Face mask, it is like a skincare secret for girls, especially lazy girl. Once you have seen the result on your skin, there’s no looking back. There are so many reasons why most girls are so obsessed with face masks once they’ve tried it out. None of the skincare products satisfied your skin like a face mask. No matter what is your skin concern nor your skin type, you can always find a face mask that works well on your skin. Besides, it is so easy to use. All you need is to apply it on your face and just wait for it to work its magic on your skin! The result is definitely visible even in just 15-20 minutes of time!
What is Face Mask?
Face masks are like a booster for your skin. It was invented in England during the 18th century(source) and has since gained its popularity among women. Face masks are packed with nutrients and vitamins that will super boost your skin condition in a short time. It is a life savior especially if you have an important date or event on the next day.
Even though it seems like there are endless choices on the beauty shelf when it comes to face masks. I’d like to categorize them into just two categories, the face mask that provides and the face mask that removes. So, the one that provides means the face mask that provides hydration, nourishment, anti-aging benefits and more. On the other hand, the one that removes means the face mask that removes impurities, clean your pores and exfoliate dead skin cells. And yes, there are masks that can clean your pores yet nourish your skin.
Face Mask Types
- clay mask
- mud mask
- chemical exfoliating mask
- scrub mask
- peel-off mask
- overnight mask
- wash-off mask
- sheet mask
In this article, I’m discussing 8 major types of masks. However, there are still more options such as jelly mask and thermal mask. These masks are not commonly found on the beauty shelf, therefore, I decided not to include them in the list. Some jelly mask examples including Lush Jelly Mask and Annie’s Way Jelly Mask. As you can see, even though they are both jelly mask, they are very different.
Clay Mask
First of all, let’s talk about clay masks. It has such a long history. It has been used and continues to loved by many until these days. Clays are natural mineral substances that can absorb impurities and remove oil from your skin. Therefore, it is most beneficial to those with oily skin or acne-prone skin.
Clay masks come in different packaging and colors. For example, you can find them come in tube packaging and jar packaging. They come in almost any colors depends on the formula and ingredients. Colors like white, green and pink are the most common out of all. Despite all of them, all of the clay masks remove oil and impurities from your skin and clean your pores.
As I mentioned above, clay masks remove impurities and sebum from your skin, so it can be drying to your skin. The good news is there are different types of clays and some of the clays are not as drying. With that being said, you can use a clay mask even if you have dry skin or sensitive skin. In addition, most chemists tend to mix different types of clays in a product to balance the formula so it will suitable to use on most skin types. Moreover, they will add hydrating ingredients into the formula too. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about the product be overdrying and strip off all the natural oil from your skin.
Benefits of Clay Mask
- reduce oil production
- treat acne
- removes impurities
- detox your skin
- boost circulation
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Common Types of Clay
- pink clay
- french clay
- charcoal
- kaolin
- bamboo stem powder
- zeolite
- Cambrian blue clay
- bentonite
- rhassoul
Each clay has a different absorption ability. The strongest absorption properties among these clays are the french green clay and the bentonite clay. For example, all-time best selling Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay contains 100% calcium bentonite clay that will work wonders on oily and acne-prone skin but not on dry skin and sensitive skin. The brand clearly stated that it shouldn’t leave on sensitive skin for more than 10 minutes.
Clay Mask for Dry Skin
Most clay masks contain more than one type of clays that will not be overly drying on most skin types unless your skin is extremely dry or sensitive. Generally speaking, Australian pink clay, rhassoul clay, and kaolin clay are more gentle and less drying(source). Therefore, they are suitable for dry skin and sensitive skin. Additionally, if you want to use other clays such as bentonite clay and french clay, you can, but don’t leave it on your skin for more than 10 minutes.
Mud Mask
Mud masks are often categorized as a clay mask and most people might not even realize that they are two different types of masks. Even though they look very similar, but they are two completely different masks. Mud masks are water-based and contain minerals and soils. In other words, mud masks are more hydrating than clay masks(source).
I found out why people are often confused and think both of the masks are the same while I was doing my research. What I found was most mud masks on the market contain clay in their products. It is crucial to check the ingredient list if you are really opting for a mud mask. Some mud masks contain both ingredient, mud and clay. Some of them don’t contain any mud but just a mixture of different clays. Only very few of them make mud as their main ingredient. For example, Facial Radiance AHA Intensive Peel from First Aid Beauty contains kaolin(clay), bentonite(clay) and silt(mud) as the main ingredients.
Benefits of Mud Mask
- remove impurities
- unclog pores
- improve skin texture
- soften skin
Clay mask and mud mask do bring similar benefits to your skin. If you have oily skin and just looking for a mask that clear impurities, both will do the same job. The main difference is mud masks are more skin healing and water-based. Therefore, it will make a difference between dry skin and sensitive skin as it is less drying. Besides, it is rich in minerals and will soften your skin.
Exfoliating Mask
Next, let’s talk about exfoliating mask. I covered exfoliation methods for dry skin in this article. If you want to understand more about exfoliation, you can click the link and read more. Face masks are the same, you can buy the chemical exfoliating mask or physical exfoliating mask. Both of the masks unclog your pores and improve skin cell turnover rates.
Benefits of exfoliating mask
- unclog pores
- increase skin cell turnover
- improve circulation
- fade scars and dark spots
- smooth skin texture
- improve skin tone
Chemical Exfoliating Mask/ AHA & BHA Mask
Chemical exfoliating masks can come in different names, such as resurfacing mask, AHA mask, BHA mask, and refining mask. They can come in different textures such as gel, powder, and clay.
AHA mask stands for Alpha Hydroxy Acid mask while the BHA mask stands for Beta Hydroxy Acid mask. They contain chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid, mandalic acid, salicylic acid or fruit enzymes. These face acids and enzymes increase skin cell turnover and stimulate collagen production.
If you never tried any face acids before, make sure you start with a lower concentration and do a patch test first. It is common to have a slight tingling sensation while using a chemical exfoliating mask. However, if you experience discomfort and burning sensation, wash off the mask immediately with plenty of water.
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Common Types of Chemical Exfoliants
- glycolic acid
- fruit enzyme
- salicylic acid
- mandalic acid
- lactic acid
All these face acids able to work in the deeper layer of our skin and help exfoliate our skin inside out. Most of the chemical exfoliating masks contain more than just one acid or enzymes. For instance, Blue Tansy from Herbivore Botanicals contains papaya and pineapple enzymes which are natural AHA. In addition, it contains willow bark extract which is a natural BHA to help improve congested skin.
Chemical Exfoliant Mask For Dry Skin
Anyone can use a chemical exfoliant mask on their skin including people with sensitive skin. There are a variety of face acids and enzymes that you can choose.
If you have extremely dry or sensitive skin you can pick a gentle acid with larger molecules. Acids with larger molecules won’t penetrate as deeply, hence, it is unlikely to cause irritation. For instance, lactic acid and polyhydroxy acids. Lactic acid is milder than glycolic acid. It also contains moisturizing properties, so it is great to use on dry skin. With that being said, this acid is gentle and moisturizing, you might only experience subtle improvement on your skin.
If you have normal to dry skin, glycolic acid is a better match for you. Lastly, salicylic acid is your best friend if you have acne-prone skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties that will gently unclog pores and clear acne.
But since it’s a face mask and you will only leave it on for 5-10 minutes, your skin should be able to cope with it. You can always wash the mask off immediately if your skin feels irritated. Keep in mind that mild tingling sensation is common though. In addition, always remember to moisturize your skin after you use a chemical exfoliant mask.
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Scrub Mask
The scrub mask is very similar to a normal face scrub. It contains microbeads that will scrub all your dead skin cells on the skin surface away. Most scrub masks are formulated with other pore cleansing ingredients such as clay and charcoal. Most of the scrub mask stated as a scrub mask or retexturizing mask.
It’s not 100% but I think most scrub masks are more suitable for normal, combination and oily skin types. The reason is that scrub masks are mostly paired with clay or some chemical exfoliants to give you an instant satisfying result. But when all these exfoliants are used together, it can possibly aggravate sensitive skin and acne skin.
Benefits of scrub mask
- visible and instant result
- clean pores
- improve skin’s texture
- soften skin
- tighten pores
Scrub Mask For Dry Skin
A perfect scrub mask for dry skin should contain some moisturizing ingredients such as plant extract, honey or glycerin. These ingredients will keep your skin moisturized and soft. Apart from that, always pick a scrub mask with fine granules. Large granules and abrasive scrub will cause micro-tears and damage your skin. Last but not least, if you are using a scrub mask contains clay, acids or fruit enzymes, make sure you don’t overdo it on your skin. One to twice weekly is enough most skin types.
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Peel-Off Mask
Peel-off masks are so oddly satisfying. It just feels like you are changing a new skin every time you peel them off from your skin. Your pores are smaller and your skin looks brighter and clearer in just a couple of minutes. Peel-off masks are mostly formulated with brightening ingredients and pore cleaning ingredients. Most of them also contain polyvinyl alcohol as an ingredient to create a peel-off effect.
A peel-off mask is most effective to improve blackheads problem. Blackheads occur on our skin when our pores are clogged with sebum and dead skin cell. Sometimes, blackheads can be stubborn to remove. Peeling mask that contains pore cleaning agents like clay, when it pairs with brightening ingredients can gently remove blackhead and even out your complexion. Besides, peel-off masks help you remove tiny facial hairs on your face. Be careful not to get too close to your eyebrows when you are applying a peel-off mask.
Benefits of Peel-Off Mask
- smooth skin texture
- clean pores
- improve blackheads and whiteheads problem
- remove facial hairs
Peel-Off Mask for Dry Skin
Just like other cleaning masks, peel-off masks can feel drying and tight on the skin. I recommend only using a peel-off mask on the area that is prone to breakouts, such as your forehead and nose area. You can use a wash-off hydrating mask on your cheeks and remove them all at once when it’s done. Make sure you don’t apply too thin nor too thick. Too thin of a layer might lead to difficult to peel it off completely. On the other hand, too thick of a layer can take forever to dry completely.
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Overnight Mask/Sleeping Mask
Now let’s talk about facial masks that provide. These masks give you a hydration boost, nourishment, firming and lifting. First of all, the overnight mask or sleeping mask that first invented in Korea. An overnight mask or sleeping mask is the lazy girl mask. All sleeping masks boost your skin’s hydration and it’s perfect for cold winter or when you are feeling lazy. It is designed for all skin types even for acne skin or sensitive skin.
In addition, overnight masks are easy to use. Just apply an even layer before you go to bed and let it work its magic on your skin. Wash it off the next day in the morning and feel the softness on your skin. Some of the overnight masks allow you to apply a thick layer and wash it off 10 minutes if you don’t like to leave it overnight. Always read the instruction before you use the product.
There are lots of options when it comes to sleeping mask. Some provide more nourishment and some are light-weight. I prefer an overnight mask that is easily absorbed into the skin. If the texture is thick and does not completely absorb into your skin, your skin might feel tacky. The worst case is the tacky and sticky texture might lead to dust and bacteria in the air on your face.
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Overnight mask for Dry Skin
You can use any overnight mask on dry skin because they are going to be beneficial to dry skin. Overnight masks provide hydration boost and nourishment to the skin with minimal effort. It is time-saving too. You don’t have to wait for 10-15 minutes like the sheet mask nor wash it off like a clay mask. Common ingredients are glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide that hydrate your skin overnight. Like I mentioned above, pick a texture that is not tacky so you don’t find your skin and pillowcase stick together.
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Wash Off Mask
Wash off masks are like a combination of a sheet mask plus a clay mask. You need to wash it off after 10-15 minutes like a clay mask. But unlike the clay mask, wash off mask provides nutrients, hydration, and nourishment to your skin in 10-15 minutes. It doesn’t clear your pores or tighten your pores, just intensive hydration and nourishment. Your skin will feel plump and soft like you just had a facial. It mostly comes in tube or jar packaging. The only con is you might need to take some time to wash them off thoroughly with plenty of water.
For example, this Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask from Fresh that has a smooth cream texture boost your skin’s hydration in 5-10 minutes time. Wash off masks work for any skin types, pick your wash off mask according to your skin concern. You can use it 2-3 times per week for the best result.
Benefits of Wash Off Mask
- gentle
- suitable for all skin types
- nourishing
- instant hydration
Wash Off Mask for Dry Skin
Wash off masks are for any skin types. But I recommend wash-off masks that packed with hydrating ingredients or brightening ingredients as many people with dry skin also experience dull skin. For example, look for ingredients like turmeric, honey, rice extract or vitamin C. These ingredients nourish your skin and brighten up your complexion.
For instance, this Ethiopian Honey Deep Nourishing mask from The Body Shop. It contains nourishing ingredients such as honey, olive oil and marula oil that will nourish and replenish your skin immensely.
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Sheet Mask
Last but not least, the sheet mask! Thanks to Kbeauty, the sheet mask trend is going stronger than ever. Well, can’t blame us, we are only human. An effective sheet mask is like a magical potion to our face. It comes in different price ranges but you can find a good one regardless. There are so many affordable sheet masks from Korea or Japan or even your local drugstore can work wonders on your skin.
Common Types of Sheet Mask Material
- cotton
- hydrogel
- bio-cellulose
- tencel
The material of the sheet masks matters because the sheet act as an occlusive layer to deliver all the nutrients of the sheet mask into your skin. Mask with cotton is the most common one, but hydrogel and bio-cellulose adhere better on your skin. With that being said, you can still move around without worrying the sheet mask might fell. The downside is hydrogel sheet masks and bio-cellulose masks are generally more expensive.
It is super easy to use a sheet mask. Just make sure you apply the sheet mask smoothly on your face. Get rid of all the air and bubble and make sure it fits on your skin tightly. Then just let it stay for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove your sheet mask and pat any excess essence into your skin. Follow by your favorite moisturizer.
Benefits of Sheet Mask
- easy to use
- affordable
- instant boost of hydration
- brighten your skin
If you never tried a sheet mask, you really should! Some makeup artists even use a sheet mask on their client before makeup application. Skin will look plump and hydrated, hence, it is easier to achieve that effortless minimal makeup look.
In addition, it’s sooo relaxing! The overall experience feels like you are treating yourself after a long day of work. Put on a sheet mask and just relax for a good 15 minutes. In return, you get a glowing and bouncy skin.
Sheet Mask for Dry Skin
No matter you are looking for an affordable or a high-end sheet mask, there are countless options for you. First of all, look at the material of the sheet masks. If you are opting for a hydrogel or bio-cellulose sheet mask, the price point will be slightly higher than a cotton mask.
For the ingredients, hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, plant extract, and niacinamide are hydrating and moisturizing ingredients that will plump and hydrate your skin. For example, the Luminous Dewy Skin Sheet Mask from Tatcha is packed with camellia extract and rice extract that will nourish your skin from within. Your skin will feel ultra-hydrating and dewy even on the next day.
