Here Are The Best Skin Masks For Your Skin Type
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It has become apparent that skincare products have taken over the beauty market. With this major rise in popularity also comes the increased usage of face masks, which are considered to be a self care staple in any skincare routine. Face masks are not just for relaxing, though — they can tackle a number of skin problems, such as redness, acne, excess oil, dryness, and the appearance of fine lines (when used consistently).
"Face masks are occlusive, therefore, they not only coat the skin, like commonly applied creams and serums, but offer the advantage of extended contact time with your skin — allowing their ingredients to penetrate deeply," Dr. Robyn Gmyrek, a board-certified dermatologist, told Forbes. "They deliver short bursts of concentrated active ingredients, which, depending on the mask, can help plump, hydrate, soothe, exfoliate or provide anti-aging benefits," she added.
Given these amazing benefits, everyone should have at least one type of face mask in their bathroom cabinet. However, with countless options available on the market, it can be hard to know which masks are beneficial for your particular skin-type, and which are detrimental. Luckily, we've done the research to help you out.
If you have oily or combination skin, try these face masks
Plenty of people suffer from oily, combination, or shiny skin. Fortunately, there are lots of face masks out there that target these specific issues. According to dermatologists, if you're looking to address any of these concerns, you should reach for a face mask with sulfur as the key ingredient (per Forbes). Sulfur, which has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, can usually be found in clay masks and can help reduce the production of sebum in your skin — an added bonus is that it helps with redness. Charcoal-containing face masks are also a solid option for oily skin as they can help draw out dirt, oil, and makeup residue from your pores.
Some top mask picks for oily skin include Innisfree's Super Volcanic Clay Mousse Mask ($21, Sephora), which not only deeply cleans your pores, but helps to refine them as well. This mask can also help to dry out acne spots, making your skin appear clearer and brighter. Next up is Origins' Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask ($27, Sephora). This gentle bamboo charcoal mask is especially great for oily skin that's also sensitive, as it contains vegan ingredients that help prevent irritation and redness. Last, but certainly not least, is the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask ($14.95, Amazon). This clay mask has quickly become a crowd favorite and is made of 100% natural calcium bentonite clay (talk about a clean product) that helps remove impurities and soften skin's texture.
If you have dry to normal skin, these face masks are for you
If your skin is on the dry to normal side, then you should look for masks that contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, vitamin E, squalane or ceramides, according to Dr. Rachel Nazarian, who serves as a faculty member at Mount Sinai Department of Dermatology. "These hydrating ingredients help rebuild the skin's natural moisture barrier and provide an instant plumping effect," Dr. Nazarian told Forbes. Normally, cream or gel masks are your best bet if your skin falls under this category.
Nancy Reagan, a licensed aesthetician and founder of Bella Reina Spa in Delray Beach, Florida, told Dermstore that cream masks are "rich in oils and moisturizers that penetrate deeply and replenish dry cells," while gel masks are "infused with collagen and antioxidants that help the skin with recovery."
One awesome face mask to quench your skin's thirst is Laneige's Water Sleeping Mask ($25, Sephora). This ultra-moisturizing gel mask is formulated with apricot (which is rich in antioxidants), hydro-ionized mineral water, and evening primrose extract. Another face mask worth trying is Fresh's Rose Face Mask which is made from hydrating ingredients such as rosewater, aloe vera gel, cucumber extract, and micro-algae extract. Finally, you'll want to get your hand on Glossier's Moisturizing Moon Mask ($22, Glossier). This super creamy, super rich overnight mask is packed with hydrating ingredients like honey, aloe, almond oil, and hyaluronic acid that will leave your skin feeling supple and renewed.
Want to try a face mask just for fun? These are your best bet
There are some face masks out there that are beneficial for all skin types, most notably, Korean sheet masks, which act like powerful serums for your skin. The best part is you can use them as often as you like (as long as they don't contain glycolic acid, which can irritate the skin), according to Elizabeth Tanzi, a professor for the dermatology department at the George Washington University Medical Center in Washington, D.C. (via Allure). In fact, if you're not acne-prone, using a sheet mask daily can really increase your skin's hydration levels, according to Dr. Debra Jaliman, a New York City-based dermatologist.
Some great sheet masks include MEDIHEAL's D.N.A Hydrating Protein Sheet Mask ($9.95, 5-pack, Soko Glam). This ultra-hydrating bamboo mask is infused with 19 amino acids and peptides, as well as jojoba oil, that will leave your skin both glowing and rejuvenated. BONUS: It's free from all the nasty ingredients you want to avoid! Second up is St. Ive's Skin Care Sheet Mask With Oatmeal ($6.63, single-pack, Walmart). This fiber-packed oatmeal mask is rich in lipids and fat, and is ideal for locking in moisture. It also has a cooling sensation that consumers love. Last up is Skin Laundry's Hydrating Facial Sheet Mask ($40, 8-pack, Skin Laundry). This sheet mask contains vitamins, amino acids, and natural plant extracts that are not only moisturizing, but wonderful for smoothing out fine lines!