Facial masks can feel indulgent. With a hectic nighttime routine of bathing and putting the kids to bed, this is the part of my routine that most often falls by the wayside because of a lack of time. But since I’ve been experiencing maskne, there is one face mask I’ve been making time to use, and seeing great results.

The Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant is quite literally a miracle in a tube. Let’s talk about why it works so well on maskne and other skin issues.

It Purifies Skin

One thing that’s become even more important than ever is a thorough cleanse at night. With masks going on and coming off, pushing our skincare products and makeup into our pores throughout the day, it’s vital to have a gentle, but thorough cleansing of your pores every night. (Here’s more my nighttime cleansing ritual.)

And that’s where Masque Vivant comes in. It has kaolin and bentonite clay, which help to draw out impurities from the skin, without overdrying.

Combine that with witch hazel and yeast—the active ingredient in this mask that gives it its unique, and definitely strange, scent—and you have a formula that gently removes debris from your pores without irritation.

Amino Acids Nourish the Skin

But don’t get it twisted; this mask isn’t just sucking gunk out of your pores. It also contains amino acids and vitamin B, which are said to help soothe and nourish the skin. I know when I rinse this off, my skin never feels tight or dehydrated—a side effect that’s unfortunately common when using other purifying masks.

It Helps with Stubborn Large Pores

One of my biggest skin complaints is the large pores on my cheeks that can easily clog. With regular use of Masque Vivant, many people report seeing their pores clear out and appear to shrink in size. (While literal shrinking of pores this isn’t possible, it can seem to be because clear pores look smaller, which is a win!)

The Key to the Fountain of Youth?

Rescue Spa is one of the first places stateside that Biologique Recherche was available online, and its founder, Danuta Mieloch, is quoted as saying this about the product:

“If you use Masque Vivant at least twice a week you’ll never age. This unique mask contains live yeast extracts which are packed with amino acids and famously nourishing Vitamin B. There is no product like it to keep your skin purified, revitalized and bright. In my 20 years of experience with it, I have seen it drastically improve many people’s complexions.”

How I Use It

Twice a week at night, after cleansing, I let my skin dry thoroughly and then apply this mask for 15-20 minutes. It won’t “dry out” like a charcoal mask would—the yeast keeps the consistency quite pasty—but it will feel a little tackier to the touch as time goes on.

I rinse it off well with lukewarm water, pat my skin dry, and follow up with Biologique Recherche’s Emulsion Originelle Regenerante. With soothing squalene as one of its top ingredients and a host of other calming botanicals (BR was way ahead of the whole “clean skincare” movement… and I am HERE FOR IT), this is the perfect light lotion to give your skin back the perfect amount of moisture, without re-clogging your pores.

Note: Do not use this—or any other clarifying mask, for that matter!—more than twice a week. Over-treating the skin can break down its protective barrier and lead to worse breakouts and other types of irritation.

Where to Buy

I pick mine up at the Four Seasons Orlando Spa, but the Paul Lebrecque Spa and Shop Rescue Spa also sell BR. Do note: With both of these online retailers, you’ll have to create an online account before you can see prices and purchase them online.