Jun 21, 2024
Categories
Skin Care
A face mask can be a great way to boost your skin-care routine. The right mask is more than a pampering treat — it can address many common skin issues. Whether your concerns are dryness, fine lines, large pores, acne, or a mix, there’s a mask that can help. Read on to learn about different mask types, how to use them, and which are best for your age and skin.
Key Takeaways:
– Wide range of benefits: Masks can hydrate, tighten pores, smooth texture, and target problems like acne and fine lines to improve overall skin health.
– Mask types: Cream, gel, clay, exfoliating, and other masks each suit different needs, so you can pick one that targets your concerns.
– How often to use: Use a mask once or twice a week and follow proper application steps to get the best results without overdoing it.
Table of Contents
Jump to…
Benefits of Masking
Types of Face Masks
In the Mix
Face Mask for Your Skin Type
Face Masks by Age
How Often Should You Use a Mask?
How Long to Keep a Mask On?
Face Masks: Benefits & How to Use Them
What Face Masks Do
Like a serum or moisturizer, a face mask delivers concentrated ingredients — vitamins, actives, and nutrients — to improve skin health. Masks are occlusive, meaning they form a barrier that helps the skin absorb those ingredients more effectively.
Masks are meant to be used occasionally for a quick boost. Depending on the formula, a mask can:
– Hydrate and moisturize dry skin
– Refine large pores
– Smooth skin texture
– Absorb excess oil and dirt
– Decongest clogged pores
– Reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles
– Improve elasticity
– Help calm breakouts
– Brighten dark spots
Types of Face Masks
With so many choices, how do you pick the right mask? Here’s a look at common textures and what they do.
Cream Masks
Cream masks feel like a rich moisturizer. They’re great for adding moisture and nutrients, helping skin look plump and youthful. They can address aging signs or troubled skin. For example, the Bamboo Age Corrective Masque smooths dry or aging skin overnight, and the Clear Skin Probiotic Masque is suited for acne-prone, oily skin.
The Kombucha Microbiome Leave-On Masque is a no-rinse, probiotic formula that supports skin recovery and maintains moisture balance. It’s rich and slow-absorbing, soothing dry, dull skin. Brian Goodwin, Eminence Organics International Educator, shares a tip: many cream masks can be used as leave-on treatments. That means you can leave them on for 10 minutes or overnight and let the ingredients work.
Gel Masks
Gel masks have a jam-like or jelly texture. They’re lightweight, making them a good match for oily to normal skin. Some gels include astringent ingredients like raspberries and blackberries to reduce oil and tighten pores. Others use hydrating ingredients like stone crop and honey to help dry or dehydrated skin.
The Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque firms the complexion with rhubarb extract, avocado oil, leafy greens, and citrus. Brian’s tip: apply a gel mask in the shower — the steam opens pores so your skin can absorb the ingredients more easily.
Clay Masks
Clay is absorbent and slightly exfoliating, so clay masks are useful for acne-prone skin, oily areas, and inflammation. You can also use clay as a spot treatment. The Charcoal & Black Seed Clay Masque soaks up excess oil and reduces the look of large pores and dark spots. Illite clay, activated charcoal, and black seed oil help clear congested pores without over-drying the skin.
For acne-prone skin, Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar suggests the Acne Advanced Clarifying Masque: “It’s nice and creamy in texture, and you literally only need a bit … Just hit those little areas and let it dry.”
Exfoliating Masks
Exfoliating masks remove dead skin cells and boost natural skin turnover. Some are chemical peels with alpha or beta hydroxy acids that dissolve dead cells and clear the surface. The hypoallergenic Radish Seed Refining Peel reduces the look of problem skin and fine lines. For extra pore-clearing, pair it with the Yellow Sweet Clover Anti-Redness Masque for drier skin or the Seabuckthorn Balancing Masque for combination skin.
Warming Masks
Warming masks use spices like paprika or cinnamon to create a tingling, warming sensation. Increased blood flow can give a rosy glow and a refreshed look for 20–60 minutes. These masks aren’t for everyone — if your skin is sensitive, choose a cream or gel mask instead.
The Eight Greens Phyto Masque – Hot won a 2020 Allure Best of Beauty Award in the “Clean Beauty” category. It blends whole plants, seeds, and spices to invigorate skin. The Turmeric Energizing Treatment is another warming option that activates with water into a mousse to wake up dull skin.
The Best Mask for Your Skin Type
If you stick to one mask at a time, pick one that matches your skin type and concerns. Here are suggestions by skin type:
Dry Skin
Dry skin often shows flakes, rough texture, or itching. The Strawberry Rhubarb Masque, with shea butter and grape seed oil, adds fatty acids to help skin look softer and less dry.
Oily Skin
Oily skin has extra sebum, which can mix with bacteria and dead cells to cause breakouts. Try the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque, which contains vitamins C and E to support skin health. A customer, Nina T., said: “Amazing smelling masque that really works magic on your skin!! … when you wash it off your skin looks hydrated and refreshed!!!”
Combination Skin
Combination skin can be oily in the T-zone and dry on the cheeks. The Snow Mushroom & Reishi Masque helps balance skin, firming and revealing a smooth radiance. You can also use different masks on different areas (multi-masking). Apply a mask for oily zones and a hydrating mask where you’re dry for a tailored treatment.
Sensitive Skin
If your skin is sensitive, always read labels and do a patch test before using a new product. For redness from dryness or irritation, the Calm Skin Arnica Masque can help calm and soothe.
Normal Skin
Normal skin is easiest to maintain. The Stone Crop Masque hydrates with stone crop and antioxidant lemon, helping reduce the look of wrinkles and improving skin’s overall appearance.
Mask picks by concern:
– Acne: Acne Advanced Clarifying Masque
– Uneven skin tone: Bright Skin Masque
– Large pores: Raspberry Pore Refining Masque
– Aging skin: Snow Mushroom & Reishi Masque
– Dullness: Lime Stimulating Masque
Best Masks by Age
You can also choose masks by ingredients suited to your age:
– 20s: Strawberry Rhubarb Masque, Charcoal & Black Seed Clay Masque
– 30s: Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque
– 40s: Eight Greens Phyto Masque (Hot and Not Hot)
– 50s: Firm Skin Acai Masque
– 60s+: Bamboo Age Corrective Masque
How Often to Use a Mask
Use a face mask once or twice a week. Apply masks after cleansing and toning so impurities and excess oil are cleared and your skin is prepped to absorb the mask’s benefits.
How to Apply a Mask
1. Apply an even, thin layer
A little goes a long way. A cherry-sized amount is enough. Natalie suggests spreading it in a “pantyhose-thin” layer over your face. Use gentle facial massage to enhance the effects.
For gel masks, add two to three drops of water and warm the product between your hands for easier application, better spread, and less waste.
2. Don’t forget neck and décolleté
That small amount can cover your neck and chest too. These areas show signs of aging early and should be included in your routine.
3. Leave on for 5–10 minutes
Most masks work in 5–10 minutes, though times vary by product. Some masks are quick-acting, while others can be worn overnight. Always follow the product’s instructions.
4. Remove gently with a damp cloth
Don’t scrub. Rinse with lukewarm water and be gentle. If using a washcloth, pick a soft, clean one to avoid irritation.
How Long to Keep a Mask On
Unless the product says otherwise, leave most masks on for 5–10 minutes. Using masks too often can strip natural oils and upset your skin’s pH and barrier, leading to dryness or irritation.
Dermatologist Dr. Anjali Mahto warns that layering many active ingredients (like retinol, vitamin C, or strong acids) can disrupt the skin barrier and cause issues like dryness or dermatitis.
Leave-on masks follow different rules — they can be absorbed and left on until absorbed. Below are general guidelines by mask type.
How Long to Keep Different Mask Types On
– Exfoliating masks: Usually chemical (AHAs/BHAs) or physical exfoliants. Follow the product instructions, but typically about 10 minutes.
– Cream or gel masks: Usually 5–10 minutes, then rinse off so no residue stays on the skin.
– Clay and mud masks: Good for breakouts and large pores; leave for 5–10 minutes and rinse off.
– Charcoal masks: Draw out oil and dirt; leave for 5–10 minutes and rinse to avoid over-drying.
– Leave-on masks (example: Kombucha Microbiome Leave-On Masque): These support recovery and moisture barrier health. Apply evenly to face, neck, and décolleté and massage until absorbed. Wait 5–10 minutes; if excess remains, blot with a tissue. Use up to three times a week or as needed as a moisturizer to help defend against dryness and support the skin microbiome.
Eminence Organics’ Kombucha Microbiome Leave-On Masque brings benefits such as:
– An extra occlusive layer to protect from environmental stress
– Calming the look of irritation and dry skin
– Helping restore a healthy skin barrier
– Making skin look vibrant, hydrated, and healthy
– Introducing prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics to support the skin’s microbiome
(Products do not contain live probiotic cultures. In vivo study results after 28 days showed 92% of users noted healthier-looking skin.)
Want help choosing masks for your routine? Visit an Eminence Organics Spa Partner for personalized recommendations.