Gone are the days when a face mask was considered an occasional indulgence. Today, a face mask has become an integral part of every skin routine, and is the ultimate skin pick me up to use anytime, anywhere! Truly considered a game changer, it helps you relax and unwind, as well as supercharge your skin with power-packed nutrients for an unparalleled glow. Whether you are dealing with dull, dehydrated, oily or dry skin, there is a mask for every skin type, and every skin concern.
What is a face mask and what are its benefits?
Face masks are a great addition to any skin routine to target specific skin concerns and deliver a burst of intense nourishment as well as therapeutic ingredients into the skin in a concentrated form. They are occlusive, which means that they are usually applied and left on the skin for 10-15 minutes, allowing extended contact and giving the ingredients more time to effectively penetrate deep into the skin. They are loaded with highly beneficial ingredients from antioxidants (to reverse skin damage), emollients (softening ingredients) and humectants (hydrating ingredients) that work to plump up, soothe, hydrate and exfoliate the skin from deep within.
Apart from providing deep relaxation, they are excellent to deeply cleanse, unclog the pores and pull out impurities that can accumulate on your skin and cause havoc. They are the perfect detox that give you a radiant, natural and healthy glow from within and boost your overall skin regime too, as they help other skincare products such as serums and moisturisers to work more efficiently and absorb deeper and quicker into the skin.
With so many different options available, it can be confusing to find the right face mask. Luckily, we have done your homework for you and put together a comprehensive guide to find the perfect mask face for your skin type and skin concerns.
What are the different kinds of face masks and how do I find the right one for my skin type?
1) Brightening Masks
Ideal for: Pigmented, dull and normal skin
The goal of brightening masks is to diminish signs of dullness and improve the skin's complexion and tone while fighting sun damage, pigmentation and signs of premature ageing. They use concentrated forms of effective brightening agents such as Vitamin C, Licorice Root, Azelaic Acid, etc to achieve an even toned, brighter and radiant complexion from deep within.
We recommend: Natural Vibes Ayurvedic Vitamin C Brightening Face Mask
2) Clay Masks
Ideal for: Oily, combination or acne-prone skin
Clay masks are great to balance oil levels as well as regulate oil secretion on the skin's surface as they help to clarify the pores by drawing out impurities, dust, dirt and any buildup. They help to remove blackheads and whiteheads to smoothen, soften and improve the skin's complexion as well as elasticity. There are a wide number of Clay masks available, from Red Clay, Bentonite Clay, Kaolin Clay, Fuller Earth (Multani Mitti), etc that you can choose from.
Read more about different Clay masks here.
We recommend: Neemli Naturals Four Clay Gentle Face Mask
3) Hydrating Masks
Ideal for: Dry, normal and mature skin.
The purpose of these masks is to lock in hydration and aid the skin in holding onto moisture for a longer period of time. They deliver intense moisturisation and regenerate new skin cells to boost collagen production, which eventually helps to tighten the skin and fight any signs of ageing such as wrinkles, fine lines or loss of elasticity. These masks are great for dehydrated, dull and dry skin as well as they not only quench the skin's thirst, but also lead to more supple, plump and younger looking skin.
We recommend: FCL HYDRATING FACE MASK, 0.5% HYALURONIC ACID
4) Clarifying Masks
Ideal for: Sensitive, oily, combination and acne-prone skin
Clarifying masks are known to soothe the skin and are an excellent way to dissolve any debris buildup as well as sap up excess natural sebum if you suffer from acne or excessive greasiness. They usually contain ingredients such as Tea Tree Oil, Salicylic Acid, etc that stimulate the underlying tissue to subside acne and breakouts and their antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties help to effectively revitalise, rejuvenate and refresh the skin.
We recommend: ZYNA CLARIFYING & DETOXIFYING FACE SCRUB
5) Detoxifying Masks
Ideal for: Dull, sensitive and normal skin
A great detox for your skin, these masks contain antioxidant rich formulas that help to repair skin damage and fight free radicals as well as promote intensive hydration, an even tone and stimulate blood circulation. Just like a green smoothie, but for your skin - they help to purify and deeply cleanse from within, while alleviating dryness and boosting overall skin health.
We recommend: AMINU INSTANT FACIAL AHA POWER PEEL | BRIGHTENING
6) Charcoal Masks
Ideal for: Oily, combination and acne-prone skin
Charcoal has unique absorbent properties, that works like a magnet to draw out any debris, oil or grease that can cause congested pores or acne. It helps to leave your skin absolutely shine-free without drying it out and is a holy grail ingredient for all skin types, especially oily and acne-prone skin. As the toxins and dead skin cells are washed away, the end result is supple, even-toned and well-balanced skin.
We recommend: ANOUR MUD PIE CLAY MASK
7) Exfoliating masks
Ideal for: All skin types
Exfoliation is a significant part of every skin routine, and is a great tool to slough away dead skin cells, dirt or oil that tends to clog up the pores and cause breakouts. Exfoliating masks work wonderfully to get rid of tired, dull or tired looking skin as they have the ability to deeply condition without stripping the skin off its natural moisture. They usually contain beads, shells or the powder of natural ingredients that restore the skin, leaving it feeling soft and nourished.
We recommend: Myra Veda The Greek Goddess Shea & Zinc Scrub Mask
How often should you use a face mask?
The frequency of the face mask usually depends on its formula and your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, it is best to use a face mask just once a week. The same goes for exfoliating masks, which should be used once a week to avoid any irritation. However, face masks such as Clay and Charcoal are safe to use 2-3 times a week. It is best to stick to using a face mask one or two times a week on an average in your skin regime for best results.
How to use a face mask and where does a face mask fit in your skin routine?
Since masks need to sit on your face for a while, it is best to use them during your night time routine (if you are using them during the day, use them prior to having a shower and then wash them off).
Cleanser > Toner > Mask > Serum > Moisturiser
Summary
No matter what your skin type or skin concerns, make masking not just a part of your self care and de-stressing regime, but also a part of your overall skincare routine. Boasting a multitude of benefits, they provide immediate results, and if used consistently, can reinvigorate, revive and transform your skin in no time! So beat the hustle and bustle of daily life, and carve out some much needed me-time and put on a relaxing face mask to say goodbye to all your troubles, and give your skin the lift it dutifully needs!
- By Krisha Jhaveri
