Here’s what happened when I used Murad’s popular acne fighting oil mask

Here’s what happened when I used Murad’s popular acne fighting oil mask
Here’s what happened when I used Murad’s popular acne fighting oil mask

When I hear a skincare product make lofty claims like “pore reducing,” “will immediately mattify oily skin,” or “will cure hormonal acne and transform you into a billionaire goddess” I immediately want to investigate these claims. So, when I caught wind of the new Murad Oil Mask ($38) and its claims to skin-purifying abilities, I decided to pull out my Nancy Drew playbook and do some investigating for myself.

For my first step, I spoke with a lovely skin care rep from Murad who supported my plan to journal my experience with their product. She recommended the Murad Oil Mask as a great solution for people with naturally oily skin, combination skin, or for use during breakouts.

I have extremely “fun” combination skin that likes to vacillate between different textures depending on mood and season, but my monthly hormonal redness and mild breakouts are fairly consistent so this felt like a match.

This is what my face looked like before putting the mask on.

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img_20170204_153128275_top

My bathroom lighting is mediocre, but you can tell what I look like and that I exist in human form.

Here is a jarring close-up of the redness I was hoping this mask would cure.

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img_20170204_153131417

My nose and chin, primarily have redness. This also debunks any myths about me having symmetrical bangs.

The mask itself is a thick white liquid similar to many foaming face washes.

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img_20170204_153505447

P.S: My eyes look dead as hell in this photo.

The instructions say to only leave it on for three minutes, so unlike most mask experiences, it’s a quick process. It’s suggested as a once a week ritual for those with perpetually oily skin. My skin isn’t excessively oily, but the pore reduction, breakout relief, and prevention were my aim.

After the three minutes (it was probably longer because I spaced out), I washed the mask off with warm water as instructed.

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img_20170204_153811961

Unlike the immediate cooling effects of sheet masks, the tightening effects of clay masks, or the fresh-faced feeling ascribed to night masks, this mask is more of a treatment. The priced active ingredient is Salicylic Acid, which is often used to treat acne as well as Grapefruit Extract. Sadly, when I took off the mask, my skin didn’t look different. But then again, most masks don’t show immediate results after the first use.

A few hours later, I noticed my skin was a little bit dry.

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img_20170204_153803717

Unfortunately, my problem spots appeared more red. P.S. I hope you enjoy the intimate view up my nose.

In conclusion, this mask wasn’t a fit for me.

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img_20170204_153800434

However, it’s worth noting that I have particularly sensitive skin. Being of Welsh descent means you have thin and very sensitive translucent skin. That is obviously not everyone’s truth. If you have oilier skin that’s less sensitive, this mask may be worth a try!

Oily skin? No problem! #MuradSkincare #LinkInProfile

A post shared by Murad Skincare (Official) (@muradskincare) on Feb 3, 2017 at 7:01am PST

If you want to try the Murad Oil Mask for yourself, it costs $38 and comes in a sizeable container that will last your face a long while.