From sheet masks to clay masks – how to pick the best face mask for your skin type.

With a new season many of us are investing in some much-needed extra TLC in the skin department. But where do you start when choosing the best face mask for you?

These day’s there are so many different masks available so here are my tips on how to select the best type for your skin concerns and how to multi-task like a pro.

Multitask with scrub masks

One of the best face mask suitable for most skin types, the dual-action scrub masks can be massaged on to the skin to activate the mechanical exfoliating ingredients and left on the skin for between 5-10 minutes to ensure you enjoy the full benefits of the active ingredients. Scrub masks also double as a quick and easy exfoliating scrub for those who need an instant pick-me-up, purifying and smoothing the skin for the ultimate glow. If multi-masking, we recommend using this first to exfoliate and refine, before removing and applying other masks.  We recommend adding Skin Better Science Refresh Detoxifying Scrub Mask, or Cosmedix Glow Bamboo Brightening Mask to your skincare arsenal.

Smooth and refine with Enzyme/AHA masks

AHA’s are renowned for their alibility to refine and effectively exfoliate the skin while Fruit and Pumpkin Enzymes also aid with smoothing skin texture, however many masks contain a combination of Enzymes and Hydroxy acids to ensure the best possible result. These masks are suitable for most skin types and may be used to exfoliate the skin prior to applying a secondary mask, or multi-masking to ensure maximum benefits. Top picks are cult favourites Aspect Fruit Enzyme Mask and Cosmedix Pure Enzymes

Refine and purify with clay masks

Clay masks are a fantastic option for oily and problematic skin as they assist with drawing out impurities and deep cleansing for a clearer looking more radiant complexion.  Clay masks are formulated with purifying ingredients such as Kaolin Clay, Bentonite Clay, Diatomaceous Earth and Charcoal. These ingredients target excess oil and impurities and are perfect for use on the T-zone to draw impurities on the nose and chin area.  Aspect Exfoliating Clay Mask is great for all skin types and for those who have problematic skin, give Cosmedix Clear Deep Cleansing Face Mask or DermaQuest DermaClear Mask a try.

Hydrate and nourish with cream masks

Cream masks are pure luxury and are often formulated with deeply nourishing ingredients such as Shea Butter, Mango Seed Butter, Essential Fatty Acids and nourishing plant-based oils.  These masks are fantastic for all skin types, especially dry, dehydrated and sensitive skin. They infuse the skin with hydrating active ingredients, locking in moisture and smoothing skin texture. Try Cosmedix Restore, Aspect Hydrating Mask or DermaQuest C Infusion TX Mask- you’re going to want all three!

Soothe, hydrate and illuminate with sheet masks

Sheet masks are all the rage at the moment and for good reason, not only do they provide the ultimate glow, you are essentially forced to put your feet up and relax while the mask works its magic. Pure bliss. These nourishing masks are soaked with amazing active ingredients such as peptides, antioxidants, probiotics and vitamins and are incredibly lightweight so the formula sinks into the skin. Often used post-treatment to hydrate and soothe, sheet masks are a must-have for your beauty cabinet.  Top picks include peptide packed Societe Rejuvenating Peptide Gel Mask and Probiotic-rich Cosmedix Micro Defense.

Cool, calm and hydrate with gel masks

Lightweight, calming and soothing, gel-based masks are suitable for all skin types, especially dry, dehydrated skin, sensitive skin and oily, and combination skin needing hydration. Often used post-treatment due to their cooling properties, these masks are typically Aloe or water-based and are fantastic for comforting stressed skin and minimising the appearance of redness. Get your hands on some Aspect Soothing Gel, a multi-tasking essential that can be used as a mask, and a cooling gel. For those who have problematic skin, reach for DermaQuest Mini Pumpkin Mask to smooth and refine the skin.

Multi-masking

#Multimasking is simply using multiple masks on your face to target different areas of concern. The best way to do this is to zone out the face into the forehead, cheeks, chin and nose and neck. Have a think about the main concern in each area, and select the most appropriate mask based on the above recommendations.

It is always best to do a double cleanse and exfoliation prior to applying masks to ensure you get the most benefit. Be sure to check the usage directions on each mask as they may differ slightly and apply masks to each zone of the face. After you remove the masks with a warm damp cloth, apply your serums and moisturiser. If you would like to incorporate a sheet mask we recommend adding this step after removing the other masks.  If you are lucky enough to have a sleep mask such as Aspect Probiotic Mask in your bathroom cabinet, you can also pop that on instead of your moisturiser to seal in all the goodness.

Kirsty Sinclair – Marketing Manager at Advanced Skin Technology and Aspect Skincare. Certified Nutrition and Wellness Coach and a former Skin Therapist.