How to choose a skincare mask

If you want to treat yourself, there's nothing quite as relaxing as kicking back and doing a full at-home facial. Of course, sheet masks get the job done, but we think of clay masks when we think of pampering. Even the most indulgent ritual won't do your skin any favors if you're not using a suitable mask for your skin type. We're here to help you perfect your process. A face mask is only on your skin for a relatively short period, so how do masks work? Masks, for the most part, have a much higher concentration of active ingredients. It's very much by design that those active ingredients work in minutes.

For this reason, if the instructions say to leave a mask on for 20 minutes or keep it on overnight, unfortunately, you won't wake up with smooth skin. In this case, more isn't more. Keeping a mask on for longer than is recommended (mainly if it's an exfoliating formula) could irritate the skin. Even leaving a sheet mask on for too long may counterintuitively cause the skin to become irritated and drier. However, there's a lot of fun to be had when choosing a face mask. There are sheets made to resemble character faces and glitter-spiked formulas that make you look like you might be from Mars, to name but a few options. But at the end of the day, it's the skin we're talking about, so make your decision carefully and read on to discover more tips and tricks on choosing a perfect facial mask for your skin type.

Tips for applying a face mask

1. Be aware that you can overdo the application if you have sensitive skin. Do not feel the need to apply a mask every day. Some celebrities in Korea swear to use a sheet mask daily. Start with one mask and find a routine that works for you; once or twice a week is pretty typical.
2. Mix and match your skincare routine. If you find that some parts of the face are drier than others, it may be worth experimenting with different types or amounts of applications. For example, if around the nose is causing problems (sebum), try applying a thicker mask once in a while instead of daily use on other areas where healthier oils can reach the skin better without clogging pores further helping your skin hydrate and heal.
3. Suppose you're looking to maximize your skincare routine and research ingredients and formats to find the best one to serve your skin's needs. K-beauty brands have brought in a new era of innovation, so rest assured you'll have plenty of options.

Types of skincare masks

Clay: Masks enriched with clay are good for oily skin and can help absorb excess sebum. Similar but different are mud-based masks. Mud is similar in that it combines water, clay, and sometimes other minerals. However, mud has other healing properties, so it's more gentle, and it's better for people with drier skin. Try Shira Shir Organic Pure Cherry Clay Mask

Charcoal: Since it also helps remove excess oil, charcoal is another excellent option for oily skin. With that in mind, we suggest using a charcoal mask as a spot treatment if you have a breakout because it can help make the area less red and inflamed. Try Skin Beauty Active Charcoal Deep Pore Mask

Cream: If it's a wash-off mask that doesn't fit the profiles above, it could be classified into this catch-all category. Creamy wash-off masks have various benefits depending on the active ingredients. For example, hyaluronic acid is a good bet if you're after hydration or alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids for exfoliation. Try NeoGenesis Enzyme Cream Mask

Sleeping: A sleeping mask is meant to be applied before bed and works while sleeping (obviously). The difference between a sleeping mask and a night cream comes down to the concentration of active ingredients in the product. Sleeping masks (which typically focus on hydration) are more packed with them than your standard face cream. These are ideal for dry skin. Try PCA Skin Hyaluronic Overnight Mask

Bubble: Sure, they make a great photo op, but the benefits of bubble masks, which foam up on your face, supposedly increasing oxygen on the surface of your skin to help with circulation, are unproven. They're entertaining, but we are unsure if the "bubble" part serves a higher function. These are best for normal skin. Try Skin Authority 7-Minute Makeover Mask

Peel-Off: If you have super-sensitive skin, be cautious about peel-off masks, which remove a layer of dead skin as the dried formula is peeled away from the face. These masks don't have actives. They're not designed to penetrate, so they gently remove the dead layer of the skin, allowing your skin to feel a lot smoother. These are best for normal skin. Try Babor Cleansing Peel Mask

Gel: These masks are lightweight, hydrating formulas with a jelly-like texture. They provide a cooling sensation upon application, so they're great for those with sensitive or irritated skin. You usually leave gel masks on for about five minutes before rinsing them off. Try Skin Beauty Cucumber Ice Sorbet Gel Mask

Five easy steps for applying a face mask

Before you apply your mask, it's essential to cleanse your skin thoroughly to remove any dirt, oil, or impurities from your skin's surface to help eliminate pore-clogging buildup and makes the mask's active ingredients easier to penetrate your skin. If you're using an exfoliating mask or have sensitive skin, we recommend using a mild exfoliating cleanser for this step.

1. Apply a dime-sized amount to damp skin and lightly massage it over your face in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm (not hot) water and pat skin dry with a clean towel.
2. Once you've washed your face thoroughly, the next step is to apply your chosen mask. But not any mask will do: Which type of face mask is best for your skin depends mainly on your skin type.
3. After rinsing your mask off and patting your skin dry, use a gentle toner to remove any leftover residue.
4. While your skin is still damp, apply a concentrated serum to lock in moisture.
5. The last step in your routine is to apply a lightweight moisturizer to keep in hydration and your skin looking its best.