Facial masks can be an invaluable way to keep your skin in top condition. Just be sure to follow skin type-specific formulas, never leave on longer than advised (this should be specified on the packaging), and always remove with warm water via flannel cloth or cotton balls.
1. Drunk Elephant Babyfacial Mask
Drunk Elephant Sukari Babyfacial offers the ultimate way to achieve baby-soft complexion, thanks to a combination of 25% AHA/2% BHA acids like glycolic, tartaric, lactic and citric acids that work to soften pores, fine lines and wrinkles while smoothing away imperfections such as pores.
Pumpkin ferment, chickpea flour and an antioxidant blend featuring matcha tea, milk thistle and apple combine to brighten and resurface skin. As is typical with Drunk Elephant products, all ingredients used benefit the health of skin (i.e. no essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones fragrance or dyes) while pH levels remain at an appropriate level.
This rinse-off mask should be left on for approximately 20 minutes after cleansing your face and patting it dry, then rinsing off afterwards. It features a gel-like texture with fruity aroma and feels soothing before being washed off by water.
2. Kiehl’s Clear Skin Clay Mask
This deep-cleansing mask is an industry classic and perfect for oily skin types. Packed with Fairly Traded Amazonian White Clay (from local communities near the mouth of the Amazon River), its formula helps eliminate excess sebum and impurities for refined pores.
Kiehl’s also offers this Kiehl’s detoxifying face mask that combines the purifying power of kaolin and bentonite clays with volcanic ash to absorb excess sebum. Additionally, this mask includes salicylic acid and niacinamide to unclog pores as well as shea butter to nourish and calm skin.
Though many are fond of charcoal masks, it may not be as gentle on dry skin. According to dermatologist Brendan Camp, MDCS Dermatology “clay masks are more hydrating and less abrasive than charcoal.” He recommends this pore-refining solution which contains Umbrian clay for blackhead removal, sandalwood oil to soothe and calm, and shea butter to keep skin hydrated.
4. Paula’s Choice Borage Seed Oil Hydrating Mask
Paula’s Choice’s Hydrating Mask can help nourish dry and sensitive skin while soothing irritation. Packed with ingredients for very dry and sensitive skin types – Borage Seed Oil, Glycerol and Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C), among others – but unfortunately also includes Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol which may contribute to comedogenicity as well as Linoleic Acid which could worsen fungal acne outbreaks.
Apply this mask 2-3 times each week or as needed to moisturize dry and very dry skin. Alternatively, it can also be used as an overnight moisturiser with slightly thicker texture than Paula’s Choice nighttime moisturizers for normal to very dry skin.
