They’re a staple in self-care rituals and skincare routines alike, but what do face masks do for the skin, and are you using the right one for yours?
From sheet formulas to overnight treatments, there’s a wide variety available, each designed to address specific needs and concerns.
With expert insight from face specialist Dr. Christian Jurist, we’ll explore whether adding one to your regimen is worth it and how to choose the best option for your skin type.
What Do Face Masks Do?
Face masks are a targeted addition to your regular skincare routine, helping to promote a refreshed, healthy-looking appearance.
Depending on the type you choose, they could help clarify, refine, or moisturize, leaving skin with a balanced, radiant finish. Each one offers a moment of concentrated care, allowing ingredients to rest on the surface longer and enhance the benefits of your routine.
We’ll explore the different types available, along with expert recommendations for your skin type, to help you achieve the best results.
Types of Face Masks
As Dr. Jurist explains, ‘there are many different types of masks for diverse skin types and conditions…some can be used at home and left on skin overnight, they can also be applied to specific areas of the face.’
Here’s a breakdown of the main types and what each one offers.
Cream Masks: Usually a rich formula, cream masks help moisturize and comfort areas of dryness.
Sheet Masks: Infused with water-based ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, tissue-style sheet masks help to refresh the complexion.
Peel-Off Masks: Ideal when you need a deep cleanse, peel-off masks work to lift away impurities to leave skin visibly clarified and radiant-looking.
Clay Masks: Formulated to balance excess oil, clay-based masks help draw out build-up and leave skin clearer-looking.
Gel Masks: Lightweight and cooling in texture, gel masks help to soothe and can be used on targeted areas like the under-eyes.
Sleeping Masks: Applied before bed, sleeping masks work overnight to help lock in moisture and promote a rested appearance by morning.
The Benefits of Face Masks
There are a variety of face mask benefits – according to Dr. Jurist, ‘masks are most necessary when the skin is lacking moisture, highly recommended for acne-prone or oily complexions, and when the skin is hypersensitive to help soothe, calm, and recover.’
We’ve summarized these below so you can find the texture and formulation that work best for you.
Benefits of Face Masks for Dry Skin
For dryness, enriching or cream-based masks are often the most suitable, as they help comfort and support the skin’s moisture barrier.
Dr. Jurist explains, ‘masks not only help retain moisture while sitting on the surface but also contribute to the infusion of ingredients and their delivery deep into skin layers.’
Choosing formulas with humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, along with oils like avocado or almond, could give your skin a concentrated moment of care, leaving it visibly soft and supple.
For example, our Power Repair Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Mask works to calm, enrich, and plump for a dewy-looking base.
Benefits of Face Masks Oily or Blemish-Prone Skin
As Dr. Jurist notes, ‘some masks are formulated to absorb elements from the skin. For example, those for oily or acne-prone types that help remove excess oil and surface build-up.’
Clay or charcoal masks, like our Pure Skin Charcoal Mask, are often best for oily or blemish-prone skin, as their purifying properties work to mattify and clarify the complexion.
Look for ingredients like kaolin clay, charcoal, or salicylic acid to help lift impurities and leave the surface visibly balanced and refreshed.
Benefits of Face Masks for Combination Skin
With its varying needs, combination skin can benefit from a tailored approach.
Dr. Jurist explains that masks ‘can be applied to specific areas of the face and combined with others,’ a technique known as multi-masking. This method involves using different targeted formulas at the same time to address multiple concerns.
For example, an oil-absorbing blend could be applied to the T-zone, while a cream-based one may be used on drier areas. This approach allows each region to receive the benefits it needs without over-treating.
By tailoring your routine in this way, you could help promote a balanced, even complexion that appears refined and healthy-looking.
Benefits of Face Masks for Easily Irritated Skin
For reactive skin, soothing masks may provide a moment of calm and comfort.
Formulas containing aloe vera, chamomile, or centella asiatica, combined with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, may help promote a balanced, refreshed appearance.
Benefits of Face Masks for Visibly Dull or Lackluster Skin
If your complexion appears dull, a radiance-enhancing mask could help revive its glow.
Those enriched with ingredients like vitamin C or niacinamide are often associated with promoting luminous, balanced results.
These blends work to gently refresh the surface, leaving it visibly healthy and energized – our Bright Skin Green Apple Mask is formulated to do just that.
When to Use a Face Mask in a Skincare Routine
When and how often should you do face masks? According to Dr. Jurist, they’re usually ‘applied near the end of a skincare routine or professional treatment…about once a week.’
However, it’s important to check the specific product instructions for usage guidelines, as they can change based on the texture and ingredients.
So, what do face masks do for skin? Depending on the formula, they could moisturize, balance, enhance radiance, or clarify.
Whether you’re looking for a targeted treatment or a way to wind down, this self-care staple is a simple way to elevate your weekly routine.
Pamper yourself with our line of facial masks today.
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