Face Masking 101: Here's how you can pick yours!

Face masking is a momentary relaxation with the added benefits of skincare. But it is essential to choose a face mask that suits your skin type perfectly. DIY or readymade- face masks come in a variety of concoctions but are targeted to specific skin types. To reap the maximum benefit of any such masks, making the choice correctly is important.

The first and foremost thing is to understand the skin texture thoroughly and in parallel, the benefits of different face masks. Let’s get into the details of it in this article.

Types of face masks: What is the best for you?

It is essential to understand the different types of masks available today. They are segregated based on texture and ingredients mostly.

Gel masks: They are water-based and oil-free face masks, making them ideal for oily skin. They usually have a cooling sensation that can soothe irritated and sensitive skin. Such masks are suitable for most skin types.

Clay/Mud masks: These are clay-based masks prepared from different types of cosmetic-grade clays like Multani mitti, red clay and many more. They are thick and feel slightly tight on the skin once they dry down. Usually, they are for oily skin but there are hydrating variants too. It is best to avoid formulations that are too dry as they render the skin flaky if used rigorously. You must use a hydrating serum and a nourishing, barrier repair moisturizer to balance out the effect.

Cream Masks: The texture of such masks is similar to a moisturizer. They usually have oils and emollients as base ingredients. They are most suited when your skin needs a glow and hydrated feel. Hence, it is best for normal to dry skin types.

Sheet masks: They are the quickest solution when you want a quick boost of hydration & moisturization. These are made of various woven or natural fabrics saturated with serums that provide different benefits. The sheet mask is suitable for all skin types, depending on the variant you choose.

Some tips to help you get the maximum benefits of a Face mask

The first and foremost rule to choosing a face mask is understanding your skin type. Here are a few tips to get the maximum benefits of a face mask:

1.First, recognize your skin texture. Normal, dry, oily and combination are widely witnessed skin types. The texture of your skin can change from one season to another, hence your face masking routine should be flexible too.

2.Face masking should always be a part of your skincare routine and not the only ritual you follow. The ideal sequence is cleaning the face well with a gentle face wash, followed by masking and then moisturizing and protecting in the daytime.

3.If you are using DIY masks which are mostly clay-based, a good Vitamin C serum after masking and before moisturizing can help to neutralize the drying effects better.

4.Always do a patch test for readily available as well as homemade face masks to ensure you do not have any adverse reaction to them. If available, go for a trial size of a face mask to check how it fares.

5. A general rule of thumb for choosing face masks for different skin types are as follows:

Normal or dry skin: Face masks with moisturizing and hydrating ingredients are ideal for you. Sleeping masks also work great for such people.
Oily or combination skin: Clay-based masks and mud masks work best as they unclog the pores better and offer deeper cleansing.
Hyperpigmented skin: Such skin can be either oily or normal. But when the primary concern is reducing hyperpigmentation, a brightening mask with ingredients such as exfoliating acids works best.

Making your Face Mask

Face masks can be homemade or store-bought. Irrespective of the type, masking should be ideally no more than twice a week at most. Here are a few homemade mask recipes to try out:

1.Clay mask

Clay masks are the easiest to make at home. Many different clays come with different properties. But in general, all have the same goal of drawing out excess sebum and unclogging pores. Here’s how you can prepare a mask at home:

Take a tablespoon of cosmetic grade clay of your choice (Multani mitti and red clay being the driest and dead sea clay being comparatively hydrating), add half a spoon of cosmetic-grade charcoal powder, and rose water (or plain water) to make a thick paste. Apply and leave it on for not more than 10 minutes and then rinse off.

2.Honey mask

For normal to dry skin, a moisturizing mask like the honey mask works great. Simply take a tablespoon of organic honey, add a pinch of turmeric powder or matcha green tea to make a paste and apply this on the face. Let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing it off.

Face masking is a great practice when you take extra care with all other skincare steps involved. At Foxtale we highly recommend you use our products that are mild and effective so that masking does not cause any side effects.