Which type of face mask is best?

Face masks have been popular for a few years now, with more and more brands bringing out their own versions, and even multi-masking sets.  There’s everything from cream, gel and sheet masks, to mix-it-yourself masks, clay, self-heating, and even those infamous charcoal peel-off masks that never seemed to really peel-off, but rather held onto your skin for dear life!

But what is the difference between all these different ones? Well, each type has different beneficial properties:

• Cream and Sheet masks work best for dry, dehydrated or ageing skin. Hydrates and nourishes the skin, and helps maintain a plump, younger looking skin.
• Gel masks are great for oily to normal skin types.  Lightweight texture with a jam or jelly consistency.  Minimises the appearance of large pores and provides some oil control.  Also helps cool and soothe sensitive or inflamed skin.
• Clay masks help to absorb excess oil and purify the skin.  Great for oily or acne prone skin.
• Charcoal attracts and eliminate impurities from the skin.
• Exfoliating masks help get rid of dead skin cells and unblock pores.  Can be in the form of a chemical peel (using AHAs), or a manual exfoliation with fine particles.
• Warming masks contain active spices to make the skin feel warm. Can cause a tingling sensation and may turn the skin red (watch out for allergic reactions if you have sensitive skin – always do a patch test first). Invigorates skin and improves blood circulation.

Not sure which type you should be using? To get the most out of your face mask, choose one according to your skin type. Sensitive skins or dry skin types benefit more from gel, cream or sheet masks. Combination skin types (dry to normal cheeks with oily nose, chin and forehead) benefit from multi-masking; this means applying a clay mask to the oily patches, and a cream or gel mask to the drier areas, or double masking by applying a clay mask first, rinsing it off, and then applying a hydrating sheet mask. Oily skin types benefit most from clay or mud masks, as these help to absorb excess sebum (oil). Sheet masks, some peel-off masks and exfoliating masks are usually suitable for use on all skin types, although check the packaging first.

Over the years I’ve tried many different face masks, and I have to say that my favourite is still a clay mask or mud mask, although I do love a good self-heating mask to help exfoliate and unblock my pores every now and then. Honestly, I’m not a fan of sheet masks. Some people love them, but I just don’t like the cold, damp, clammy feel of them against my skin, and I don’t really see or feel any changes to my skin after using a sheet mask.