Face Mask Guide: Why to Use a Face Mask and Which ...

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To everything there&#;s a season, and to every skin type there is a face mask! But, which mask is right for your skin type? There are a number of challenging questions for you to answer when choosing the right mask:

• Do I need exfoliation?
• Will this mask leave my skin dry or will it exacerbate my oiliness?
• Can I sleep in this mask?

Let&#;s begin by first sorting out the reasons why you need a face mask, when you should use one, and how to apply.

Why should I use a face mask?

Everyone needs a little extended tender love and care, and it&#;s no different for your skin. Going through a normal skin care routine is great, and really should be the default, but some days you just need to kick it up a notch. A mask is meant just for this, as it is meant to sit on the skin for a period of time before being cleansed off.

When to use a face mask?

Two to three times a week when you have the time, and we can already anticipate many of you saying, &#;Time for pampering? I barely have time to myself!&#; Here&#;s a solution: Mask while you multitask! First make sure the mask is thick enough so that it won&#;t drip when you&#;re looking down or moving about, then get to work.

How do I use a face mask?

1. Before masking you need to cleanse your skin. This not only removes dirt and grime off your face, but you're now providing more surface area of the skin for the mask to be in contact with.

2. Gather 1-2 dime-sized amounts of mask into your hand and then spread a thin layer of the mask onto your face using the tips of your fingers.

3. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes, or as directed on the mask.

4. Remove with disposable cotton squares if available, or a clean towel.

Which face mask do I use?

We know, the choices can be overwhelming sometimes, and many masks may seem to have overlapping benefits. The best way to begin is to choose a mask by your skin type or concern. Read on and discover the right mask for you!

OILY / PROBLEM SKIN

We don&#;t have to tell you about signs of oily problem skin, but you know it is a constant skin concern. On those days when your skin seems to be overrun with problems, take an extra 10 to 15 minutes and apply a deep pore cleansing mask. Look for natural masks with deep cleansing clays that help absorb excess oils from the surface of the skin.

My mask is: Hydra Medic® Sea Mud Perfecting Mask 

OR Matchafina Cleansing Mask

OILY SKIN

If you can wipe your face clean and in a short amount of time it&#;s oily again, this is your skin type. Oily Skin is caused by overactive sebaceous glands, is thicker in texture, and has enlarged pores. You want a mask with oil fighting ingredients and natural exfoliating ingredients, like rice bran wax and lactic acid, to help remove dead skin cell build up that contributes to clogged pores..

My mask is: One-Minute Exfoliating Mask

COMBINATION SKIN (OILY AND DRY)

This skin type is very common and benefits from a mask that helps to balance out the excess oil and bring moisture to dry areas. You want a mask with exfoliators, like almonds and oatmeal, to help remove dead skin cell build up, but ingredients that will also help to retain moisture, like honey, which acts as a natural humectant.

My mask is: Honey & Almond Scrub

SENSITIVE SKIN

Help lessen the appearance of irritation caused by travel, climate changes and pollution by reaching for a mask that is designed for  sensitive skin types. Seek out a mask that will not only introduce moisturizing ingredients like olive oil and seaweed, but also ones that have historically been associated with  helping to calm the skin&#;s appearance such as calamine. A light peeling action, provided though gentle acids like lactic acid, will also help to cleanse the top layer of skin, prepping it to best receive the other beneficial ingredients.

My mask is: Hydra 4® Mask 

OR Red-Out® Soothing Sheet Mask

UNEVEN SKIN TONE, DARK SPOTS

Concealer and foundation are usually your best friends, but you def need to add a new bestie to the mix: a brightening mask! You&#;ll want to be on the lookout for ingredients like daisy and licorice to assist in improving the appearance of dark spots, and a combination of gentle exfoliating glycolic acids to help exfoliate the surface of the skin. Soon enough you&#;ll be looking on the bright side!

My mask is: BIOLIGHT&#; Brightening Miracle Mask

OR BIOLIGHT&#; Brightening Sheet Mask

FINE LINES, AGING

Want to reduce the appearance of fine lines, firmer-looking skin, and a brighter-looking complexion? If these signs of aging are your concern, You'll want to use a mask that utilizes seaweed, peptides and niacinamide - the all star ingredients that help to hydrate, firm and brighten (and can actually really benefit ALL skin types!)

My mask is: Triple Action Peptide Mask

My mask is: Vita Cura B3 Lifting Mask

DEHYDRATED OR DRY SKIN

If no matter what season it is your skin is constantly flaky, course, and feels tight after you wash up in the morning, you may have dry or dehydrated skin. Look for a mask with super hydrating ingredients like seaweed and hyaluronic acid or moisturizing ingredients like, shea butter, mango seed butter or cocoa. 

Dehydrated Skin: Lamina Lift&#; Hydrating Seaweed Mask

Dry Skin: Hydra Dew® Illuminating Cream Mask 

OR Chocofina Moisturizing Mask

Once you&#;ve found your skin type and corresponding mask, the real work begins. It is up to you to use and maintain your new routine, because the best product in the world means nothing if it&#;s not used properly. You&#;ve done the asking, now it&#;s time to get masking!

With insight from Worden and two board-certified dermatologists in mind, we selected several best-sellers to put to the test in our everyday lives for a couple of weeks. We evaluated each product based on type, application, ingredients, efficacy, benefits, feel, appearance, and skin type compatibility, then we narrowed it down to the best face masks out there today.

"There are so many different kinds of masks&#; clay , cream, sheet &#;and each one accomplishes something different," says celebrity aesthetician Taylor Worden . Containing high concentrations of skin-loving ingredients, she explains that they can deliver big payoffs (think: a rush of hydration, a plumper complexion, breakout prevention, and less visible pores.) Plus, while all skincare counts as self-care, face masks have that TLC appeal.

Face masks typically aren't a daily skincare step but more so a once-in-a-while indulgence like an at-home spa treatment. Whether you reach for one weekly, every couple of days, or sporadically, there's no denying the benefits of this add-on.

Best Overall

Rosen Skincare Smooth Jelly Mask

PHOTO: Target

$18 at Target

View on Rosenskincare.com

View on Beautylish.com

What We Like

• Hygienic pump dispenser

• Calms redness and illuminates skin after one use

• Noticeable reduction in dark spots

• Accessible and affordable

What to Consider

• Nothing
  

Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, licorice root, cucumber extract | Benefits: Exfoliates, fades dark spots | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The simple act of applying a face mask and relaxing with it on can be a powerful form of self-care&#;even better when it produces a noticeable improvement in the look and feel of your skin. That's exactly what this mask did when we tried it out. The lightweight, jelly texture was easy to spread across our skin and comfortable as it dried. After just one use, it significantly calmed redness and illuminated our complexions. After using it consistently once a week for a couple of weeks, we saw visibly reduced hyperpigmentation, smoother skin texture, and an all-around skin glow. Considering that this mask delivers on all of its claims, not to mention the accessible price point, we recommend it to anyone in the market for a weekly skincare treatment.

Best Splurge

Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Mask

PHOTO: Sisley Paris

$200 at Nordstrom

View on Sisley-paris.com

$200 at Neiman Marcus

What We Like

• Mess-free and easy to apply

• Addresses dry patches

• Noticeable improvement in hydration

• Visibly plumps skin

What to Consider

• May be too heavy for oily skin

Key Ingredients: Black rose, vitamin E, shea butter | Benefits: Smooths, illuminates, hydrates | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

This ultra-creamy formula is pillowy-soft and easy to apply. After trying it out, we can tell you it works wonders for combination skin, addressing both dryness and an oily T-zone. With consistent use, you can count on a reduction in dry patches and a more hydrated, plump complexion. That said, since it's somewhat heavy, it may not be ideal for those with oily skin. While it's quite expensive, a little bit goes a long way, and since it's not a wash-off product, we think it's a fair value.

Best Illuminating

Then I Met You Rosé Resurfacing Facial Mask

PHOTO: Soko Glam

$56 at Thenimetyou.com

$58 at Sokoglam.com

What We Like

• Delivers radiance with AHA and BHA Rose Complex

• Leaves skin noticeably softer

• Gel texture feels refreshing
  

What to Consider

• Doesn't make a noticeable difference in skin texture

Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, resveratrol | Benefits: Illuminating, exfoliating, calming | Size: 1.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We loved the gel texture and slightly cooling feel of this refreshing mask. It's easy to apply and mess-free, so you can walk around your home and get other things done before rinsing it off. We also liked that it didn't dry down to a tight or uncomfortable finish. It has a blend of AHAs and BHAs (in the form of glycolic and lactic acid), which can help with skin cell turnover and shrink the look of pores. Immediately after using this mask, our skin was softer, more hydrated, and radiant. It didn't do much in terms of improving texture. But after consistent weekly use throughout our testing period, our complexions looked more lively and glowy.

Best Exfoliating

Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask

PHOTO: Sephora

$45 at Amazon

$60 at Sephora

$60 at Target

What We Like

• Provides manual and chemical exfoliation

• Easy to apply and comfortable to wear
  

• Visibly improves skin texture for more radiant skin

• 
  

What to Consider

• Can be a bit intense upon first application

• Takes a bit of effort to remove

Key Ingredients: Pumpkin enzymes, AHA, aluminum oxide crystals | Benefits: Exfoliating | Size: 5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

This popular mask provides dual exfoliation (chemical and physical), thanks to pumpkin enzymes and AHAs for chemical exfoliation, as well as aluminum oxide crystals to physically polish away dead skin cells. The thick, gel-like texture has a fine grit, which makes application easy and ensures the physical exfoliation isn't overly harsh. It also has a delicious pumpkin scent that isn't too overpowering. Admittedly, the mask felt pretty intense at first: It caused a slight burning sensation, but it quickly subsided, and we didn't experience the same discomfort after the first use. It's definitely a powerful formula, so it can take some time to build up a tolerance. After keeping it on for about five minutes and washing it off, our skin felt softer and had a healthy-looking glow.

Best Refreshing

Peach Slices Snail Rescue Intensive Wash-Off Jelly Mask

PHOTO: Ulta

$17 at Amazon

$17 at Ulta

For more information, please visit best firming face mask.

$17 at Walmart

What We Like

• Leaves skin feeling hydrated and looking plumped

• Lightweight, cooling texture

• Gel consistency is easy to apply and remove
  

What to Consider

• Doesn't produce noticeable long-lasting results

Key Ingredients: Snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica, licorice root | Benefits: Hydrates, illuminates, targets dark spots | Size: 3.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Whether you're coming from a sweaty gym session or a long day at work, applying a refreshing face mask and putting your feet up might be the pick-me-up you need. We adore this one because of its lightweight gel consistency and cooling feel that instantly calms. It's formulated with 95% snail mucin, which might sound gross, but it's a natural source of hyaluronic acid and glycerin that plumps the skin and delivers ample moisture. It's also a pretty affordable product considering how much you get and that a little goes a long way. This mask helped hydrate our skin, leaving us with glowy, toned complexions. The overall user experience was enjoyable, though we didn't see a noticeable difference in texture, pore size, or dark spots.

Best Soothing

Kiehl's Calendula Petal-Infused Calming Mask

PHOTO: Kiehl's

$20 at Amazon

$47 at Ulta

$18 at Walmart

What We Like

• Helps calm redness and stressed skin with calendula and aloe vera

• Lightweight, cream-gel texture
  

• Leaves skin extra hydrated

• Easy to apply and remove

What to Consider

• Doesn&#;t produce long-lasting results

Key Ingredients: Calendula extract, aloe vera | Benefits: Soothes, hydrates | Size: 3.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Soothing masks like this one are great when your skin looks or feels irritated&#;think redness, flaking, or itching. This mask from Kiehl's contains calendula extract, which has healing properties, as well as aloe vera to calm inflammation. It has a creamy gel texture that feels incredibly soft as you apply it. Once it's on, the formula produces a slightly cooling sensation that feels amazing on stressed skin.

We found it comfortable to wear and thought our skin looked healthier and more hydrated after just one use. With continued use, it delivered a smoother, plumper complexion. Although we didn't notice a lasting difference in the hydration levels of our skin, this mask is an excellent option for when you need a quick moisture boost.

Best for Enlarged Pores

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Exfoliating Treatment

PHOTO: Sephora

$78 at Amazon

$24 at Sephora

$78 at Ulta

What We Like

• Unclogs and minimizes appearance of pores

• Provides physical and chemical exfoliation
  

• Leaves skin looking glowy

What to Consider

• Initial feeling on skin can be a bit harsh

Key Ingredients: Papaya enzymes, lactic acid, salicylic acid | Benefits: Exfoliates, helps clear pores | Size: 0.5&#;5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Chances are, you've heard of this treatment mask&#;or at least seen it on social media. It's been a longtime player in the exfoliation category, and considering how effective it is, we get the hype. The formula boasts a blend of fruit enzymes, lactic acid, and salicylic acid to provide chemical exfoliation, along with silica to physically buff away dead skin cells.

We experienced some stinging with the first application. (The brand warns users that it'll cause some tingling and potentially redness initially, but the intense feeling can be alarming.) However, these sensations didn't last long, and the formula worked wonders at removing dead skin cell buildup and visibly improving the appearance of pores. After using it, our skin looked more even and super glowy.

Best Multipurpose

Kora Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask

PHOTO: Sephora

$54 at Amazon

$20 at Sephora

$18 at Koraorganics.com

What We Like

• Can be used as a scrub or detoxifying mask

• Leaves skin looking even and radiant

• Fine, gritty texture makes application easy

• Visibly reduces appearance of pores
  

What to Consider

• Gritty particles could be slightly abrasive on sensitive skin

Key Ingredients: Turmeric, mineral powder, aspen bark | Benefits: Illuminates, exfoliates, helps fade dark spots | Size: 1&#;3.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Products that can be used in multiple ways earn extra points in our book, and this exfoliating mask is one of the best. It has the texture of a scrub so that it can be used in the shower or whenever you wash your face. It also works as a treatment mask that you can leave on for about two minutes before washing off. The formula contains turmeric to help illuminate your complexion and target hyperpigmentation, mineral powder for physical exfoliation, and aspen bark (a naturally occurring BHA) for chemical exfoliation. We liked the gritty consistency because the granules were pretty fine&#;it also helped us apply it as it didn't slide around on our faces. But those with sensitive skin might find it too abrasive. After rinsing it off, we were extremely impressed by how even and radiant our skin looked&#;our pores appeared smaller, dead skin cells were removed, and our complexions looked healthier overall.

Best for Sensitive Skin

Tatcha Violet-C Radiance Mask

PHOTO: Sephora

View on Amazon

$70 at Sephora

$48 at Walmart

What We Like

• Doesn't burn or tingle

• Luxe, creamy texture

• Leaves skin looking glowy thanks to two types of vitamin C
  

What to Consider

• Results don't last long

Key Ingredients: Japanese beautyberry, vitamin C, fruit enzymes | Benefits: Illuminates, gently exfoliates, helps fade dark spots | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Like many skincare actives, vitamin C can be sensitizing, but not with this mask. We tried it out on sensitive skin, and it didn't sting or lead to a burning sensation (something reactive complexions may experience with similar products). The luxurious feel of the thick, creamy texture and gorgeous purple hue of the container really enhanced our experience. This formula contains two types of vitamin C, plus fruit enzymes to gently exfoliate and help illuminate your skin. We noticed an immediate improvement in the radiance of our complexions after using this mask. While the glowy effects didn't seem to last more than a few hours, it did calm redness and addressed dry patches.

Best Overnight

Farmacy 10% Niacinamide Night Mask

PHOTO: Sephora

$13 at Amazon

$45 at Sephora

$25 at Kohls.com

What We Like

• Pillowy soft, gel-cream consistency

• Deeply hydrating

• A little bit goes a long way

• Niacinamide helps smooth the appearance of pores and fine lines

What to Consider

• Leaves a minor tacky feeling on the skin

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, panthenol, beta-glucan, shea butter | Benefits: Smooths, hydrates, illuminates | Size: 0.85&#;5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This face mask has a seriously unique texture&#;it's incredibly soft and gel-like yet somehow still creamy. It spreads like butter, so a tiny bit goes a long way. The formula contains niacinamide (vitamin B3) to help even out skin texture, soak up oil, and reduce the appearance of pores. It worked remarkably well to deeply hydrate our parched skin and prevent dry patches. We noticed a plumping effect, which helped smooth the appearance of fine lines. Not only that, but this mask blurred the look of enlarged pores and left us with a more radiant complexion. It had a slightly tacky feel, but it wasn't uncomfortable at all and didn't stick to our pillowcases or sheets.

Best Resurfacing

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial AHA + BHA Mask

PHOTO: Sephora

$79 at Amazon

$28 at Sephora

$80 at Ulta

What We Like

• Chemical exfoliation addresses multiple concerns

• Noticeable results

• Hygienic air-tight container

What to Consider

• May be too intense for sensitive skin

Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid | Benefits: Exfoliates, improves texture, unclogs pores | Size: 0.5&#;1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you're dealing with uneven texture, dullness, blackheads, dullness, discoloration, or dark spots, 20 minutes with this Byrdie favorite will make you feel like a whole new person. This resurfacing mask helps improve uneven texture and gives dull complexions a glowy boost while unclogging pores and elevating elasticity. A blend of AHAs and BHAs dissolves dead cells on the outermost layer of your skin to reveal smoother skin underneath. We also appreciate the airtight container, as many masks require you to dip your fingers into a lidded tub. Just be mindful of the fact that it can be too strong for sensitive skin types, so perform a patch test. before slathering it all over your skin.

Best Sheet Mask

Perricone MD Cold Plasma Treatment Sheet Mask

PHOTO: Ulta

$22 at Amazon

$22 at Dermstore

View on Perriconemd.com

What We Like

• Easy to apply and stays in place

• Addresses multiple skin concerns including fine lines

• Leaves skin smoother and more radiant

What to Consider

• Leaves skin feeling slightly tacky

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, copper peptide, phospholipids | Benefits: Improves texture, addresses dullness | Size: 1 or 6 masks | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sheet masks are great single-use skincare treatments, but can be frustrating to use since they're typically one-size-fits...hardly anyone. While many slip and slide around your face, this one has two pieces, which makes application super easy&#;and, unlike many other sheet masks, it stays put until you're ready to take it off. After letting it baste for about 20 minutes, you can count on ultra-hydrated and plump skin that looks smoother, tighter, and more radiant. It can, however, leave skin feeling a little sticky right after you take it off.

For more Natural Masks for Wrinklesinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.