Best Masks for Your Skin Type

Posted on March 1st, 2009 / Filed under Beauty , For the Face:

Make no mistake: facial masks aren’t miracle-workers. There’s no be-all, end-all cure for ageing or acne in mud, no matter what the labels claim. That’s not to say there’s no benefit to using masks at all; there are plenty of products that absorb oil and soothe skin. Plus there’s something incredibly satisfying — and relaxing — about slathering green goo all over your face and then rinsing it off to reveal clean, refreshed skin.

MasksThe kind of mask you use depends on your skin type. Generally, clay or mud masks are best for normal or oily skin, emollient-based ones are good for dry skin, and those with combination skin types can use one suited to oily skin on the t-zone and one for dry skin on other areas. Women with acne-prone skin can choose masks that also contain sulfur, salicylic acid (unless you’re allergic to aspirin) or benzoyl peroxide.

No matter what kind of mask you’re using, remove all makeup before hand. It’s also a good idea to exfoliate first, because getting rid of dead skin will yield better results, because it will allow the product to do its job better. Apply the mask to clean skin, wait 10 to 20 minutes for it to dry, and then rinse well with lukewarm water and pat dry. Some masks don’t dry, and can be either wiped off with a soft washcloth or rinsed off. If you try a new product and it starts to sting or feel uncomfortable, it doesn’t mean it’s “working.” The mask is probably either too harsh for you, or you’ve left it on too long. It could also mean you’re sensitive to one or more of the ingredients. Wash it off right away.

Finally, don’t apply masks too often; once every week for combination and oily skin and every two weeks for normal to dry skin is plenty. Even if you have oily, blemish-prone skin, applying masks too frequently can end up drying out your skin and irritating it further.

Suggested Products

Aubrey Organics Blue Green Algae Clay Mask (Normal to oily skin, $6.91, amazon.com)
Avon True Pore-Fection Skin Refining Mask (Normal to oily skin, $8.50, avon.com)
Borghese Fango Active Mud (Dry skin, $32, cosmeticmall.com)
Masks Elizabeth Arden Hydrating Mask (Dry skin, $15, beauty.com)
Got2b In Your Face Pure Intent Clay Mask (Normal to oily skin, $3.59, drugstore.com)
Juvena Q10 Energy Mask (Normal to combination skin, $35, bathandbodyworks.com)
LUSH Mask of Magnaminty (Normal to oily skin, $8.95, lush.com)
Mario Badescu Healing and Soothing Mask (All skin types, $20, mariobadescu.com)
Murad Hydrating Gel Mask (Dry skin, $27, murad.com)
Neutrogena 60-Second Scrub/Mask (Combination to oily skin, $7.19, drugstore.com)
Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Hydrating Treatment Mask (Dry skin, $11.95, paulaschoice.com)
Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Masque (Oily skin, $40, skinstore.com)
Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask (Normal to oily skin, $3.29, drugstore.com)
Shiseido The Skincare Purifying Mask (Normal to oily skin, $27.50, cosmeticmall.com)

Tips and Tricks

  • MasksHarsh acne treatments can sometimes leave even very oily skin with dry patches and redness. A moisture mask can help, but make sure you choose a water-based one and only apply it where needed.
  • Exfoliating masks include scrubbing particles to slough off dead skin when you remove them. There are also masks that chemically exfoliate by using AHAs or various enzymes. Sensitive skin may find the latter kind too harsh, and no matter what your skin type, those are best used at night before bed, since AHAs can cause mild redness and make skin more susceptible to sun damage. If you do use one during the day, make sure you apply sunscreen before leaving the house.
  • If you have dry skin, apply your moisturizer right after you wash off the mask, and while your skin is still damp.
  • Clay or mud-based masks are meant to absorb surface oil, so women with dry skin should avoid them. Some so-called hydrating masks contain clay, so read ingredient lists before you buy.