Face mask basics

On the very short list of things I love about working from home is the time I have to dedicate to my skincare routine. And that includes face masks. Without the daily rush, I have the 20-30 minutes to sit and wait for a face mask to do its job.

If you’re just getting started, there are a few things you need to know about face masks. Every mask serves a different purpose, but there are three types you want to invest in: hydration, exfoliation, + detox. Aim to get in one of each every week, and you’ll establish a strong routine that you can keep moving forward.

Always make sure you clean your skin prior to putting on a mask. If you’re skin is covered in oils and makeup, the ingridients won’t be able to penetrate the skin.

Sheet mask, cream mask or those that you peel off, there isn’t one preferred type. What’s more important is knowing what your skin needs before and after to make sure you get the most out of your masks.

Hydration

Masks are great way to get in some bonus hydration that your skin is missing out on. Many of these masks you can even leave on at night to really let the moisture sink in to your skin overnight.

Farmacy Honey Potion ($56 at Sephora) – If you are sleeping on this clean beauty brand, WAKE UP! I love Farmacy products and this mask created the obsession. After 6 months on accutane, my skin was parched, red and flaky. This mask is incredible for calming my eczema and building an instant glow. It’s a honey-like color and texture that you rub to create a silky white mask that works like nothing else I have tried. A little goes a long way.

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask ($48 at Sephora) – A cult favorite among beauty bloggers, this mask is one you can use to top off your nightly routine, or, like the name suggests, slap on before a flight (if we ever get to do that again). It goes on like a cream, but gives your skin an instant boost of hydration.

Pixi by Petra PLUMP Collagen Sheet Mask ($10 at Target) – As far as sheet masks go, the Pixi brand is by far my favorite for packing the most punch. This mask stays on your face, and uses a collagen boost to hydrate and plump your skin, leaving you with an incredible glow. Let the mask sit until almost dry, then remove. Let the extra serums sit on your face instead of washing off for an added bonus.

Exfoliating

An exfoliating mask is meant to strip away the dead skin that sits on the surface to reveal the fresh, less damaged skin that lives underneath. Removing dead skin also allows for your expensive skin care products to penetrate the skin, giving you more bang for your buck.

There are two types of exfoliators- more of a physical exfoliant (something creates texture to buff dead skin) or a chemical exfoliant (chemicals cause dead skin to peel). Personally, I prefer a chemical exfoliant.

Before I put on an exfoliator, I like to dermaplane my face with these razors. This removes the peach fuzz and any dead skin on the surface so the chemicals sink into the pores for maximum pay off. Always moisturize and use SPF, and avoid harsher products like retinols in your daily routine after use.

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sakura Baby Facial ($80 at Sephora) – While your jaw might be on the floor for the price of this mask, it really lives up to the hype. If you want your skin to reveal a natural glow and feel like a baby’s bottom, then this is your mask. You can feel the chemical exfoliants in this mask go to work with an insane tingling sensation that eventually subsides. This bottle will last you a long time and is absolutely worth the pricetag, especially as a clean beauty brand.

Summer Fridays Overtime Mask ($44 at Sephora) – I got this mask in a trio with the Jet Lag mask, and it ended up becoming my favorite of the three. With gentle apricot-seed powder (not pieces), this mask whisks away dead skin but leaves your skin with a healthy and hydrated glow.

Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Pretox Peel-Off Mask ($14 on Amazon) – If you just can’t justify the hefty price tags above, check out this drug store favorite of mine. If you love the sensation of a peel-off mask, then this is for you. Paint this purple goop on your face and let it sit for twenty minutes until tight. Then peel off to reveal radiant skin.

Detox

Detoxifying masks are excellent for getting rid of the oil and pollution that has sunk into your pores with your daily wear and tear. These masks are great for cleansing the skin, restoring it to equilibrium and eliminating blocks that lead to acne and blemishes. These masks are often made with clays or charcoals.

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay ($12.90 on Amazon) – Definitely not the prettiest of packaging, but this mask is IT. My students sold me on this when I was complaining about my adult acne to the only people who could relate. They swear by this mask, and now I do, too. A couple of notes- you must mix with apple cider vinegar in a plastic bowl with a plastic spoon- do not use metal or it won’t have the same effect. You can buy this kit online. Paint it on, let it harden and crack, and then wash it off. You will love the results.

Generation Clay Ultra-Violet Purple Clay Mask ($39.99 on Amazon) – I got this mask in a FabFitFun box, and it’s a great mask to just have in your weekly routine. While it doesn’t harden and crack as intensely as others, this masks leaves your skin soft and radiant.

Counter+ Charcoal Mask ($49 on Beautycounter) – This clean beauty brand has me hooked. I love their packaging and the power of their products. If you’re looking to start with a basic detox mask that feels luxe, this is for you. It helps fight acne with salicylic acid to tame oily skin.

No matter your budget, there are quality options at every level. Face masks don’t have to be replaced often, so they are often worth the splurge, especially those with clean ingridents. Stick with these three categories, and you will build a healthy addition to your skincare routine.