Facial Masks

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Using a facial mask  once a week has great benefits for your skin. They also make a great excuse for spending time in a relaxing bath. There are lots of brands to choose from and facial masks are made by type so that they suit different skin types. The two main types of facial masks are clay and peel-off. There is also a new hybrid cleanser/mask that has been developed by Neutrogena  and other companies have followed suit.

Choosing a Facial Mask

  1. Pick a mask type. Should it clear up blemishes, exfoliate, act as an anti-aging treatment or moisturize dry skin? The trick is reading the ingredient listings for items that will do what you really want. Clay is great for clearing up acne and shrinking pores, aloe vera is popular in moisturizing masks, etc.
  2. Find a product to fit your lifestyle. Some products require waiting 15 to 20 minutes for it to dry and usage of two to three times a week for maximum benefits. If 40 minutes a week seems like overkill, maybe shop around for a mask more compatible with your schedule.
  3. Determine your budget. Plenty of drugstore brand masks cost around $4 to $12 while high-end brands can charge as much as $60. There is no truth in saying that an expensive mask will work better than an inexpensive one. The bottom line is that everyone's skin is different and if it works for your skin, then that's the best. Just keep in mind that with clay masks in particular, clay is clay. There is little need to spend $60 on clay unless you really want to.
  4. Are organics/cruelty-free products important to you? There are plenty of companies that offer organic and cruelty-free options that are just as efficient as any other brands. Some people even prefer natural blends to chemical ones.

Mask Types

Clay masks  are those that dry on your face for a period of 10 to 20 minutes. The clay helps absorb oils, minimize large pores and dry up acne. They are best suited for those with oily skin, but even normal and dry skin can benefit from the acne-fighting properties. Just be sure to follow with a good moisturizer and exfoliator if you have dry skin. Lastly, be sure to follow proper directions so that you don't overdry your skin. Even those with oily skin can do this when using a clay mask too much. Because your skin feels overly dry, it will begin producing oil in excess to compensate, which may result in breakouts.

Gel masks, otherwise known as peel-off masks,  are not as easy to apply since sometimes they can be runny. They offer more moisture than a clay mask, plus other added benefits such as wrinkle-fighting antioxidants and exfoliating alpha hydroxy acid such as glycolic acid. In general, if you have dry to normal skin, combo skin, mild sensitivity and/or acne, then you may enjoy a gel mask. Oily skin is not suited for peel-offs.

Quick Picks

Budget

Very popular, loved by all, good for every skin type. It will suck the oil right out of your face, close pores and fight pimples.

This is a basic clay mask that has a pleasant smell and doesn't helps sap the oil from the skin. The price is great to boot.

Average all-around for most skin types. The price can't be beat for a mask that does the basics.

Mid-Range

Minty fresh, all organic and sweet and creamy. All you could want in a moisturizing, blackhead clearing mask.

Boscia offers this mask, great for oily skin, and also a Moisturizing Replenishing Mask  for dry skin.

Just the thing to reduce oiliness and to tighten up the pores.

Perfect for people with oily skin since it blasts away oil and strips away impurities. Sensitive skin beware.

High-End

A simple, fragrance-free clay mask for most skin types.

Good sulfur mask for use as a spot treatment.

An emollient mask for dry skin with antioxidants.

A moisturizing gel mask for normal to dry skin.

Helps reduce some light scarring from acne.

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