Best Facial Mask
Finding the best facial mask for your skin type can be difficult. First you need to know what kind of skin you have. Then, you need to find the right product. Luckily, there are lots of options, and in this article we are looking at nine of the best facial masks you can try.
Using facial masks is a form of self-care, and it comes with plenty of beauty benefits. While some people use them to enhance their skin, others do it simply to relax.
Either way, they effectively cleanse your skin and remove dirt and impurities while adding moisture, nourishment and hydration. This is particularly effective if you are experiencing certain skin issues, such as blemishes and breakouts. Facial masks can even help dark spots.
Types of Facial Masks
We’ve put together a list of our eight favorite facial masks.
1. Clay Masks
A clay mask works by absorbing excess oil and dirt from your skin, which is handy if you suffer from oily, spot-prone skin or mild acne. By removing oil from your complexion, clay masks unclog pores and prevent the appearance of pimples, blackheads and whiteheads.
To use a clay mask, you should apply it on your face, let it set on your skin by allowing it to dry. Then after a short period of time (roughly 15 minutes), wash it all off with lukewarm water.
One of our clay mask recommendations is the Cetaphil Pro DermaControl Purifying Clay Mask, which is the perfect solution for oily, sensitive and spot-prone skin. This clinically-tested and fragrance-free product is formulated with apple fruit and cucumber seed extracts to help maintain skin hydration and brighten skin tone. It’s $17.99.
2. Gel Masks
Gel masks help provide extra hydration. They are suitable for most skin types but are particularly useful if you suffer from dry skin or desire a dewy complexion because they contain high moisturizing properties.
Some gel masks are reusable, so they are good if you are a beauty lover with an eco-friendly stance. You can apply them on your face, allow your skin to soak up the nourishment, then remove them. You can end by rinsing your face.
For a gel mask that works effectively on the face to combat dry skin, try the Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask. It’s on the pricier side ($55), but with botanical extracts of cucumber, papaya and chamomile, this luxurious gel mask soothes and detoxifies the skin, as well as providing ultimate hydration.
3. Sheet Masks
Sheet masks are reusable facial masks that are great for soothing the skin. Because they are reusable, sheet masks are eco-friendly. As they are soothing and smooth on the skin, sheet masks are good at reducing inflammation and work well with sensitive skin.
The budget-friendly Burt’s Bees Hydrating Facial Sheet Mask with watermelon extract provides instant moisture and improves the texture of your skin. It’s only $2.99 per mask.
4. Argan Oil Masks
Argan oil has become a beauty favorite and is a common ingredient in many skin care and body care products. Unsurprisingly, this is because it provides many benefits:
- Moisturizes skin.
- Treats numerous skin conditions and infections.
- Heals wounds.
- Combats sun damage.
- Soothes inflammation.
- Has anti-ageing effects.
- Reduces skin oiliness.
- Reduces the appearance of stretch marks.
Argan oil facial masks regulate the amount of sebum on the face, reduces acne and smooths out your complexion. The ACURE Brightening Face Mask contains argan oil, vitamins C and E and is made up of a cruelty-free and vegan formula. It’s $9.99.
5. Charcoal Masks
Like clay masks, charcoal masks work by clearing pores, exfoliating the skin, removing dirt, toxins, dead cells, impurities and reducing pimples and blackheads. For the best results, it is best to leave the charcoal face mask on the skin for as long as possible, then wash it all off to cleanse.
To achieve this, try the Buttah Skin Charcoal Detox Mask ($24). It gently cleanses and purifies clogged pores by removing dirt, excess oil and impurities and smooths the skin.
6. Bubble Masks
Bubble masks foam or form bubbles after application because of a special oxygenation process. Once this occurs, you can cleanse your face and achieve glowing skin. Bubble masks provide hydrated and clearer skin, and over time, they can reduce blemishes and acne scars.
The Oh K! Bubble Sheet Mask ($3) is a gentle mask that exfoliates and eliminates dead skin cells and provides smooth and radiant skin.
7. Peel-Off Masks
Peel-off masks are exfoliating masks that work by removing dead skin cells and impurities by its peeling effect. To use, apply, wait for it to set and peel it off to achieve smooth skin.
For an affordable peel-off mask that gets the job done, here is a product from actress Milli Bobby Brown’s beauty brand: the Florence by Mills Mind Glowing Peel Off Mask. It is a cruelty-free iridescent purple peel-off face mask with charcoal powder, lavender oil and witch hazel that cleanses the skin. It’s $22.
8. Brightening Masks
Brightening face masks give the complexion a bright and radiant look. This is particularly useful if you suffer from dull, dry skin. Brightening masks normally contain vitamin C, which works to:
- Hydrate the skin.
- Reduce redness.
- Even out your skin tone.
- Fade hyperpigmentation.
- Boost collagen production.
- Reduce the appearance of under eye circles.
- Protect against sun damage.
For the best results, try the ACURE Brightening Face Mask.
9. Sleep Masks
Sleep masks are applied as part of an evening skin care routine and are left to soak on the face overnight (they are washed off in the morning). During your sleep, the mask works by absorbing into the face and providing plenty of hydration.
To achieve this effect, try the Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Face Mask, a rich and penetrating mask that works all night long. It’s $39.
Which Will You Use?
The best facial mask to use will depend on your skin type and what results you are looking for. Try some different ones until you find what works best for your individual needs.