The best facial masks simply improve the way your skin looks and feels afterward. The best facial masks are a concentrate of active ingredients packaged in a delivery system. In fact, the best facial masks will leave your skin more refreshed in a shorter period of time than exfoliating, rehydrating, or even deep cleansing the skin (Beautiful Skin). In fact, the reason you cannot leave facial masks on longer than indicated is because the some of the ingredients may become weakened upon exposure to heat, light, and air, leaving potentially irritating concentrations of actives like glycolic or lactic acids upon the skin.
That said, when used properly, the best facial masks are a superb way of getting maximal benefits from your skin care routine. Here are my five favorites for each skin type:
Best for Dry Skin: L’Occitane Divine Cream Mask
In a base of shea butter, this cream has a mix of essential oils that soothe, protect, and stimulate cell turnover. And while I normally do not advocate the application of essential oils directly to the skin because they can be impure, pro-oxidant, penetration-enhancing, and overly concentrated for the skin, the essential oils in L’Occitane Divine Cream Mask are contained with enough antioxidants and a slow-release delivery system that makes me feel safe. The cream leaves even the driest skin feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated. Use as often as necessary, especially in the cold winter months!
Best for Oily Skin: Charlotte Tilbury Goddess Skin Clay Mask
This mask is absolute genius.
First, the mask includes a high concentration of kaolin clay. China clay — also known as kaolin — is a very effective oil absorber made up of a hydrated silicate of aluminum (Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics). And while it’s well known for its dirt-pulling properties, it’s considered gentle enough for sensitive skin, and has been shown in studies to be non-irritating (European Kaolin and Plastic Clays Association).
Most masks made for oily skin will include only ingredients like kaolin clay. While that’s great for absorbing oil, it can also leave skin parched, and hence trigger more oil production. That’s where Charlotte Tilbury Goddess Skin Clay Mask is genius: the high concentration of lightweight, non-pore clogging sweet almond oil and glycerin keeps skin from triggering reflexive oil production. As a matter of fact, sweet almond oil is the oil most commonly used by massage therapists, because it absorbs into the skin at a pleasant speed and hydrates without becoming too greasy.
The obvious luxury ingredient, Nicotiana sylvestris Leaf Cell Culture, will have about the same efficacy as most other species of plant stem cells: Preliminary research shows these cells can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by about 15% after 4 weeks (Inside Cosmeceuticals, 2009), but the studies are early, and I can tell you honestly plant stem cells do not work the same for everyone.
The other antioxidants in Charlotte Tilbury Goddess Skin Clay Mask help make it a must-buy for oily skin, including two forms of vitamin C — ascorbyl palmitate and ascorbic acid — as well as vitamin E, and mild antioxidant floral extracts like Rosa canina fruit oil and Plumeria rubra flower extract. Definitely a fan!
Ingredients: Aqua (water), Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (sweet almond) oil, Kaolin, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Glyceryl Stearate, Triethanolamine, Nicotiana Sylvestris Leaf Cell Culture, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Plumeria Rubra Flower Extract, Helianthus Annuus (sunflower) Seed oil, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin, Disodium EDTA, PEG-8, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Parfum (fragrance), Hexy Cinnamal, Benzyl Benzoate, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Eugenol, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)
Best for Normal Skin: SK-II Facial Treatment Mask
SK-II Facial Treatment Mask is one of the few products out there that I have tried without a full understanding of the ingredients. I was skeptical going into it, but it left my skin soft and smooth, so then I decided to research them!
The big advantage here is yeast. There is research demonstrating that yeast is an excellent source of peptides, proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids, as documented in the journal Household and Personal Products Industry. Although some of these compounds merely hydrate the skin when applied, they are still most likely beneficial for the skin, if for no other reason than moisturization.
There is also limited research, produced by Procter & Gamble (the brand behind SK-II) attesting that the Pitera yeast used in SK-II increases the production of hyaluronan – a component found in the skin’s extracellular matrix – in a synthetic skin model. Since hyaluronan synthesis normally slows with age, this is considered to be a unique way to address the problem of aging.
Under conditions of low oxygenation, anaerobic organisms are able to produce energy via a process known as fermentation. While many skin care formulations include by-products of fermentation, Pitera is different because it “[…] uses an exclusive yeast while other skincare brands are based on yeast from beer,” according to Takashi Yoshii, senior manager for Global Technical Marketing at the Procter & Gamble Kobe Technical Center.
Expect SK-II Facial Treatment Mask to leave your skin soft and smooth after just one use. I’m a huge fan.
Ingredients: Water, Saccharomycopsis Ferment Filtrate*, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Salicylate, Methylparaben, Disodium EDTA. *Pitera.
Best for Acne: Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Masque
Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Masque is a miracle for oily and acne-prone skin. It contains the highest concentration of sulfur available in over-the-counter products: 10%.
Sulfur has drying properties, which help the skin to heal. Numerous studies have found sulfur to be effective against fighting inflammation and redness in the skin, including a 1997 study in the Journal of Dermatological Treatments.
In addition, Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Masque contains kaolin clay and a balancing oil like the Charlotte Tilbury Goddess Skin Clay Mask. I’m a huge fan, and highly recommended it!
Ingredients: Sulfur 10%, Water, Bentonite, Kaolin, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf, Zinc Oxide, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Polysorbate-20, Titanium Dioxide, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Propylparaben.
Best for Sunspots and Uneven Skin: Clinique Even Better Brightening Mask
When my skin is irritated, I tend to go back to my mainstay from youth, the Clinique 3-Step Skin Care System. The last time I re-purchased it, the sales rep convinced me to try the Clinique Even Better Brightening Mask, a creamy, hydrating and brightening face mask designed to help restore radiance and hydration to the skin.
The reason this mask is supposed to visibly reduce the appearance of dark spots and discolorations is the inclusion of brightening fruit and vegetable extracts, as well as the glucosamine. The studies on glucosamine are limited, but they show promise. According to a 2007 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, a double-blind, placebo-controlled, left-right randomized study found that n-acetyl glucosamine and niacinamide used in conjunction on one side of the face are more effective than glucosamine alone, applied on the other side of the face, in treating signs of hyperpigmentation.
Why does this work? Glucosamine may help to stop the activation of the tyrosinase enzyme, a step that involves glycosylation, or the addition of a sugar molecule to the inactive proenzyme structure, converting it to the activated enzyme.
At any rate, this mask is hydrating, softening, soothing, and a delight to the skin.
Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, PEG-100 Stearate, Squalane, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Glyceryl Stearate, Isopropyl Isostearate, PEG-40 Stearate, PEG-8, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Betula Alba (Birch) Bark Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Rosa Roxburghii Fruit Extract, Porphyra Yezoensis (Algae) Extract, Sucrose, Yeast Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Isohexadecane, Caffeine, Nylon-12, Sodium PCA, Oryzanol, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Sodium RNA, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Acetyl Glucosamine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hydroxide, Polysorbate 80, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Sulfite, Calcium Chloride, Carbomer, Sodium Metabisulfate, Trisodium EDTA, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Titanium Dioxide.
How Best to Apply a Facial Mask
1.) Cleanse skin. For best results, skin should be left a little damp before application, particularly if your skin is dry to very dry. (The mask will help retain the moisture).
My favorite tip is to apply a facial mask before getting in the bath. The combination of heat and humidity helps for the key ingredients to penetrate the skin better!
2.) With fingertips, apply a thin layer of the mask all over your face. Avoid pulling or stretching delicate facial skin as you apply.
3.) Read the package instructions for how long to leave on the mask.
4.) Depending on the type of mask, either peel it off or rinse with tepid water and a waschloth.
5.) If skin feels tight, follow with a favorite moisturizer.
Bottom Line
Try these masks!
Best for Dry Skin: L’Occitane Divine Cream Mask
Best for Oily Skin: Charlotte Tilbury Goddess Skin Clay Mask
Best for Normal Skin: SK-II Facial Treatment Mask
Best for Acne: Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Masque
Best for Sunspots and Uneven Skin: Clinique Even Better Brightening Mask