Applying a face mask has long been a sign that you’re in spa-mode. Slather it on, and you’re heading to a land of instant calm where you have to take a few minutes to just breathe. And oh yeah, there’s the added bonus that you’re doing something good for your skin.
Sure, wearing a face mask takes some time out of your day, but choose the right one, and the results are worth it. “These products are for the motivated person who wants to do something else for their skin,” says New York City-based dermatologist Doris Day, M.D. They can also help soothe your skin and your soul. No joke, taking time to de-stress is healthy for your complexion and also gives you a few moments of self-care.
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That doesn’t mean that any old face mask will do. Just as with the other skincare products in your regimen, choosing one based on your skin type and goals is key. So while it’s great to take recs from Instagram, remember that the woman posting doesn’t necessarily have the same type of skin that you do. She may have oily skin, whereas you need a dose of hydration. Or she may be fighting acne, whereas you’re looking to smooth out those lines that are cropping up around the corners of your eyes.
Whatever your unique skin needs, there’s a bevy of face masks out there to help you address them. IDing your skin type can also help take the confusion out of the plethora of options you have at your fingertips. We consulted Day for your buying guide to find the best face mask for your skin type.
If you have oily skin, try a clay face mask
When your skin has a tendency to become a wee bit greasy, clay is naturally drying, says Day. Go ahead and opt for the type of clay—red, black, green—that appeals to you most.
A pH balanced mask for when your skin’s craving a detox.
Boasting Hemp’s gamma-linolenic acid to regulate your skin’s oil and control acne.
Teams up detoxifying Kaolin and Bentonite clays to work their magic.
If you deal with breakouts, try an exfoliating face mask
Exfoliating masks hang on to oils and pull them away from the skin – that’s why they’re a tried-and-true acne fighter. They also help keep pores clear, plus can help tackle pigmentation. To get the most out of them, use once a week.
An excellent choice for multi-masking, especially on combination skin where enlarged or clogged pores may only occur in some areas, The Ordinary Salicylic Acid Masque is a smart product to have on hand to keep your skin balanced and clear.
A multi-acid, rinse-off exfoliant peel that dramatically resurfaces skin to visibly smooth wrinkles, refine rough, bumpy texture, brighten tone & unclog pores.
If you have dry skin, try a hyaluronic acid face mask
There are few things better than this super hydrator for a parched complexion. “Hyaluronic acid is very good at holding and pulling water into the skin,” says Day. A mask is particularly great because it provides a barrier against water loss and locks in moisture.
It’s packed with hydrating properties such as Hydrolyzed collagen and Hyaluronic acid and the cooling and calmness of Aloe Vera.
This hydrating face mask instantly soothes redness and strengthens skin barrier with Cornflower and Fermented Sea Kelp. Boosted with holy-grail Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane and Pentavitin, it deeply moisturises the skin for long lasting hydration and luminous skin.
If you have sensitive skin, try a caffeine face mask
A caffeine-packed mask can help ease irritation and redness. Green tea is another skin soother, says Day. Masks that use coffee extract can be really great for tired eyes, and those with additional vitamin C help boost brightness and even tone, too.
Smoothing complex hyaluronic acid & caffeine under eye recovery masks, boasting caffeine, Niacinamide and Eyeliss™ peptides help to reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness to instantly revive the look of dull, tired eyes.
These masks work to de-puff, debag and create a protective barrier to lock in moisture. Just like your morning caffeine hit, these masks work to bring your under eyes back to life.
If you have signs of ageing, try an antioxidant face mask
You’re going to want to find a mask brimming with antioxidants, prime free radical fighters. Look out for natural ingredients: spirulina, microalgae, kale, and spinach can guard and repair environmental damage, support collagen production, and deliver nutrients needed for a bright, healthy-looking complexion.
Specially formulated to visibly reduce discolouration and redness, smooth uneven texture, and deliver intense moisture.
This mask utilises the gentle yet efficacious nature of fruit enzymes and proteins to make light work of dead skin.
If you are feeling dull, try a brightening face mask
Brightness and hydration go hand-in-hand so make sure to look our for masks enriched with collagen and elastin, which will also help smooth out wrinkles.
You’re going to want to find a mask brimming with antioxidants, prime free radical fighters. Look out for natural ingredients: spirulina, microalgae, kale, and spinach can guard and repair environmental damage, support collagen production, and deliver nutrients needed for a bright, healthy-looking complexion.
99% Pure Grade Niacinamide and Vitamin C improve skin brightness and reduces the appearance of dark spots for an even glow.
An intense enhancing mask to illuminate and brighten the complexion, smooth the appearance of wrinkles and visibly reduce the signs of skin fatigue.
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