It seems like everyone on social media was posting pictures of their nightly face mask for a while there. But if you’re like most people, you may not be sure what the point of using face masks is – or if you should be using them at all. If that sounds familiar, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we’re going to discuss some of the benefits of using face masks and how best to incorporate these skincare products into your regular routine.

What Are Face Masks?

The phrase face mask can refer to a number of skincare products that are designed to provide a high concentration of skin health ingredients and deliver an added boost to any skincare routine. There are many different types of face masks that are designed to address different skin health goals. Some of the most common types of face masks include:

• • Clay masks – These masks are designed to gently exfoliate and draw out dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin.
• • Charcoal masks – This is another type of face mask formulated to remove impurities from the skin. Specifically, they are often recommended for oily or acneic skin.
• • Gel masks – These lightweight masks are easy to absorb and don’t leave a greasy residue, making them beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin as well as most other skin types, depending on the specific ingredients.
• • Cream masks – These thicker face masks are designed to soothe and hydrate skin. They are typically not recommended for oily skin. Instead, cream masks work best for those with dry skin as well as for combatting the drying effects of winter weather.
• • Exfoliating masks – These masks are used to gently remove dead skin cells and promote skin cell turnover, which is beneficial for almost every skin type. Specifically, exfoliating face masks may be recommended for aging and acneic skin.
• • Warming masks – These treatments are great for relaxation. They can help to relieve stress as well as provide a much-needed soothing effect for the skin. Those with sensitive skin should consult a dermatologist before using warming face masks, which typically use chemicals to achieve the warming effect. This can be irritating to sensitive skin.
• • Sheet masks – A popular skincare product that makes it easy to apply face masks evenly to the entire face. As the name implies, the face mask is placed on a sheet that can be positioned over the face.

What Are the Top 10 Face Mask Benefits?

Depending on specific skincare needs, there could be many benefits to incorporating a face mask into your daily skincare routine. The top 10 benefits of including a face mask in your skincare regimen include the following:

1. Because they are occlusive, face masks create a barrier over the skin, allowing the active ingredients to be fully absorbed into the pores.
2. Many face masks include deep hydrating ingredients to boost moisture in the short term and promote long-term skin hydration.
3. Face masks can help to smooth and improve skin tone and texture.
4. When used properly, face masks can help remove excess oil from the skin without leading to increased dryness.
5. Many face masks help to refine the appearance of pores, as well as help, unclog pores.
6. For people who struggle with acne, certain face masks can help to quickly heal blemishes and diminish inflammation and redness during breakouts.
7. For those who want to combat the signs of aging, face masks can be used to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and crepey or saggy skin.
8. Depending on the ingredients, face masks may promote skin cell turnover, leading to healthier-looking skin.
9. Following face mask use, the skin should look vibrant, brighter, and more youthful.
10. Regular use of face masks helps to manage chronic skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.

How Do I Use a Face Mask in My Skincare Routine?

Each face mask should include instructions for use, so always be sure to follow any instructions that come with the face mask you choose. Additionally, you should talk to your dermatologist to receive their professional recommendations for how best to incorporate a face mask into your skincare routine. In general, face masks are not usually designed for daily use. Instead, face masks are a supplement to your regular skincare routine that should be used a few times each week. Unless otherwise specified, incorporate the face mask into your skincare routine after cleansing the skin and using toner. Then, apply the mask to the face, neck, and decolletage and allow the product to be fully absorbed into the skin. Use a damp cloth or cool water to rinse the face mask from the skin. Pat the skin dry. Finally, apply other products and moisturizers to complete your skincare routine.

What Face Mask Should I Use?

Choosing the right face mask depends on your skin type and the specific skin health goals you are working toward. You can learn more about some of our top dermatologist-recommended face masks below.

Avene Cleanance Mask

If you’re looking for a skincare product that offers multiple benefits, the Avene Cleanance Mask is a go-to 3-in-1 face mask recommended by dermatologists. Formulated for oily and acne-prone skin, this face mask deep cleans the skin, exfoliates, and absorbs excess oil. This product is recommended for use a few times a week to achieve the desired results.

Epionce Enriched Firming Mask

For skin with redness, increased laxity, or excessive dryness, the Epionce Enriched Firming Mask offers a soothing and hydrating solution. Other skin-firming treatments can be tough on the skin, leading to excessive dryness or inflammation. The Epionce Enriched Firming Mask helps to tighten skin, restore elasticity, and using a proprietary blend of lipids, it renews moisture for healthier, more youthful-looking skin.

Revision Pore Purifying Clay Mask

The Revision Pore Purifying Clay Mask is an effective skincare solution to deep clean, unclog pores, and absorb excess oil. With regular use, the Revision Pore Purifying Clay Mask can improve the appearance of enlarged or clogged pores, leaving skin looking and feeling its very best.

SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Mask

If you have sensitive skin prone to inflammation and irritation, the SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Mask offers relief and soothing comfort to the skin. Whether you’re combating a chronic skin condition like eczema or looking for a product that can help promote healing after a dermatologic procedure, this may be the right face mask for you. The SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Mask can be used as often as daily for skin that is healing after treatment, sunburned, dry, or otherwise in need of soothing hydration.

Want Professional Skincare Guidance?

If you’re interested in learning more about how a professional dermatologist can help you achieve your skincare goals. Whether you want to pick out the perfect face mask or discuss in-office dermatologic treatment options like professional facials, the U.S. Dermatology Partners are here to help. Their trusted dermatologist curated our list of recommended products, including our great face mask options, and they can help you find the perfect face mask or develop a daily skincare routine that will keep your skin glowing. If you would like to learn more about the available treatment options, take a few moments to complete our online scheduling request form to get started working with one of our local practices.