What Are The Different Types Of Face Masks?

1. Best For Dry Skin: Cream Masks

Cream-based masks are a good fit for normal to dry skin because it provides moisture and hydration, and softens your skin. They make your skin healthier, plumper, and smoother. Look for ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, essential oils, and natural butters, especially if they are not a part of your skincare routine already. Best For – Normal or dry skin. Pros

Soothes the skin Smoothens the skin Hydrates the skin Anti-aging properties Diminishes signs of fatigue Pleasant fragrance

Cons Highly-priced

2. Best For Oily Skin: Clay Masks

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you need something that balances out the oil levels and regulates the oil secretion on your skin’s surface. Clay masks smoothen and soften the surface of your skin by getting rid of all the dust, debris, and gunk built up on it. They also remove blackheads and resolve T-zone issues while working on firming your skin. Look for masks that contain lactic and citric acids. Best For – Oily and acne-prone skin. Pros

Reduces blemishes Prevents breakouts and pimples Treats damaged skin Minimizes pores Diminishes ingrown hair and razor bumps Prevents black and whiteheads

Cons

Not long-lasting

3. Best For All Skin Types: Gel Masks

Gel masks are meant for sensitive and dehydrated skin types as they are gentle, lightweight, and get absorbed quickly. Ingredients like cucumber, green tea, and mint are usually found in these masks as they hydrate and calm your skin while firming and tightening it. Best For – All skin types, especially dry and sensitive skin. Pros

Soothes the skin Hydrates De-toxifying Rejuvenates the skin

Cons

May cause a burning sensation in sensitive skin.

4. Best Easy-To-Use: Sheet Masks

The best thing about sheet masks is that they are incredibly effective, fuss-free, and easy to use. All you need to do is pop one on your face, relax a bit, and peel it off after 30 minutes. They are highly absorbent, so use them before you hit the bed, and wake up to visibly brighter skin. They are also lightweight, seep into your skin directly, and match all skin types. If you have sensitive or oily skin, choose masks that are specifically made for your skin type. Best For – All skin types. Pros

Moisturizes the skin Even tones the skin Refreshing Paraben-free

Cons

May cause redness

5. Best For Dull Skin: Exfoliating Masks

Exfoliation is a significant part of everyday skincare routine. Once in a while, you need to use a mask to focus on just exfoliation to get rid of the dead skin cells that clog your pores and cause acne. Masks that contain glycolic acid, lactic acid, or papaya and pineapple fruit enzymes gently exfoliate and fully restore your skin. These ingredients are natural skin brightening agents too. Best For – All skin types. For sensitive skin, use less abrasive masks. Pros

Hydrates the skin Rejuvenates the skin Lightweight Long-lasting Gentle formula Gluten-free

Cons

Expensive

6. Best For Deep Cleansing: Thermal Masks

Self-heating or thermal masks are topping the charts. These self-heating masks use science to work wonders on your skin. They use ingredients that generate heat when exposed to air, water, or both and produce a deep cleaning effect. They unclog pores, enhance blood circulation, and pull out deep-seated impurities to the skin’s surface. They are perfect to use during winters. Best For – Mature, aging skin. Pros

Unclogs pores Skin smoothening Non-comedogenic Hypoallergenic Oil-free Dermatologist tested

Cons

May cause redness

7. Best For Skin Brightening: Himalaya Moisturizing Almond & Cucumber Peel-Off Mask

The Himalaya Moisturizing Almond & Cucumber Peel-Off Mask effectively buffs away the dead skin cells while brightening your skin. The formula of this peel-off mask is enriched with almond that has soothing properties to moisturize your skin. It contains cucumber to rejuvenate and keep your facial skin soft and soothing. The turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties to soothe your skin. This mask reveals glowing skin from within. Best For – All skin types Pros

Moisturizing Pore tightening Soothes the skin Skin smoothening Cruelty-free Dermatologist tested Paraben-free Cruelty-free Phthalate-free SLS-free SLES-free

Cons

May cause breakouts

8. Best For Aging Signs: Hydrogel Masks

Hydrogel masks hold much more moisture than your regular gels. They are incredibly effective for repairing fine lines, wrinkles, and other visible signs of aging. They suit all skin types because they reduce redness caused by inflammation and leave your skin feeling baby soft. Best For – Dry, inflamed, and aging skin. Pros

Hydrating Unscented Makes the skin supple and smooth Suitable for regular use Dermatologist tested Non-comedogenic Oil-free

Cons None

9. Best For Overnight Healing: Water Sleeping Masks

Water sleeping masks are generally used overnight to rejuvenate, hydrate, and moisturize your skin thoroughly. You wake up the next day with plump, youthful, and soft skin. You put your skin through a lot every day, and over time it starts getting dull, dry, flaky, and wrinkly. You need something that actively combats all of this, and an overnight sleeping mask is one of the best solutions. Best For – Aging skin.

10. Best For Pigmentation: Vitamin C Masks

As you age, your skin’s capacity to produce collagen goes down. This gives way to signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles. You need something that fortifies your skin, fills up those tiny lines, and boosts collagen production. Vitamin C, L-ascorbic acid, and AHAs are some of the best ingredients for fixing aging concerns. Apart from including these ingredients in your everyday skincare routine, use a vitamin C mask every few weeks as it is highly potent and shows quick results. Best For – Aging skin. Pros

Moisturizing Reduces fine lines Skin brightening Skin firming Suitable for daily use

Cons

Sticky

Shopping for and using face masks is super fun. But you need to look out for a few things when picking them out and using them as they need to be compatible with your skin type. Check out the next section to find out more.

Tips For Using Face Masks

Skin Type – Know your skin type and look for masks that are specifically made for it. Read the ingredients list closely, because some of them may not be good for your skin type. Homemade – If you do not have access to masks that suit you, or if you want to try something 100% natural, go for homemade masks. You know what’s going into the mask, and you can customize it to match your skin type at a fraction of the cost of a store-bought face mask. Cleansing – Wash your face and pat it dry before using a face mask to ensure that it is free from dust, oil, or any makeup. Exfoliate – Use a DIY or readymade scrub to exfoliate your skin unclog your pores. This gets your skin ready to absorb the goodness of the mask fully. Moisturise – Always follow up any mask, cleanup, or facial procedure with a moisturizer. It’s a must in your everyday skincare routine as well. Patch test – Always do a patch test to see if a mask suits your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. Mask Type – Is the mask meant to be left overnight? Should it be washed off or just rinsed with water? Is it gel based and gets absorbed? Make sure you read all the instructions and follow them precisely to prevent any adverse reactions. Duration – Note the time duration indicated on the package and use it accordingly.

Why Trust Stylecraze

Shiboli Chakraborti, the author of this article, is a certified skin care coach who takes a very close look into the products that she suggests for use. She spent a good while researching products and their reviews before curating this list of the best types of face masks for every skin type. The list has products for all skin types, dry, normal, combination, acne-prone, sensitive, and in-between. These have all been chosen based on skin-nourishing ingredients and skin-friendliness. How often should you use a face mask? It depends on the mask you are using. Korean women use a sheet mask or some form of face mask on a daily basis. DIY masks can be used 2-3 times a week. Using any mask once or twice a week is a good skin care habit to inculcate. Which is the best face mask? The best face masks are those that use all-natural ingredients and do not contain harmful chemicals like sulfates and parabens. Water-based masks hydrate your skin which is generally good for all skin types.

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