There’s no single kind of skincare that can provide magical results. We all have different skin types, and it’s difficult to know which one will truly help your specific skin issues, and skin type. That’s why we compiled the ultimate guide on what masks to use to target your specific issue and get your skin glowing ASAP. Whether you’re doing a DIY mask or buying one from the store, consider these face masks, which are faster than facials and bring instant results.
1. Best for dry skin
Ingredients like clay will only dry your skin out further, so instead of looking for detoxification products, focus on hydration and moisturizing ingredients, such as glycerine, hyaluronic acid, and aloe. Right now, rubber masks are trending, since they temporarily seal in the active ingredients to work better on your skin.
2. Bests for tightening and toning
For this skincare goal, you’ll want to look for masks that contain high levels of vitamin C, which is a major helper in fixing up collagen and tightening tone. Additionally, ingredients such as algae can help strengthen (and tighten) skin.
3. Best for lightening and brightening
If you struggle with dull skin types or age spots, you’ll want to focus on exfoliation. While there are lots of chemical exfoliation products, often fruit enzyme ingredients are the simplest and most effective. Fruit enzymes are contained in papaya, so if you can find a papaya based mask, this is a safe bet. Additionally, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and retinol can help brighten your skin.
4. Best for oily skin and clogged pores
With many of us not able to get facials during the pandemic, clogged pores is a reality for multiple skin types. If your skin needs a good clean, consider detoxification agents like clay and charcoal. Try to find formulas with added botanical ingredients, since this can aid in hydration, which clay sometimes sucks out. These formulas are also suitable for blackheads, which many of us suffer from.
5. Best for blemish prone skin
Beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid are oil soluble, so they can treat acne on oily skin types. This specific acid concentrated in oil glands, banishing excess oils while exfoliating sloughing off dead skin cells. Certain skin types are sensitive to salicylic acid, and in this case, we recommend an alpha hydroxy acid, such as lactic or glycolic acid.
6. Best for irritated, red or sensitive skin
If your mission is to soothe and calm irritated skin, seek out skincare formulas or homemade masks that use chamomile, cucumber, oat, and aloe. Calendula is also a fantastic soothing agent. Additionally, hyaluronic acids and coconut oil can help. Some dermatologists recommend vitamin B3, aka niacinamide, which can help reduce redness and the effects of sensitive skin or rosacea.
7. Best for hyperpigmentation
If you have spots or uneven skin tone, consider using a recipe with algae or spirulina. This formula acts as a peel and combats hyperpigmentation with a spirulina from vitamin C, as well as blue algae derived antioxidant. The gel has a tingling effect that doesn’t irritate sensitive skin types.
8. Best for cystic acne
Having cystic acne is a tough situation for anyone. If you’ve tried endless face masks and nothing can clear up those angry, red boils, turn to a trusted skincare brand like Peter Thomas Roth. Masks for cystic acne often use sulfur, and this clay-based mask is packed with it in maximum strength. Reviews on Amazon and all over the web having nothing but praise to say about this life-changing mask, which may be difficult to recreate in a DIY scenario.
9. Best for any skin type that wants fast-acting results
Maybe you’re going on a date or an impromptu girls night. If you don’t have time for your skin to repair itself overnight, consider an “instant facial” mask like Goop mask by Juice Beauty. It doesn’t come cheap but is definitely worth it. This mask exfoliates, moisturizes, and repairs all in one with its plant-based formula. The company recommends leaving the mask on for a maximum of three minutes, and it can be taken off in as little as 3 minutes! Say goodbye to waiting for 10 minutes as your mask uncomfortably hardens around your face.
