Face masks typically come in the form of mud, clay, cream, or gel. Usually used to hydrate, soothe, and treat the face, face masks can help keep skin looking fresh. Ingredients in face masks can include egg white, oatmeal, yogurt, fruit, avocado, sugar, honey, tea, and even cat litter. Different masks are made for oily, dry, and sensitive skin. Treating irritated or sunburned skin, exfoliating skin, and fighting the effects of aging are other common uses for face masks.
Oily or acne-prone skin can benefit from a face mask made with mud or clay. The mud draws out oils from deep within the skin. As the mask dries, the oils are trapped within the mud and washed off when the mask is washed away. Gel face masks can also be good for acne-prone skin as they can lift away dead skin or other debris that can clog pores. It should be noted that gel masks do not usually remove oil.
Glycerin and honey are both good ingredients in masks made for dry skin. Both products are humectants, meaning they can help the skin retain moisture. Honey is also good for sensitive skin, so it usually will not irritate already-dry skin. Cream face masks are typically good for individuals with dry skin, as the masks can contain large amounts of oils that can hydrate dry skin. These masks are sometimes referred to as hydrating masks.
Sensitive skin face masks can be made with ginseng or green tea. Face masks made with these products can also be good for irritated or sunburned skin. Tea contains antioxidants that can combat the effects of the sun. In addition, cucumber can also work well to combat damaged skin.
Olive oil, tea, and egg whites can be used to make a mask for those with aging skin. The egg whites can tighten the skin as they dry, while the olive oil can moisturize. Years of sun damage can be treated by the antioxidants in the tea. These masks are sometimes referred to as firming masks because they help firm skin that has lost its elasticity.
To exfoliate skin, a mask made with oatmeal or sugar can work well. These ingredients can provide scrubbing power that can help remove dead skin cells. Using an exfoliating mask can result in a more vibrant facial appearance. Exfoliating masks can also be beneficial to those with acne-prone skin as the masks can remove dead skin cells and other items that can cause acne.
