Beauty tips: Curious about facial masks? Here’s what you need to know

For skincare enthusiasts and those who have recently joined the self-care bandwagon, face masks have been a topic of discussion for quite a while now. In addition to other skincare trends including multi-step daily routine and applying essential oils, using facemasks with different formulations for dewy and glowing skin have also gained traction in the recent years.

According to the report Face Mask Market - Growth, Trends, Covid-19 Impact, And Forecasts (2022 - 2027), the face mask market is expected to register a CAGR of 6.46 per cent over the next five years, while Asia Pacific held the largest share in 2021. Whether it is the influence of other Asian trends such as the Korean or Japanese methods or an impact of the social media lifestyle influencers, there is surely a shift from the traditional multani-mitti or turmeric and sandalwood-powder face mask to other diverse products catering to skin-specific needs and are commonly available in the Indian skincare market.

From gel-based masks to peel-off and clay masks, the existing varieties tend to confuse or rather intimidate early users as one wrong step or incorrect usage may lead to undesirable effects on the skin. To offer clarity over such concerns, Mid-Day Online reached out to dermatologists, Dr. Kaustav Guha, director, R&D division at SkinKraft Labs and Dr. Jushya Bhatia Sarin, MD and founder member at Sarin Skin Solutions to understand the types of face masks and how to use them.

Types of face masks and their usage:

Cream Face mask: These masks provide deep nourishment and hydration to dry skin with rich ingredients such as essential oils, Alpha hydroxy-acids (AHAs), Beta hydroxy-acids (BHAs) and shea butter among others. Cream face masks are best used to keep the skin smoother and plumper. It can be used twice or thrice a week.

Gel-based mask: These masks are lightweight and get absorbed quickly into the skin. Containing ingredients such as mint, cucumber and green tea, gel masks are best for hydrating sensitive and dry skin types, while keeping the skin pores tight and firm. It can be used twice or thrice a week.

Vitamin C masks: The collagen production in the skin decreases as you age and it results in signs like wrinkles and fine lines on the face. To prevent it, you can fortify your skin by using a vitamin C face mask regularly. Vitamin C and AHAs present in the face masks help in boosting the collagen production in the skin effectively and it is best used for ageing skin. You can use a vitamin C mask twice or thrice a week.

Hydrogel face mask: These masks contain more moisture than a regular gel-based face mask. Hydrogel masks are suitable for all skin types. With rich moisture and anti-oxidant content, these masks help in fighting ageing signs such as wrinkles, fine lines and age spots effectively. It can be used once or twice a week.

Charcoal mask: These are best to exfoliate dead skin cells, blackheads, and whiteheads from your skin pores. Charcoal masks containing fruit enzymes, glycolic acid, and lactic acid help with gentle exfoliation and rejuvenation of your skin. It is recommended to use a charcoal face mask, not more than once a month.

Sheet mask: Sheet masks have powerful hydrating properties and help in rejuvenating the stressed skin instantly. These masks are easy to use and come in a variety of formulations that match different skin types. For example, a hydrating sheet mask infused with goodness of hyaluronic acid is ideal for dry skin, Vitamin C infused sheet mask serves best for dull skin, a salicylic acid with hazel infused sheet mask is a boon for oily skin and so on. They are highly absorbent and are usually used before hitting the bed at night. These are not required to wash off. However, it is not recommended to use a sheet mask every day as it can clog pores. Instead, use it once a week for best results.

Clay mask: These masks balance out the excessive sebum levels in oily skin. Also, the acids contained in clay masks prevent acne by clearing the dead skin, dust, sweat, and oil build-up and make your skin firm. It is recommended to use a clay mask once or twice a week.

Peel-off mask: These masks help in removing the dead skin layer, dirt, and excessive oil and unclog the skin pores. Thus, peel-off masks enhance the natural glow of your facial skin. Most peel-off masks come with fruit-based or plant-based ingredients and suit all skin types. You can use a peel-off mask once every two weeks.
Sleeping mask: Sleeping masks are generally for long lasting hydration and are the last step of night time skincare routine. They hydrate skin, rejuvenate and bring back the suppleness while you relax. They are applied overnight and are gel/crème based.

Exfoliating mask: Any form of exfoliation should not be done more than twice a week. An exfoliating mask usually comes with micro exfoliating beads/ingredients. They are applied for 15-20 mins like usual masks and are then removed with light circular massage to ensure exfoliation of dead skin. They enhance blood circulation and eliminate roughness and dead cells from skin leaving it fresh and smooth.

Also read: Glass skin goals: What makes the Korean skin care routine different and why are Indians attracted to it?

Key points to remember as a beginner:

1. Don't choose any face mask just because you've heard people saying that it worked for them. Your skin type and its needs can be different from others. Hence, you need to choose a face mask that best suits your skin type and its unique needs.

2. Always read the ingredients carefully and do patch tests on your skin by applying a little amount of face mask inside of your wrist or elbow-bend. If your skin does not experience any irritation or allergic reaction for 48 hours, you can proceed using the face mask for your facial skin.

3. Cleanse your face properly before applying the face mask. Pat-dry the skin slightly and apply the face mask to your damp skin. While applying, avoid the eye and nostril areas.

4. Always clean your hands well if you are applying the face mask using fingers.

5. Remove the mask gently by using a washcloth and plenty of water. Avoid rubbing the mask harshly to remove it from the skin.

6. Moisturize your skin well after removing the face mask.

7. Start with only once a week and then if needed increase the frequency to twice a week depending upon your skin's tolerance.

8. Never use exfoliating masks on active acne as it can irritate the skin further.

9. If you are on a dermatologist prescribed skincare routine then ensure you check with your dermat before including a mask in your routine.

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