Types of facial masks: 10 best and effective masks

At any age girls and women want an even complexion, firm skin without rashes and enlarged pores. To look well-groomed, it’s important to incorporate the use of masks into your facial care. But it’s easy to be confused by the wide variety of beauty products. We talked to beauticians to understand the main types of masks and their purpose.

Types of masks

All existing ready-made or homemade masks are divided into 3 big groups:

1. Washable with water;

2. Removable without water;

3. Not requiring removal.

When choosing such care products, of course, you need to consider the composition and brand. But above all, the needs of your skin should be taken into account. Different kinds of masks have formulas designed to solve certain problems. With this in mind, the types of masks are divided according to skin type.

These masks can come in the form of: mineral, gel, cream, tissue, alginate, film masks and exfoliant masks. Let’s take a closer look at each type.

Mineral Masks

In the composition of such beauty products, there is usually a therapeutic mud or clay (kaolin, hassul). Thanks to their healing properties, these components have long been used in skin care. According to one study, the use of clay masks stimulates the synthesis of collagen in the skin. And another study showed that such a cosmetic eliminates excess sebum, cleanses, brightens the skin and promotes the healing of acne.

Keep in mind that there is a specific type of clay for a particular type of skin, which solves certain problems:

1. White clay.A delicate adsorbent and exfoliant that gently cleanses the skin of excess sebum without overdrying it. Can be used for dry and sensitive skin.

2. Green clay.This mineral component exhibits good adsorptive and absorptive properties. It is excellent for caring for oily skin.

3. Blue clay. It has strong antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Treat dermatitis, boils, allergic rashes. Good for problem skin.

Effective ingredient in mineral face masks is charcoal. It is pure carbon. It effectively removes impurities and toxins from the skin.

Each facial area has its own needs. Many T-zone tends to be oily, and the cheeks, on the contrary, dry out. With this in mind, it would be wrong to use one mask for the entire face. It is better to work locally on the problem area, or to apply a few different masks to the area of the face.

Mineral masks have two main actions: they absorb (absorb) excess sebum and they adsorb (draw out and bind) various impurities from the pores. But if you keep such a mask on your face for too long, the clay can dry out your skin too much. Don’t wait until the mask on your face starts to crack and fall off in chunks. Take it off after at least 15 minutes.

To prevent it from drying out quickly, and to increase its effectiveness,Use these recommendations:

1. Apply the mask to the face and go take a shower;

2. On top of the distributed mineral mask, put a damp cloth napkin and lie down for 15 minutes;

3. After applying the mask, spray the face with thermal spring water.

Remove the mask with a damp sponge and then wash your face with warm water. Rinse your face with cool water at the very end to tighten pores. Mineral masks can be used up to three times a week.

Gel masks

Dry, dehydrated skin reacts especially well to gel masks. This element of care is well suited for spring or summer. This beauty product has a light texture and is excellent for restoring the skin’s hydro-balance. In the composition of gel masks, in addition to the base, there are the following natural components:

1. Aloe Vera. Increases firmness of the dermis and has many other beneficial effects on the skin, which you can read about here.

2. Seaweed extracts.They effectively rejuvenate the epidermis, accelerate metabolic processes.

3. Essential and base oils.They help to gently exfoliate dead cells, accelerate repair processes in the dermis, nourish it, strengthen the immune system.

4. Cranberry. It is an effective ingredient in gel masks designed for oily skin. It regulates the sebum production, reduces enlarged pores, reduces inflammation and heals.

5. Hemlock.Helps eliminate dark circles under the eyes and fights the appearance of couperose. Normalizes local blood circulation, strengthens capillary walls, making them less visible on the surface of the skin.

Most gel masks have a tightening effect and help smooth fine wrinkles. After using them, the skin is well hydrated. The gel-like texture has a cooling effect and is excellent for soothing the skin after tanning.

Rules of Use:

1. Apply the gel mask with a cosmetic brush along the massage lines only.
2. Do not apply this product to the eyelid area, as the skin there is particularly sensitive.
3. Take a horizontal position, so that during movement the skin is not stretched under the influence of the mask and does not form pimples.
4. Leave the mask on your face for 5 to 20 minutes. On each package, it is indicated. The duration of exposure depends on the ingredients in the beauty product.

Rinse off the product with cold boiled water, containing as few impurities as possible that may adversely affect the skin.

Creamy masks

The use of creamy masks is suitable for all skin types. For dry, fading skin with early or more pronounced signs of aging, creamy masks are commonly used to. Such beauty products contain large quantities of moisturizing, regenerating, toning and nourishing components.

When using cream masks is usefuladhere to the following recommendations:

1. Thoroughly cleanse your skin of makeup and other impurities. Use lukewarm rather than hot water in the process. Gently scrub the epidermis beforehand to remove keratinized particles. This will enhance the effect of the mask.
2. Apply the product to the face and neck.If the composition allows, also on the eye area. For the cosmetic product to work, it must be applied in a fairly dense layer.
3. Keep the mask on your face for 15-20 minutes.Or leave it on overnight if it is of this type. It is also important to consider the purpose of the mask. If it is cleansing and exfoliating, then keep it short. If it is nourishing and moisturizing, it is allowed not to wash it off. After a quarter of an hour, the excess can be removed with a paper towel, and the remainder spread over the skin.

not all creamy masks are suitable for oily skin types. It should be indicated on the package. Also with increased production of sebum preferably that the cream mask contained antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, pore-thinning ingredients (white clay, tea tree oil).

Tissue Masks

First came up with the use of tissue masks beauty guru from Japan. This cosmetic is a piece of fabric with an opening for the lips and eyes. The mould is impregnated with active ingredients of serum or gel consistency. Due to the fact that the tissue base is in close contact with the face, the nutrients do not evaporate quickly and the maximum positive effect is achieved.

Tissue-based masks haveThe following beneficial effects:

1. relieve dehydration, dryness, flakiness;

2. Strengthen tissues, smooth out wrinkles;

3. Tone, improve facial tone;

4. saturates the skin with nutrients;

5. Eliminate erythema, inflammatory elements;

6. It frees pores from impurities and shrinks them;

7. regulate the sebum production.

The effect of tissue-based masks is noticeable after the first use. Such a quick-acting product is very useful before important events.

The material of the tissue base can be: cotton, hydrogel, cellulose or microfiber. What exactly will be the effect of beauty products, depends on the composition of the serum:

1. hydration – hyaluronic acid, glycerin, snail mucin

2. Elimination of erythema – chamomile, aloe vera, lavender oil;

3. radiant skin – caffeine, ascorbic acid, centella asiatica, sakura extract;

4. wrinkles, skin creases – retinol, tocopherol, peptides, collagen, algae extract, antioxidants;

5. Regulation of sebum production – zinc, ginseng extract, black tea extract.

6. Nutrition – base vegetable oils;

7. Improve pores, eliminate oily shine – activated charcoal, clay.

Usually such masks are kept on the face from 15 to 30 minutes. This can always be found on the packaging. Some masks are useful to use in courses to achieve the maximum effect. But in most cases it is better to be guided by the skin’s needs.

Alginate masks

The alginate masks contain brown algae. And they are currently considered one of the highest quality natural ingredients used in cosmetology. Read more about this here.

Most often they are available in the form of dry powder, which is diluted with water before use. It is important to clearly observe the proportions. Otherwise, if you add more water than necessary, the mask will plasticize and it will be difficult to remove it from the face. Dilute the powder with cold water. And then without delay, using a spatula, apply to the face. After curing, it usually comes off easily in a single layer.

Such a cosmetic product has a modeling effect. After using it, the skin becomes firmer, the face oval is lifted, swelling disappears, small wrinkles in the skin are smoothed, the face looks fresher. If such a beauty product was used for oily skin, then it disappears rashes and normalizes sebum production.

Film Masks

Such a beauty product is a classic creamy mask or more often a gel texture. On the face it hardens and after exposure it is easily removed by the film. Through this process, the mask removes with it keratinized skin particles and surface impurities. Also has a soothing and detox effect.

The use of foil masks is appropriate for the following problems:

1. A large number of white or black dots;

2. peeling of the skin;

3. an earthy complexion;

4. Acne or post-acne;

5. excessive sebum production.

Foam masks are good for normal, combination or oily skin. And owners of dry or sensitive skin should refrain from such beauty products, because they can provoke irritation, discomfort when removed, as well as increased dryness or erythema.

Exfoliant masks

Masks with abrasives can be of any texture – clay, gel, cream, so they can be designed for any skin type. To remove the dead skin cells and to polish the skin such masks are applied with circular movements, as well as scrubs.

An exfoliant mask globally consists of two parts: the base (a gel based on moisturizing components or clay) and the abrasive. The scrubbing component can be anything, at the manufacturer’s discretion. The most common components are the following:

1. crushed apricot kernel shells;

2. berry seeds;

3. Volcanic rock crushed into a powder;

4. Synthetic granules (the softest);

5. sugar crystals.

The exfoliant mask does double-duty: it cares for the skin during exposure and also removes dead cells in the process of washing.

Review of the best facial masks

In our review we have collected the best masks of different kinds from Asian and European manufacturers.

Dr.Jart+ Vital Hydra Solution Biome Night Therapy

Rating: 4.9

South Korean brand Dr.Jart+ makes a moisturizing mask designed for nighttime use. This product contains: low-molecular hyaluronic acid (moisturizes the skin, improves its elasticity), lactobacillus enzymes (activates the growth of healthy microflora, reduces inflammation), mold fungus enzyme (lightens pigmentation, evens skin tone).

Delicate yoghurt-like consistency, absorbs quickly and leaves no sticky feeling. Apply it on the face and neck before sleep. This product works in synergy with the skin’s nighttime biorhythms. Rinse in the morning. Such a mask restores skin protective functions, slows down aging processes.

Hydra Zen Jelly Mask

Rating: 4.8

French luxury brand Lancome launches Hydra Zen Jelly Mask, a moisturizing mask with anti-stress effect. Peony extract provides nourishing, refreshing and hydrating properties. It smoothes the micro-relief of the epidermis well. And rose water is good for relieving inflammation and rejuvenating, protecting skin from dehydration, and improving complexion.

The mask has a jelly-like transparent texture with a pale pink shade. The product itself is quite liquid for a gel. And when in contact with the skin, it quickly warms up and melts. The fragrance is strong and penetrating. Can be used daily as a night cream (thin layer) and as a mask 2-3 times a week in a thick layer. Fights inflammation and dullness for a healthy glow and silky smoothness.

Cleansing maskHoly Land Special Mask

Rating: 4.8

Israeli brand Holy Land produces an effective mask for problematic skin Special Mask. This product contains: white clay (dries, narrows pores, exfoliates), sulfur (regulates sebum production, heals, has antibacterial properties), zinc oxide (absorbs and reduces inflammation), camphor (fights bacteria, improves local blood circulation).

The mask has a dense, clay-like consistency of white. The scent has hints of sulfur and camphor. This product has an excellent cooling effect. It also has a good antiseptic effect, which is extremely important after mechanical cleaning or similar manipulations. This mask is perfect for oily, porous, seborrheic skin.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Matte Cleansing Mask

Rating: 4.8

French manufacturer of dermatocosmetics La Roche-Posay offers a purifying matting mask Effaclar. The ingredients of this product include: thermal water, 2 types of clay, panthenol. Thanks to the active ingredients gently absorbs excess sebum, protects against shine, refreshes and at the same time does not cause irritation after cleansing.

The texture of the mask is medium and creamy, which makes it easy to apply. It does not pull on the skin and does not roll off. The product is very delicate. After spreading it on the skin, it quickly dries. The mask does not cause tightness or irritation. Systematic use of such beauty products improves even tone of the face and makes the skin smooth and even. Reduces the appearance of rashes and black dots.

Visxu Peel-off MaskDouble Radiance

Rating: 4.8

The French drugstore brand offers a mineral peeling mask Double Radiance. Contains volcanic micro-particles and fruit acid AHAs that gently exfoliate dead skin cells, positively affecting the skin texture and reducing tone. It also contains thermal water, which moisturizes and firms the skin.

The mask comes in a heavy glass jar. It’s a peach colored gel with dark specks. The gel can be easily spread on the skin as a thin layer. After applying this mask a tingling sensation appears, which gradually intensifies and gives way to a feeling of warmth. After using the peeling mask there is a feeling of freshness and purity for a long time, the skin becomes soft, glowing, soft and silky.

Alginate lifting maskARAVIA Professional Red-Wine

Red wine extract peeling mask

Rating: 4.8

Korean brand Dr.Jart+ makes an interesting alginate mask with a cooling effect. This beauty product is a ready-to-use mask that can be immediately applied to the face without prior mixing. It also comes with a highly concentrated essence that is applied to the face before the mask is applied.

The mask is made of 2 parts. To keep it on the face for 20 minutes. The product quickly soothes the skin, eliminates erythema, dries inflammatory elements. With the systematic use of such a beauty product noticeably tightens the facial oval, improves skin elasticity. Mask gives a mild cooling effect and soothes inflammation when in contact with the warmth of the skin.

Pore Cleansing Film Mask

zavecca Hell-Pore Clean Up Mask

Rating: 4.6

The Israeli brand Christina produces Sea Herbal Vanilla mask, which is able to return beauty to tired skin. The product contains: squalene, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, vitamins C, E, F, salt from the dead sea and various herbal extracts. The mask soothes and improves skin elasticity, strengthens local immunity. This product is suitable for year-round care.

The consistency of the mask is pleasant, creamy. The color is pure white, without blemishes. The scent is dominated by vanilla. Easy to apply to the skin. The mask doesn’t tighten the skin, it doesn’t crumble. Rinses off easily, leaves no greasy residue. The product perfectly nourishes and moisturizes the skin. It is excellent for treating peeling. Makes skin smooth and elastic.

Microalgae express mask on a tissue basisVichene MINERAL 89

Rating: 4.5

The Vichy brand produces a tissue-based mask of microalgae, which acts very quickly. It contains 98% Vichy mineralized water, as well as natural hyaluronic acid. This product deeply moisturizes the skin and maintains its lipid balance. It also eliminates irritation and peeling.

The mask is well fixed on the face due to the ultra-thin mold. The serum is a transparent gel. It has no fragrance, but a slight cosmetic odor is present. It is recommended to keep the mask for 10 minutes. During this time, it does not have time to dry out. After removal, the skin under it is moist and slightly sticky. Such a mask effectively moisturizes the skin, smoothes fine wrinkles, tones.