What more do you need to know about face masks?

3 less popular face masks on the market

Look, I know that this is a skincare blog, and you are here for skincare tips. But, I want to start by admonishing you to wear a face mask. Considering this is a post about face masks, I thought I would take the punny route to state the COVID-19 obvious. I digress. 

As I mentioned in a previous post, there are three kinds of face masks:

  • Clay, sulfur, or mud
  • Sheet masks 
  • Overnight renewal masks

The face mask that you use depends on what skin issues you want to address. If you have clogged pores and want to detox your skin, for example, a clay mask is the best way to go. Sheet masks are perfect for hydrating dry skin or restoring lost moisture. An overnight renewal mask is the crème de la crème of face masks. The right one acts as a hybrid and gives your skin a complete overhaul.

Today, I am going a bit deeper into the world of face masks since most people think about them beyond skincare. When it comes to self-care or hygge, face masks are the poster children of doing what is right for your mind and body. Even if you wear a face mask to take an Instagram-worthy picture, it can make you feel refreshed and a bit rich. 

A thin line between sloughing and tearing

Now, do you remember the flack that Kylie Jenner got when she first launched her walnut face scrub? People compared the face scrub to St. Ives face scrubs, and that was not a compliment for either company! Regular exfoliation should be a part of your skincare routine. But, an exfoliator does not always have to come in a tube. Did you know that face masks can also act as exfoliators? Also known as a peeling or exfoliating mask, this kind of mask sloughs off dead skin cells. It contains common alpha-hydroxy acids such as lactic, glycolic, and salicylic acids. 

An example of an exfoliating face mask is Tula’s Exfoliating Treatment Mask. I have not tried it, but if you suffer from acne and do not have super sensitive skin, this may be worth a shot! A drawback of using an exfoliating face mask is that your skin may become red, itchy, or irritated. This happens through excessive use or misuse. Yet, this is not a cause for alarm because we can say the same about any acidic skincare product. 

To peel-off or wax? That is the question.

If you still do not want to try an exfoliating face mask, consider a peel-off one instead. In the past, I tried peel-off masks to no avail! All is always fine and well until it is time to peel it off, no? At least one person who reads this can relate, I am sure. If you have oily skin, a peel-off face mask is excellent for removing excess sebum. This type of face mask usually has alcohol, which helps it to dry but also dries out your skin. Peel-off face masks tend to hurt when you remove them because they remove facial hair along too! Think of what happens when you get a wax - it is the same painful concept. That said, if you have a low pain threshold and dry skin, a peel-off face mask may not be worth it for you. 

Finally, you have cream masks.

As with any creamy skincare product, you can expect a cream face mask to hydrate your skin. That means that most cream face masks are on the heavier side. Because of this, you should only use them if your skin is dry or in need of hydration. Like most skincare products, too much of anything can be awful. When you use cream face masks in excess, your pores become clogged, then you breakout. Once you break out, you will need more than a face mask to resolve your skin issues. So, take care in using this kind of face mask!

Like most face masks, when you use a cream mask, your face feels smooth and soft afterward. That is a plus, of course. Now that you made it here, tell me, would you try any of these face-masks? Or would you stick with the more traditional types? Personally, Masktini’s Twilight Zone Tahitian Detox Mask does it for me, but you know that I am biased!

In any event, I am a proponent of trying anything twice for the sake of a fun, explorative skincare routine. With so many products on the market, you never know what may stick! If you ever tried any other face masks, I would love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and let us know what works best for you!