep the mask intact.
- Once the mask is completely dry, slowly peel it off. The blackheads and dirt will tag along with the tissue paper.
- Wash your skin with lukewarm water and pat dry.
- Finish by applying a light moisturizer.
Use the mask once a week to get tighter skin in 1 to 2 months.
Method 2: Glue and Activated Charcoal Peel-Off Mask
Gelatin can be replaced with white glue in the activated charcoal peel-off mask. It works in a similar manner, drying and sticking on your skin and pulling out sebum and dead skin cells as you peel it off.
Adding essential oil will help heal the skin and also cover up the glue’s smell. However, you can skip this step if you have sensitive skin.
Things you’ll need:
- Activated charcoal – 1 teaspoon
- Non-toxic white glue – 1½ tablespoons
- Peppermint essential oil (optional) – 2 or 3 drops
Step 1. Add activated charcoal and peppermint oil to the glue
- Put 1½ tablespoons of white glue in a small bowl.
- Add 1 teaspoon of activated charcoal.
- Add 2 or 3 drops of peppermint essential oil as well.
Step 2. Mix the ingredients well to form a thick paste
- Use a spoon to thoroughly blend the activated charcoal and essential oil into the glue.
Step 3. Apply the mask on your face once every week
- Apply the mask on clean and dry skin using a brush.
- Allow it to fully dry.
- Peel off the mask in an upward direction. Do this slowly with firm hands, as pulling off the glue can hurt a little.
- Wash off any remaining mask with lukewarm water.
- Finish by applying coconut oil or a light moisturizer.
Use this DIY peel-off facial mask to deep clean pores and blackheads and get flawless skin.
Summary of DIY Peel-Off Facial Masks
Download this infographic.
Can I make these ahead of time without them drying out? I’m more interested in the glue and charcoal one. I’m asking because this would be a great Christmas stocking stuffer, but I don’t know how early I should make these.
I tried the charcoal, glue, and peppermint oil one. I was not satisfied at all. The next day, I woke up with excruciating pain on my face. It left me with small bruises on my forehead, chin and cheeks. My face was very dry, and I had little bumps across my face. I wouldn’t recommend trying this.
That’s because Peppermint Essential Oil is never meant to be applied directly to the skin like that!
Peppermint Oil needs to be diluted with a ”carrier” oil to be safe for use like that and even then, would not be recommended.
Hello Users,
We are sorry to hear that the glue method did not work for you. We, therefore, recommend to always test for skin sensitivity prior to widespread use. Use of any essential oil in excess can lead to skin sensitization. Not all oils are created equal, so test brands carefully, and never use an oil in a way not recommended by its maker.
There also is a possibility that you may be allergic to glue used in making the mask. While the bottle says “non-toxic” that does not mean it’s hypo-allergenic or non-comedogenic. Issues like allergic reactions, irritation, and redness may occur. Since it’s not meant for the skin it won’t be non-comedogenic, so glue may cause clogged pores leading to blemishes.
We thank you for your valuable feedback. Changes will be made and caution required while using this mask will be added by us.
Why would ANYONE recommend GLUE??? I would never do this. People need to use common sense. The glue suggestion sounds completely ridiculous. Obviously peppermint needs a carrier oil as it can be harsh for some. Glue just sounds down right for a child to put on their hand for fun & peel off. Seriously, when I read that suggestion I lost all respect for this site. I also no longer trust this site.
Elmer’s Glue is basically just gelatin, so the over the top reaction of this unwarranted.
I have used glue on my face for Halloween effects before. It is safe for most but it might cause some to have allergic reactions. I’d put my guess on the peppermint oil as the cause of irritation.
The glue will probably not work as well, it depends on how long it will be in the stuffer. you should use it right away or a few minutes. I recommend on Christmas day like in the morning or something. but the people receiving the gift shouldn’t wait days or hours to use
Your Comment *lemon and egg is too easy to me thanks for your help it real working on my face
Did you use toilet paper or tissue’s to wipe your nose
Wat happens if u use too much lemon
@Hello
Too much lemon can adversely affect your skin as lemon is acidic in nature.
Hope it helps!!
-Team FabHow
DO noT Do THE ORANGE JUiCe OnE *unless you find pulling your skin off in neat white hot searing pain yellow sheets sheets a hobby of yours ALsO IT SMeLlS LIkE PUKE ANd ORANGe JuIcE
Dear BethAnne
We are so sorry you had such experience with our gelatin mask. Please make sure you do not leave it on for more than 10-15minutes. The more it hardens, the difficult it is to peel off. Once it has dried up, starting from the bottom (i.e your jawbones and chin) peel the mask upward. You can rinse off the excess with lukewarm water. It’s recommended not to use any cleanser at this point as it may irritate your tender skin.
Hope we were able to help.
-Team FabHow
Are there any ideas for using plant based (no egg or gelatin) and non-patroleum based (glue) solidifiers?
Hi Sahara
Thank you for your comment. You can substitute gelatine with Agar-Agar, which is made of pressed algae.
•1 teaspoon gelatin = 1 teaspoon agar powder (this will set 1 cup of liquid)
•1 teaspoon agar powder = 1 tablespoon agar flakes = 1/2 agar bar
Stay tuned with us for some vegan face mask recipes coming up.
-Team FabHow
Cool!! I love it!!
Thank you all for your feedback!!
-Team FabHow
I want to try a cinnamon and honey one, but the egg whites and lemon juice, but I want to know which one will clean off most of my blackheads. I’m truest confused.
Dear Chloe
Thank you for your comment.
If you are okay with using gelatine, the best mask to use would be the first one with gelatine and activated charcoal.
In case your skin is sensitive, go ahead with egg white mask.
Do let us know how it turned our for you.
-Team FabHow
The egg white and lemon method works. I used a hair dryer on cool to speed up the process. It took less than ten minutes.
Dear Lauren
Thank you for your comment. We are glad that it worked for you.
-Team FabHow
My skin is very oily skin more blackheads and pimples on my nose plz give me some good solutions.
Dear Mahjabeen
You can go for any of the above masks, especially activated charcoal & gelatine or eggwhite face mask.
In case you’re currently dealing with pimples on your nose, peel off masks are not the right thing for you now. It will burn and cause immense pain.
We’d request you to visit https://www.fabhow.com/oatmeal-face-masks-for-acne.html and use the simple masks to fight acne & pimples.
-Team FabHow
I am naturally wary of all skin care products – lots of grand claims, but few products do anything for my acne-prone skin. BUT I found a mask THAT WORKS. Its the Made from Earth Beetroot Mask. I immediately saw visible results in one application. It leaves skin feeling softer and draws the excess oil out of my pores (I know, ew).
Its in powder form, so you have to mix with water but 100% worth it. Good luck to you!
I just wanted to point out again that Elmer’s style craft glue is simply gelatin that has been pre-dissolved. It’s not processed for clarity, which is why it’s milky white instead of completely transparent. It is non-toxic, safe for kids and therefore perfectly safe for your skin. Using any essential oil, however, risks a reaction, depending on how strong it is and your own body’s tolerance.
This was awesome! Used it for a sleepover with friends and they were all impressed! Thanks!
Hey Abby
Thank you so much for your feedback. Glad that these masks worked well for you.
Which one did you try specifically?
🙂
-Team FabHow
I just made the lemon and egg whites one and really hope it works!! We have chickens so get lots of eggs and this would be perfect since we have it in such huge supply! fingers crossed!!
Hi Audrey
Do let us know how it turned out for you.
hi my name is Gemma and I have been using the pva glue and charcoal one and I have to say I’m very impressed it has worked really well for me and now I use it once a week and got my boyfriend using it as well
Hi Gemma
Thank you for your feedback. It is so nice to hear that is has worked for you!!