Face masks are more than a luxurious weekend treat: they’re essential components of self care. From clay and gel formulations to sheet styles, face masks address a range of skincare issues with formulas designed specifically to do so.
Look for a mask that’s gentle on your skin and contains ingredients such as hyaluronic acid for dry skin and turmeric extract for hyperpigmentation.
1. Exfoliate
Introduce a face mask into your skincare regime to clear away excess oil (known as sebum) and dead skin cells from around your nose and chin, which often become clogged up with blackheads and whiteheads that form. Folliculitis – commonly referred to as acne – may lead to inflammation and dryness of these areas.
Although cleansing your face regularly helps remove dirt, oils and makeup buildup on your skin, masking takes it one step further. Exfoliating masks provide additional exfoliation benefits by drawing out impurities, unclogging pores and stimulating renewal of skin cells – not only that but they can prepare it to absorb nutrients from other products more readily too! Masks may be worn either morning or night depending on your schedule and preferences.
2. Hydrate
Face masks offer a deep cleanse while simultaneously pampering and perfecting skin with their special formulations. From treating acne, uneven tone/texture and wrinkles, to minimising fine lines/wrinkles; there’s sure to be a face mask out there tailored specifically to each skincare concern and unique skin type.
Applying a hydrating face mask once or twice each week is one effective way to ward off dehydration and keep skin looking its best. Clay or cream masks work just as well; for added effect try gel formulas packed with vitamin C to lighten dark spots or blue tansy to soothe redness and blotchiness.
Many mud masks contain ingredients like salicylic acid to combat acne and dirt that clogs pores, while mint provides additional stimulation of blood circulation and produces radiant-looking skin.
3. Moisturize
Moisturizing face masks – whether cream or sheet – deliver essential hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides directly into skin for maximum absorption. Sheet masks allow extra time for absorption by worn overnight for optimal benefits.
Many hydrating masks also include brightening or anti-ageing ingredients to reduce fine lines. Look for vitamin C and retinol, lactic acid for discoloration removal, as well as natural moisturizers like shea butter or aloe vera as possible ingredients in these types of products.
Always apply a mask after cleansing your skin and following your regular skincare regimen. Depending on your skin type, facial masks should be used two to three times every week; for sensitive skin it may only need to be done once every week.
4. Even Skin Tone
Face masks containing ingredients like vitamin C can help create a brighter, more even skin tone by targeting hyperpigmentation and stimulating cell turnover that fades dark marks3.3
Experts also suggest masks made of oatmeal and yogurt, which gently exfoliate dead skin cells that contribute to dull complexions. Thick, creamy masks containing hyaluronic acid and cucumber can hydrate dry skin; and aloe vera-containing gel formulas soothe irritated skin. Clay or charcoal masks may help draw out excess oil to keep pores unclogged – however Serbon cautions that they can dry out dry skin types too much.
5. Relieve Acne
Face masks penetrate skin deeper than other skincare products, making them an effective way of targeting specific concerns. If you have acne, for instance, look for ingredients such as salicylic acid to unclog pores; benzoyl peroxide for treating papules and pustules; or retinoid for preventing breakouts and diminishing fine lines.
If hyperpigmentation is your issue, look for products containing licorice root extract or kojic acid to brighten and even out skin tone, while for dryness look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or rose extract as they can provide ample hydration.
Find the ideal mask to meet your individual skin goals, and use it regularly – you will see visible improvements such as brighter, healthier skin – which we all want!
