The right lineup of face masks can elevate your skincare routine and take your skin from great to glowing. Face masks are often viewed as just a fun activity — something to do at a sleepover or a spa night with friends. But when you find the right face mask(s) for your skin concerns, they can actually do wonders for your skin.
If you’re new to using face masks, here are four types of face masks to consider adding to your skincare regimen.
1.Clay Masks
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Browse down the aisles of any beauty store and you’re bound to see a few clay masks. This popular formula has been around for thousands of years. Clay is known for its ability to draw toxins and debris out of the skin, helping to minimize the appearance of pores. The powerful cleansing properties of clay masks make them a great option for those with acne-prone skin.
Clay masks are a great place to start if you want to deeply clean the skin and detoxify. However, they shouldn’t be seen as a cure-all. There are all different kinds of acne, from hormonal to cystic. For some, acne is a serious skin condition that requires treatment. An acne treatment can be used in tandem with the right clay mask if need be. It’s all about finding the right mix of products to achieve your goals.
2.Sheet Masks
Sheet masks don’t always scream high-end beauty. They’re great for sleepovers, spa nights with the girls, or as an add-on to gift baskets. Why? Because they’re fairly inexpensive, available in many varieties, and usually have pretty packaging. It’s no wonder why they’ve grown in popularity over the last several years. But the question remains — are sheet masks actually beneficial for your skin, or are they just fun?
The truth is, sheet masks actually have a wide variety of benefits for your skin. You also might be surprised by the history of sheet masks. They first originated in Japan and South Korea, but now, they’re gaining popularity across the globe.
Many face masks are only suitable for certain skin types or formulated for certain skin concerns. Most sheet masks, however, are suitable for all skin types. Masks with hyaluronic acid or glycerin are great for hydrating and nourishing the skin. The sheet prevents any serums or active ingredients from evaporating, making the mask that much more effective.
3.Gel Masks
Everyone loves a good gel mask. The cooling effect on the skin and the hydrating feeling afterwards — you can’t beat it. Gel masks can be used two to three times per week, as they are suitable for almost all skin types. But the use of a gel mask is especially beneficial for those with dry, sun damaged, or sensitive skin.
Typically formulated with ingredients like cucumber and green tea, gel masks are great for calming inflammation and hydrating the skin. Gel masks often contain antioxidants as well, making them great for ridding your face of any impurities. Like any face mask, you should follow directions carefully to get the maximal benefits from them.
When using a gel mask, start by washing your face. Remove all makeup, dirt, and debris — you want a clean canvas! Then, spread the gel mask across your face covering all desired areas. After 10 to 15 minutes, rinse with cold water or pat down with a damp warm washcloth.
4.Peel-Off Masks
A peel off mask is always fun because the feeling of peeling it off makes you feel brand new. Even if you don’t visibly see any immediate skin benefits, something about it feels great. That’s probably because a peel-off mask actually does offer wonderful benefits. They remove dirt, bacteria, and debris. Additionally, they can rid your skin of blackheads, oil, and dead skin cells.
There are many peel-off masks available on the market. The best peel-off mask for you will depend on your skin concerns. For example, if your skin is more dry, consider using a hydrating peel-off mask a few times per week. If you tend to have clogged pores (wearing lots of makeup or sweating excessively can cause this), consider other options. A charcoal mask that works to remove impurities from the pores may be a good choice.
Pro tip: After using a peel-off mask, use a good moisturizer to lock in all the ingredients your skin just soaked up.
Pay Attention to Ingredients in Face Masks
It’s great to be well versed in all the different types of face masks and the textures of each. But remember, ingredients are also extremely important. Even if you think a clay mask is best for your skin concerns, you should still study the ingredients. Understanding the benefits of different ingredients will give you an even deeper understanding of what masks are best for you.
The following are just a few ingredients commonly found in face masks to look out for.
- Hyaluronic acid. A naturally occuring substance in the body, the benefits of hyaluronic acid are immense. Since hyaluronic acid retains water, it keeps skin plump and hydrated.
- Vitamin C. Vitamin C is one of the safest ingredients to use on the skin that offers a plethora of benefits. From its anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties to hydration and brightening benefits, there’s really no reason why you shouldn’t be using it.
- Glycolic acid. A great exfoliant for the skin, glycolic acid speeds up cell turnover and increases the production of collagen. This, in turn, has many benefits for the skin like clearing pores, brightening complexion, and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
- Salicylic acid. If you’re acne-prone, look for face masks or skincare products with salicylic acid. These products will penetrate the skin and unclog pores while reducing redness.
- Natural ingredients. Look for natural ingredients in your face masks. Papaya, for example, can unclog pores. Lemon is great for dull, pigmented skin. Honey has benefits for oily and acne-prone skin.
It would be silly not to incorporate face masks into your skincare routine after learning about all the great benefits. With so many different types of face masks, though, it can be difficult to choose which to invest in. Do your research to determine which face masks are best for addressing your skin concerns. Once you do, you’ll be obsessed with the results.
