The Ultimate Guide Into Finding Your Perfect Face Mask

A face mask can help improve the appearance of pores, hydrate skin, and remove excess oils. They can also help in removing impurities, like acne, blackheads, and dead skin cells. Which can help you get to your skincare goals faster. However, it is a commitment to yourself, that you will take care of your skin by regularly using a mask while following your skincare routine.

Not only that but using a face mask is a great way to take care of yourself. It is a great time for self-care and stress relief. As stress is a major cause of skin issues that can trigger breakouts. This is why you should take a break and relax while using a face mask.

In this article, we’re breaking down different mask types which are: Sheet mask, Scrub mask, clay mask, wash off mask, Peel off mask, Sleeping mask, and Homemade mask. In hopes that you’ll find the perfect mask for you.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure here.

Knowing Your Skin Type

Knowing your skin type is incredibly important because it will help you choose the best product for your skin. Choose products that are suitable for your normal, dry, combination, oily, and sensitive skin. 

This is important because not knowing your skin type will make you use the wrong types of skincare products that don’t cater to your specific needs. Furthermore, it could aggravate existing conditions, or even cause new ones.

To know your skin type, you need to observe your face. The most common factors of normal skin are neither dry nor oily and have a smooth surface. For dry skin, you will be able to notice if your skin feels tight or if flakes are showing on your skin. 

For combination skin, you have an oily t-zone and dry or normal cheeks. For oily skin, you’ll notice that your face has a shine and is oily all over, Lastly, for sensitive skin when you try out new products you usually will feel a stinging sensation and you are most likely to flush easily due to your skin being irritated.

Sheet Mask

Sheet masks are face-shaped sheets that are usually fabric-based and some made of jelly-like fibers. It is soaked with serum or essence that can help hydrate, firm, clarify, and brighten your skin.

The purpose of the sheet is to prevent quick evaporation and to help the beneficial ingredients like Aloe Vera, vitamin c, and pearl to penetrate deep into the skin. What’s great about the Sheet Mask is that it is inexpensive compared to going to a spa. Not only that, a sheet mask is convenient and easy to apply.

Application

Always apply a sheet mask with a clean face, and for easy application start from the forehead as you line up the holes for your eyes, nose, and mouth. After application, leave it for 20-30 minutes.

You don’t have to wash your face after using it just gently tap the leftover serum on your face. You can apply it as many times as you want. However, it is always recommended to use it just three times a week.

Best for All skin types, For acne-prone skin, beware of a sheet mask with ingredients such as eggs or coconut oil as they might clog your pores.

Top 3 Recommendations:   

• TONYMOLY I’m Real
• Let’s Talk. Charcoal Sheet Mask
• Celavi Essence Facial Face Mask

Peel-Off Mask

Peel-off mask is often plant and vitamin-based which is often formulated with botanicals, charcoal, and antioxidants. They are available in a few different forms but most of them apply like a gel. Once the mask dries on your skin, it hardens into a stretchy sheet that can be removed by peeling it off your skin. 

A lot of people find the peel-off masks satisfying to use because of their instant results. It removes dead skin cells, dust, oil, and blackheads. It allows you to have a smoother skin texture and it can also balance out pigmentation. However, the peel-off mask might be too harsh for people with sensitive skin and rosacea 

Application

You can use a peel-off mask one to three times per week. In applying one, you need to cleanse your face first, then apply a thick layer evenly across your face. Wait until 7 to 10 minutes then you can peel off your mask to wash and moisturize your face. 

In peeling off, do it slowly and begin at the sides. Do not remove it downwards because it can cause a loss of elasticity that can lead to sagging skin. Also, as much as possible avoid applying it near your eyebrows. It can hurt a lot when removing the mask and it might remove some hairs when pulled hastily.

Best for All skin types except for sensitive skin

Top 3 Recommendations:

• Boscia Luminizing Charcoal Mask
• First Aid Beauty Purifying Mask
• Formula 10.0.6 Brightening Peel Mask

Clay Mask

Clay masks are made out of several types of clay such as kaolin, bentonite, French green, and Moroccan rhassoul. It has a thick consistency that tightens over the skin as it dries, and it’s great in preventing or controlling pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads.

It is also great in absorbing dirt and oil that’s stuck in your pores, and it reduces the appearance of large pores. You can even feel certain formulas of clay masks pulsating when it is absorbing dirt.  

Application  

Applying a clay mask on your face isn’t suitable for daily use, especially for the ones who have dry skin. Instead, you can use a face mask twice or once a week to avoid the potential of drying out your skin.

In using a clay mask, you can mix the clay powder with water or apple cider. Mix it in a bowl and after mixing it properly, make sure you have a clean face and spread it evenly on your face. Then leave it on for 10 minutes then rinse it off. It is important to remember to not use any metal because it can activate the clay that can destroy its detoxifying properties.

Best for Oily and acne-prone skin

Top 3 Recommendations:

• Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
• Elizavecca Bubble Clay Mask
• Herbivore Pink Clay Exfoliating Mask

Scrub Mask

Regular exfoliation is a must because it promotes healthy and glowing skin. A scrub mask contains granules that can buff away dead surface cells, stimulate blood circulation, and promote a clear complexion. As it removes dead skin cells that result in excess oil and clogged pores. 

Once dead skin cells are removed it allows moisturizing products to penetrate more deeply into the skin, making the products more effective. It is especially effective when you find your skin dull and want to brighten up your skin. 

Furthermore, when buying a scrub mask always choose a mask with smooth, round granules to avoid injuring your skin. As rough particles can damage your skin especially when you don’t use a light touch.

Application

Using a face scrub should only be done once a week to avoid overdoing it. Which can leave your skin, irritated, dry, and damaged. To start, wash your face first then put a small amount on your fingers and apply it to your face. Gently massage your face no more than a minute and rinse thoroughly.

Best for All skin types, For sensitive skin, don’t use a scrub mask with harsh granules

My Top 3 Recommendations:

• Acure Brightening Facial Scrub
• First Aid Beauty Exfoliating Face Wash
• Bioré Baking Soda Acne Face Scrub

Wash-off Mask 

Wash-off masks are designed to be removed from the skin for a few minutes. It provides moisture to your skin and locks it in for lasting hydration. It is not like a typical mask where you need a cleanser to remove it but you should only remove the wash-off mask with water alone. This mask is perfect for you if you have dry and dull skin as a wash-off mask can be super hydrating and nourishing.

Application

Applying a wash-off can be used once a week. When using it gently massage the mask onto your freshly washed face. Then leave it on for 10-15 minutes then rinse It off with water only.

Best for Dry and dull skin

My Top 3 Recommendations:

• SKINFOOD Black Sugar Wash Off Mask
• I DEW CARE Mini Scoops Wash Off Mask
• SKINFOOD Egg White Pore Mask

Sleeping Mask

Want to have a beauty all-nighter? Then a sleeping mask is perfect for you. It will hydrate and rejuvenate your skin and the results would be waking up to soft and youthful skin. It also helps ingredients penetrate more deeply onto your skin and has a light coating that serves as a barrier to prevent dirt and dust. 

A sleeping mask is an important factor in aging, because as we age our skin’s hydration levels drop that can cause us to have dry and wrinkly skin. A sleeping mask can help you with that because as you sleep, your skin can recover moisture. Therefore slows the process of having wrinkles.

Application

In using a sleeping mask, You can use it 2-3 times a week at the last step of skincare. Before using one, make sure that your face is clean and with clean hands. Scoop a small size of it and spread it evenly all over your face. Then leave it on overnight then wash it off the next morning. 

Best for Dry, and aging skin

My Top 3 Recommendations:

• Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask
• Olay Luminous Overnight Facial Mask
• Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

Homemade Mask

Using a homemade mask mix with natural ingredients can help you save money and it is effective too. Here are some effective homemade mask recipes that can help you. 

Oatmeal And Honey Mask

1 tablespoon of Oatmeal

1 tablespoon of Honey

½ teaspoon water

Oatmeal is an excellent ingredient for a homemade face mask. It is incredibly suitable for all skin types and is gentle to those who have sensitive skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to remove dirt from your skin pores. While honey is a gentle exfoliator compared to artificial exfoliators that can cause redness and irritation to sensitive skin. 

Best for Sensitive skin

Avocado And Banana Mask

½ Avocado

1 Banana

1 tablespoon of Honey

Avocado is incredible at deeply hydrating dry skin and it is rich in vitamin E that reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Not only that but a banana and honey is great in restoring moisture to a textured skin making it soft and supple. 

Best for Aging skin and dry skin

Aloe Vera And Tea Tree Mask

1 tablespoon of Aloe vera gel       

A drop of tea tree oil 

Aloe Vera is super popular because of the benefits that are commonly used in beauty products. It’s because it reduces acne and it lightens blemishes on the face especially for those who have an acne scar. Tea tree is also effective in removing acne because it is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.

Best for Acne-prone skin

Egg White Mask

1 egg white

Egg whites have tightening effects that absorb excess oil, which can regulate your sebum production and it can also shrink your pores.

Best for: Oily and open pores skin