Face masks are increasing in popularity and as there are various types available, here is a short and simple list of some of the various types available:
Clay face masks are a helpful deep clean for acne and problematic, oily skin. The clay will help to soak up excess grime and grease without stripping, while also drawing out impurities. Avoid letting the mask dry and harden completely. Most common clay masks use Kaolin: A yellowish powder of hydrated aluminum silicate. Bentonite: White talc-like substance. Diatomaceous earth: Porous silica comprised of algae. Fuller’s earth: Brownish powder of aluminum magnesium silicate. Help may be needed with application and pay careful attention to any instructions.
Peel-off masks are helpful for various skin conditions and can be especially good at ridding the skin of blackheads. Acne designed masks often contain Salicylic Acid or other AHA ingredients which help to clear acne. If your skin has been feeling congested, a peel-off mask should help to unclog your pores. Again, Peel off masks also tend to stay on the face longer and here as well, you may need help with application.
Creamy overnight masks are currently rising in popularity due to the time saving aspect, as well as the huge hydration boost. Likewise, creamy masks contain moisturisers and oils to help replenish and plump up skin. If you’re feeling dry or tired, these are best for a real hydration boost, and generally carry the most anti-ageing benefits. Also helpful for a "flash" beauty effect, prior to an event.
Sheet masks are presently very popular and these are infused with serums, with mainly collagen-boosting ingredients, such as Retinol and peptides, rather than creams. Masks comes with a cotton sheet soaked in the treatment, which aids absorption of the ingredients into the skin. After treatment, rub in excess any serum, rather than rinsing off. This type of mask is not generally used for detoxifying or flushing out pores. You can get plain face sheet masks, which you can then use with your own ingredients.
Gel based face masks can be a great way of hydrating oily and combination skin, as they typically use fewer oils. If your skin gets hot and irritated, a cooling gel will also help soothe and reduce any redness. These may be stored in a fridge for an extra cooling effect.
Thermal masks gently warm up on the skin, helping to open the pores and detoxify your skin. Warming up the skin’s tissue can also help to boost the regeneration of skin cells.
Exfoliating face mask are best to resurface the skin's top layer. Normally, these are a weaker form of peel and so, should only be used after professional advice. Up to about 10% of an AHA (Acid peel type) is available for home use, anything stronger must only be used under professional supervision. Some of these masks use fruit acids and enzymes.
This is, as said, a very short introduction which may give you an idea which type of mask to use. Remember, though, that many skin complaints and skin clogging comes from the over use of makeup; especially if makeup is not fully cleaned at the end of the day. Use of a good skin cleanser and allowing the skin to "rest" for a day, without any makeup, can be equally helpful.