How to Incorporate Masks into your Routine

Masks are packed full of vital ingredients and can improve skin concerns such as oiliness, dryness, redness, ageing or dullness. Masks can be used as a part of a regular skincare routine, typically 1-3 times a week, depending on the type of mask and individual skin needs.

Common types of masks

• Sheet Masks: These are pre-cut fabric masks soaked in serum or essence
• Clay Masks: Clay masks contain natural clays like kaolin or bentonite, which help absorb excess oil, purify pores, and draw out impurities from the skin, making them ideal for oily or acne-prone skin
• Gel Masks: Gel masks have a cooling and refreshing texture that helps soothe and hydrate the skin
• Cream Masks: Cream masks are rich and nourishing, providing deep hydration and helping to improve the skin’s moisture barrier
• Peel-Off Masks: Peel-off masks dry to a rubbery texture and are then peeled off, removing dead skin cells and surface impurities
• Exfoliating Masks: These masks contain chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to promote cell turnover, unclog pores, and improve skin texture
• Sleeping Masks: Sleeping masks are left on overnight, providing continuous hydration and nourishment to the skin while you sleep

Tips to help incorporate masks into your routine

• Determine your skin type and specific concerns to choose the right type of mask that addresses your needs
• Wash your face with a cleanser of your choice before applying any mask to ensure maximum efficacy
• If you are using an exfoliating mask, skip exfoliation before applying the mask to avoid over-exfoliating your skin
• Follow the recommended application time mentioned on the mask’s packaging
• After removing the mask, continue with your regular skincare routine
• Consider using different masks based on seasonal changes and your skin’s varying needs

Popular ingredients found in masks

• Hydroxy acids
• Hyaluronic acid
• Vitamin c
• Jojoba oil/beads
• Squalane
• Kaolin clay
• Growth factors
• Niacinamide
• Papain
• Soothing botanical extracts

Mask for different skin types

Dark Marks

Certain masks contain brightening active ingredients that help improve the overall radiance of the skin, reducing the appearance of dark marks and giving the skin a more luminous complexion. Dr Webster recommends:

• Huxley Glow and Brightness Mask
• pHformula MELA Mask
• Kiehl’s Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Mask

Dry & Sensitive

Masks are beneficial for individuals with dry and sensitive skin due to their ability to provide intense hydration, soothing properties, and targeted nourishment. Dr Webster recommends:

• PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask
• Lamelle Serra Lipid Recovery Mask
• Kiehl’s Avocado Nourishing Hydration Mask

Early Ageing, Fine Lines

Masks can be beneficial for early signs of ageing and fine lines due to their targeted formulation and delivery of active ingredients. Dr Webster recommends:

• Obagi Professional-C Microdermabrasion Polish + Mask
• Lamelle Dermaheal Growth Factor Sheet Mask
• PCA Skin Revitalizing Mask

Mature, Sun Damaged

Some masks are formulated with ingredients like peptides or collagen, which can help improve skin elasticity, giving a firming and lifting effect to sagging skin. Dr Webster recommends:

• pHformula VITA A Rejuvenating Mask
• Exuviance Rejuvenating Treatment Masque
• iS Clinical Hydra-Intensive Cooling Masque

Normal or Combination

Masks can help balance the skin’s moisture levels, providing hydration to dry areas and controlling excess oil in the T-zone for combination skin. Dr Webster recommends:

• Huxley Clay Mask Balance Blend
• Jorgobé Niacinamide Peel-Off Mask
• Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Mask

Oily, Acne-Prone

Masks can be highly beneficial for individuals with oily and acne-prone skin due to their ability to address specific concerns and provide targeted treatment. Dr Webster recommends:

• mesoestetic pure renewing mask
• Dermaceutic Mask 15
• Lamelle Clarity Clear Mask

Red, Rosacea-Prone

Masks formulated with certain active ingredients can help soothe inflammation and provide a cooling effect, which is particularly beneficial for calming red and irritated skin. Dr Webster recommends:

• SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque
• mesoestetic anti-stress face mask
• Kiehl’s Calendula Petal-Infused Calming Mask