Words by Maya Prever
Introducing a facial mask into your skincare routine has two main benefits: one, it bolsters and nourishes your complexion and two, it ensures you slow down and relax while applying. In addition, they have the ability to transform your bathroom into a wellness oasis. With so much choice in the world of facial masks, it can be difficult to find the right ones for your skin concern. That’s where this guide steps in: read on to discover the best facial masks for your happiest skin yet.
Let’s take it back to basics: what is a skincare facial mask? Aside from being a Netflix-accompanying mood booster, a facial mask is an add-on step to your skincare routine after cleansing and is either presented as a sheet, clay, cream or gel mask. While a facial mask’s wear time is different depending on formulation and purpose, it is packed with nutrient-rich skincare ingredients that penetrate your skin’s surface to enhance and optimise your skincare routine. But before you reach for the first facial mask in your sight, you need to establish what your key skin concerns are. Are you trying to treat dry patches, brighten skin, rebalance your complexion or fight excess oil and impurities that could be causing breakouts? Once pinpointed, you can then distinguish the ingredients and formulas in your facial mask that’ll be more of a help than a hindrance.
If you want to alleviate dryness, try a facial mask infused with squalene, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin and fatty acids as well as a cream, sheet or gel formula so as not to dehydrate your skin. Or, if you are looking to brighten your complexion, introduce a facial mask with brightening agents, such as vitamin C, arbutin, azelaic acid or glycolic acid. You may also find that a hybrid-exfoliating facial mask in the form of a cream or clay mask will help to buff away dead skin cells for a brighter and even finish. And if you’re searching for a mask to help plump your skin, ingredients such as centella asiatica, glutathione or NAC Y2 help promote collagen production for a youthful appearance.