Face masks contain an abundance of highly concentrated ingredients specific to the skin type and conditions they are designed to treat. They are occlusive; therefore, skin absorbs the beneficial ingredients they contain more efficiently. Not only do they benefit the skin, but they also provide us with a pause, a moment to relax and revive, making them a great way to unwind and alleviate stress.

What are the benefits of the different types of masks and how do I know which to choose for my skin?

Depending on their formulation, masks can treat a multitude of skin concerns from dehydration to extreme skin irritation. Masks are formulated for various skin types and conditions, each providing a different result for the skin. Let’s look at the types of formulations available.

1. Gel masks

Gel masks that do not dry when applied are generally for dehydrated skin, which lacks water moisture. These masks contain hydrating ingredients and humectants, such as polysaccharides, which are ingredients that attract moisture to the skin. Think about a bowl of sugar that is left outside on a very humid summer day. It absorbs water from the atmosphere, which makes the sugar stick together. Humectants have the same action; they absorb moisture from the atmosphere and transfer it to the skin. Hyaluronic acid is present in the skin, but its production diminishes over time. Gel masks also replenish the skin with this essential moisturizing active.

These masks can also be formulated with soothing ingredients, such as Biosaccharide Gum-2 that calms and soothes redness. The cooling sensation of a gel mask is beneficial for sensitive and irritated skin.

2. Clay masks

Clay masks are generally formulated for oilier, acneic skin. Clay absorbs excess oil and can visibly reduce pore size and mattify an oilier complexion. Other ingredients, such as salicylic acid, which is a Beta Hydroxy Acid and oil soluble, assist to exfoliate the skin and decrease the inflammation from acne. Acnilys^® is an ingredient that limits the p.acnes (or c.acnes) bacteria responsible for the proliferation of acne, thus it minimizes existing breakouts and future acne development.

3. Cream masks

Cream masks are preferable for mature skin concerns. They are non-drying and leave the skin feeling soft and supple. Mature skin masks focus on regenerating the skin, harnessing free radicals to reduce skin damage and increasing barrier protection, as the lipid content of the skin decreases as we mature. Look for powerful antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. Hyaluronic acid will infuse the skin with moisture and buriti oil, which contains essential fatty acids, will boost the skin barrier protection.

4. Sheet masks

Sheet masks have become quite popular in recent years. There are several different types of materials used for sheet masks. Some examples are hydrogel sheet masks made from clear jelly, non-woven sheet masks made from fabrics such as polycotton, rubber sheet masks and biocellulose sheet masks, the latter being the most sought-after. Biocellulose is a natural fibre that has a diameter of only 20 nanometres and is said to be 1000 times thinner than human hair. As they are very thin, biocellulose masks tend to cling better to the skin and fit snugly to ensure each part of the face will be able to absorb the nutrients present in the mask. Biocellulose is a compostable material, which makes these masks more environmentally friendly when compared to typical cotton or paper masks.

Biocellulose fabric is also known to quickly absorb nutrients and hold large amounts of moisture. Each biocellulose fibre can retain up to 100 times its dry weight in water, which can then be delivered to the skin more effectively than other masks.

They usually have a soft gel-like texture that feels cool upon application. The ingredients contained in the mask will depend on the skin type and condition they are treating.

The G.M. COLLIN Biocellulose Facial Mask is recommended for all skin types, though it targets maturing skin. It has the added benefit of including a serum that is applied to the skin before the mask is applied. This serum is infused with an abundance of anti-aging actives and a powerful peptide, trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2, that minimizes lines and wrinkles and loss of skin tone, and boosts the skin's elasticity.

How often should you do it?

Masks are recommended to be used 1 to 3 times per week, depending on the skin type and condition that are being treated as some skin may require more frequent attention. For an intensive cure, every other night for 1 to 2 weeks can be recommended with no risk of overstimulation of the skin.

Multi-masking

Everyone’s skin is unique and can have more than one condition requiring attention. To effectively address all concerns, multi-masking has become very popular. For example, an oily T-zone requires a clay mask, whereas the cheeks and neck may benefit more from a cream mask to target mature skin concerns. Whatever your skin type and conditions, there is a mask, or masks, that would benefit your skin and provide you with that 20-minute escape to relax and release the stress of the day. Here is your guide to multi-masking: