Type of Face Masks – Choose the Right One for Your Skin

Hydrating masks, exfoliating masks, anti-aging masks, homemade masks – with so many face masks on the market today, how do you know what type of face masks are right for your skin type? It’s information overload!

Let’s take a closer look at each type of face mask, and the benefits you can enjoy from them.

Why Choose a Hydrating Mask?

If you have dry skin and need of a good hit of moisture, a hydrating mask is a great go-to. These masks are packed with ultra-hydrating ingredients, like fatty acids, antioxidants and, ideally, the newest superstar for maximum moisture – hyaluronic acid.¹

As it turns out, hyaluronic acid can help boost your skin’s hydration by helping it retain water. In fact, hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water!²

A hydrating mask can help plump your skin up, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles that always seem more obvious when your skin is parched. It also helps to repair your skin by infusing it with much-needed nutrients.

When Do I Use Exfoliating Masks?

Exfoliating masks are essential for younger-looking skin. So, if anti-aging is your goal, you should definitely seek out a trusty exfoliating mask.

In the past exfoliating was all about tiny particles that would slough away dead skin. But today, it’s the acids that are the most popular ingredients – and they’re far less abrasive.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), such as glycolic acid or lactic acid, dissolve dead skin cells. This helps promote skin cell turnover, resulting in skin that appears more radiant, plump, and hydrated.³

What are the Benefits of a Clay Mask?

Clay face masks are the ultimate detox masks. They’re generally recommended for oily skin and clogged pores. This is because they really get in and soak up excess oils, while also drawing out impurities.

Clay masks contain a multitude of skin-friendly natural minerals from the earth.

Popular types of clay used in masks include:

• Kaolin Clay – This fine, gentle clay is a good choice for sensitive skin types.⁴
• Rhassoul Clay – Rich in magnesium salts, this clay is great for dry, itchy skin. Its salts can help boost your skin’s barrier function and enhance hydration.⁵
• Fuller’s Earth Clay – This volcanic clay has impressive oil-absorption powers, so it’s ideal for oily skin and blocked pores.⁶

How About Charcoal Masks?

Much like clay masks, charcoal masks are popular because of their ability to draw toxins out of the skin.⁷ Seek out lush, creamy charcoal mud masks. Avoid those glue-like, peel-off charcoal masks. They may be popular right now, but they can damage your skin! ⁸

How Do Gel Masks Work for Skin Health?

Gel-based masks are usually a good choice for sensitive skin types. Red, irritated skin may be soothed by gels. You can even refrigerate them for maximum cooling effect.

Gels might also be helpful for oily skin types. This is because this type of mask usually doesn’t contain as many oils, which can clog pores.⁹

Other Kinds of Face Masks

Short on time? Add ultra-hydrating overnight masks to your skin care routine. Sleeping masks infuse your skin with moisture and nutrients while you snooze.

Need an extra eye boost? Eye masks specifically target the eye area with super ingredients, like retinol.

Want to understand the Korean craze? Korean sheet masks are also a popular choice, and they come in versions for every skin type.

How Effective are Homemade Face Masks?

Don’t be afraid to experiment at home with some DIY face masks! There are plenty of moisturizing, nutritious, and cleansing ingredients that can be found in your own home – like manuka honey, yogurt, oatmeal, coconut oil, green tea, avocado oil, or aloe vera.

Skin Concerns, Farewell!

Proper skin care often involves many steps. Face masks don’t need to be a daily step, but they’re a great way to pamper your complexion from time to time.

And it doesn’t matter your skin tone or type. The right mask will help leave your skin feeling brighter, younger, and more refreshed. And hydrated skin is happy skin! Just don’t forget to slather on a good moisturizer after your face mask, to lock in all those yummy nutrients.

Learn More About Face Masks:
Face Masks: 5 Things You’re Doing All Wrong (And How to Do It Right!)
The Surprising Skin-Saver No One Talks About (DIY Face Mask Inside)

Sources
1. https://www.prevention.com/beauty/skin-care/g23410241/best-face-masks-dry-skin/
2.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2778417/
3.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3941867/
4.https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/skincare-alphabet-k-is-for-kaolin
5.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-4632.2005.02079.x
6.https://www.britannica.com/science/fullers-earth
7.https://share.upmc.com/2018/03/benefits-charcoal-face-mask/
8.http://www.fox13news.com/health/uncovering-the-truth-about-charcoal-facial-masks
9.https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/fashion-beauty/skincare-advice/g549885/how-to-choose-right-face-mask-for-skin-type/?slide=6