How do I Choose the Best Face Mask for my Skin Type?

A face mask is a skin care treatment that is spread over the surface of the skin and left for an extended period of time before being washed off. This type of product is thought to penetrate the skin more deeply than other treatments, such as cleansers and toners, that are removed immediately; however, since face masks are stronger than daily skin care treatments, they are typically only recommended for use one to two times per day. Since face masks can be potent, choosing the best face mask for your skin type can help treat any specific issues without irritating them.

One possible skin type is dry skin. The characteristics of dry skin include loose flakes of skin, a rough texture, feelings of tightness after exposure to heat or moisture, and redness. If you have dry skin, the best face mask will generally contain moisturizing ingredients, such as glycerin, alpha hydroxy acids, honey, or avocado. Face masks for dry skin will also typically need to have a thick, creamy texture in order to penetrate the tough outer layer. Gel-based face masks or those with oil-reducing ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide, can make dry skin even worse by absorbing its few natural oils and should be avoided if you have dry skin.

Another variety of face masks are designed for oily skin. If your skin has a shiny appearance and a slick texture, you most likely will benefit from a face mask for with ingredients meant to treat oily skin. The best face mask for oily skin will typically contain an oil-absorbing ingredient, such as clay or mud. These ingredients are thought to pull up and absorb any extra oil from the skin’s exterior and beneath the skin’s surface.

For an acne-prone skin type that often has breakouts, the best face mask will tend to contain the same active ingredients that are found in acne facial cleansers and topical spot treatments. These active ingredients often include salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which can help to dry up pimples and kill any remaining bacteria to prevent more from forming. Face masks meant for acne-prone skin will generally have to be removed in a shorter amount of time than other face masks due to the potency of the acne treatment ingredients. If the face mask is left on longer than the recommended time period on the product’s usage directions, it could result in skin irritation and ultimately make the acne problem worse.