How to Choose the Right Face Mask for Your Skin Type?

Face masks (and by that, we mean those like sheet masks) have been gracing the beauty scene for a lot of years already, and there are a slew of them in the market. Some masks promise to hydrate dry skin, while others promise to restore youthful glow with regular use. They come at different price points and benefits too.

When you think about it, not all masks are formulated equal. The only way to know which mask is best for you is by knowing your skin type and looking at the ingredients stated in the package.

Unsure what to use? Don’t worry, we will help you out! After reading this article, you can finally know which ones are best for your skin type. Make sure to read further!

Face masks for dry skin

Do you have dry, flaky skin? Then you will need face masks that promise hydration benefits. Look for hydrating ingredients such as aloe, hyaluronic acid, urea, and glycerin, among others. These ingredients are clinically proven to soothe dry skin.

Another great mask for dry skin would be a sleep mask. It is a skincare product that you can leave overnight to provide your skin enough moisture and nourishment. Leaving this mask for a longer period of time gives it more time to work wonders for your skin. Compared to other types of masks, the sleep mask has usually a lighter texture so that it won’t make your face feel icky and your pillowcases greasy.

Hydrating and moisturizing face masks are highly important if you have dry skin. This is also applicable for people who suffer from seasonal dry skin, especially during winter.

Face masks for combination skin

If you have combination skin or a shiny T-zone, clay masks and charcoal masks are the best choices for you. Clay and charcoal have a strong ability to absorb excess oil from the skin’s surface. The charcoal ingredient has the ability to junk out dirt that clogs your pores. Look for a face mask that leaves your skin shine-free, but not overly dry and tight.

It’s also worth noting that clay masks are great for acne-prone skin. They help balance oil production of the skin and tighten pores. Clay masks also help soften and smoothen the skin’s surface, making it ideal for combination to oily skin.

On the other hand, if you have dehydrated, dull skin, you should look for masks with exfoliating properties. Lighten and brighten your skin using face masks that contain lemon, sugar cane, orange, and apple extracts to leave your skin healthy from the inside out.

Likewise, you can opt for brightening agents such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and retinols to brighten dark marks. This can also be applicable to other skin types.

Face masks for oily skin

Charcoal masks and clay masks would also work great for oily skin, especially if you are prone to oiling up every day. Another option would be a peel off mask. This type of mask wicks away dead skin cells and surface dirt sitting atop your pores, leaving your skin shine-free and smooth. Peel off masks don’t really penetrate pores and pull blackheads from the pores. If your main concern is blackheads, we recommend using AHA or BHA exfoliant instead.

However, if you have sensitive skin, we highly recommend consulting your derma about using peel off masks. They have become popular for its good and bad benefits. Home-made peel off masks are not good for use, since they can be too sticky to the face. So, if you want to use peel off masks, make sure to opt for products that do not contain high levels of polyvinyl alcohol, an ingredient that can be highly irritating on the skin.

Rubber masks can be great options too. Also known as modeling masks, they have thicker texture and consistency compared to conventional masks. To apply a rubber mask, you just have to mix the powder with water to create a thick concoction and apply it all over your face. Let it sit for about 20 minutes and rinse. The only setback that this brings is that it can be messy to apply and remove.

If you have acne-prone, oily skin, you can use face masks that contain salicylic acid, an ingredient which concentrates on oil glands and effectively lessens oil production.