FACE MASKING 101: 5 TYPES OF FACE MASKS AND WHEN TO USE THEM

One *could* say I’m a masking queen.

Odds are if you were to come over to my place literally any night of the week, you’ll find me masking with a glass of red wine in hand.

Face masks get plennnnty of time in the spotlight. Yes, they are trendy and hyped — but, more importantly, they’ve been around forever and have so many benefits for your skin. Masks are an excellent target treatment. In an oversaturated market with skin care advice flooding the interwebs, I thought a quick guide to the most common types of masks, their purpose, and how often to use them would be helpful. Think so too? Well, then…read on! And by all means, press pause and apply a mask first.

COMMON MASK TYPES

Clay Masks

Clay masks are great for clogged skin. Clay helps draw out impurities like excess oil, sebum, and toxins in your skin. I like to use a clay mask when my skin is feeling clogged and congested. Heads up, clay masks *can* cause your skin to purge, which makes sense as it’s doing its job by removing those impurities in your skin. Because of this, I like to use a clay mask 2-4 days before an event or when I’m really wanting my skin to be clear. Clay masks can also potentially dry you out. I say potentially because oftentimes we leave clay masks on too long. Don’t tell me you haven’t left a clay mask on for an entire episode…subconsciously letting the clay got all crackly and dried up on your skin. This is a no no. Tip: when using a clay mask, don’t leave it on for too long. I keep mine on just until it has dried and then remove it. This avoids your skin getting irritated or dried out.

Here are a few of my favorite Clay Masks: Beauty Counter Balancing Facial Mask, L'Oreal Paris Exfoliate & Refine Pores Pure Clay Mask, Leegeeham Grow Matcha Clay Pack, Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay

Hydrating Masks

Hydration is arguably the most important factor in your skincare. How many of us drink enough water? Yep, not enough of us. Same with our skin. We need the hydration, bbs. Yes, even if you’re oily. Hydration will help balance your skin’s moisture levels. I use a hydrating mask at least once a week. Hydrating masks are easily done overnight, too! When you sleep your skin actually naturally heals itself, so using hydrating products while you’re sleeping will only help increase the health of your skin. Now that’s some multi-tasking!

Here are some of my favorite Hydrating Masks: COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask, Alchimie Forever Kantic Brightening Moisture Mask, Image Vital C Hydrating Enzyme Mask

Brightening Masks

When you’re feeling blah, oftentimes your skin can look dull as well. Beyond the mental, physical, and emotional factors that can cause dullness in the skin, environmental factors are in the mix as well. Enzymes in masks are a great way to brighten up lackluster skin. Enzymes are natural, more gentle exfoliants that help brighten the skin. I use an enzyme mask 1-2x a week as needed. This is a great mask type reach for when you’re low on sleep, high on stress, or just generally need a little brightening up!

Here are some of my favorite Brightening Masks: Alchimie Forever Kantic Brightening Moisture Mask, Image Vital C Hydrating Enzyme Mask,

Retexturizing Masks

Oftentimes in the winter or in changes of seasons, my skin texture will be rough. This is when I whip out a retexturizing mask. Retexturizing masks help soften and smooth the skin’s texture. If you’re working on evening skin tone and texture, try this mask type. I use a retexturizing mask 1x a week as needed.

Here are some of my favorite retexturizing masks: Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay

Sheet Masks

I always keep sheet masks on hand. Always! There are different types of sheet masks — firming, hydrating, brightening…the list goes on. Generally, sheet masks serve as a way to pack in hydration. I’ve dedicated a whole post to my favorite sheet masks. Applying a sheet masks after a hot shower post yoga is my go-to. I use sheet mask 1-2x a week. Bonus points if you apply Hyaluronic Acid before your sheet mask! And by bonus points, I mean more juicy plumpness for our skin.

TO SUM IT UP

I mask 4x a week. Seem excessive? Note this: I always reach for the hydrating masks, either cream or sheet. Normally, this is 3x a week. Then, I’ll treat as needed with either Clay, Brightening, or Retexturizing masks for my 4th mask of the week. My philosophy is to be mindful in skincare, to look at and feel your skin to see what it needs.

Happy Masking!