How to Choose the Best Face Mask: Types, Benefits & Tips

Posted by Invity team on 14th May 2025

How to Choose the Perfect Face Mask for Your Skin Type

Face masks skincare has become a staple in skincare routines worldwide, offering a luxurious, effective way to rejuvenate your skin. Whether you're looking to hydrate, exfoliate or target specific concerns, including face masks for acne and face masks for oily skin, they can deliver a concentrated burst of skincare benefits. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one for your skin type and concerns?

Why Use a Face Mask?

Face masks are like supercharged skincare products that deliver a concentrated dose of active ingredients directly to your skin. They form a barrier that helps these ingredients penetrate deeper into your skin than your daily moisturiser or serum.

Depending on the type of mask you choose, they can hydrate, exfoliate, detoxify or brighten your skin. While masks are a fantastic way to give your skin a quick boost, they’re not a cure-all. If you have persistent skin issues, it’s always a good idea to have a chat with a dermatologist.

Understanding How Face Masks Work

At their core, face masks work by holding active ingredients against your skin. The type of mask determines how it interacts with your skin. For example:

Hydration Masks: Infuse moisture into your skin.
Clay Masks: Draw out oil and impurities.
Peel-Off Masks: Remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.

Each mask type is designed for specific skin concerns and works by delivering targeted ingredients deeper into the skin than a regular cream or serum.

Choosing the Right Face Mask for Your Skin Type

The key to getting the most out of your face mask lies in picking one that matches your skin type and goals. Here's how to decide on the best face masks for you:

For Dry Skin

Dry skin feels tight, flaky or rough. Hydration is key to restoring comfort and glow. Look for masks with these ingredients to restore moisture and repair the skin’s barrier:

Hyaluronic Acid: Draws moisture into the skin.
Shea Butter and Plant Oils: Nourish and restore the skin barrier.
Aloe Vera: Soothes and hydrates.

Best Types: Cream masks, gel masks, or overnight masks that can lock in moisture while you sleep.

For Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

Oily skin can feel greasy, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin). Acne-prone skin benefits from ingredients that target excess oil, unclog pores and help prevent breakouts, such as:

Clay or Charcoal: Absorbs oil and detoxifies.
Salicylic Acid: Exfoliates and prevents breakouts.
Niacinamide: Reduces inflammation and controls oil production.

Best Types: Clay masks, peel-off masks, or gel masks with lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas.

For Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin tends to react easily, becoming red or irritated. Gentle ingredients are your best friend as they calm irritation and reduce redness without causing further sensitivity. Look for:

Chamomile and Cucumber: Reduce redness and irritation.
Aloe Vera: Provides gentle hydration.
Niacinamide: Soothes and strengthens the skin barrier.

Best Types: Gel masks or a face mask cream that is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.

For Ageing or Mature Skin

Ageing skin often loses elasticity and firmness, with fine lines or wrinkles becoming more noticeable. Look for masks that:

Boost Collagen: Ingredients like Vitamin C and peptides help firm the skin.
Exfoliate Gently: Retinol or glycolic acid can renew skin texture.
Hydrate Deeply: Hyaluronic acid provides a plumping effect.

Best Types: Sheet masks, overnight masks or cream masks formulated for anti-aging. Learn more about skin ageing.

For Dull or Uneven Skin Tone

If your skin looks lacklustre or has dark spots, brightening masks can restore radiance as they reduce pigmentation and give your skin a radiant glow. Key ingredients include:

Vitamin C: Improves skin tone and adds glow.
Kojic Acid: Lightens dark spots and pigmentation.
Niacinamide: Helps even out the skin tone.

Best Types: Brightening sheet masks or exfoliating peel-off masks.

Popular Types of Face Masks

Understanding the types of face masks can also help you make an informed decision:

Sheet Masks

Best for: Hydration, brightening and anti-aging.
What They Do: These single-use masks are infused with nutrient-rich serums and adhere to your face, delivering a concentrated dose of active ingredients. The SuperNAD Youth Activating Facial Sheet Mask soothes, hydrates, calms and illuminates your skin.
Pro Tip: Chill your face mask sheet in the fridge for a refreshing experience that also reduces puffiness. Learn more about facial sheet masks.

Clay and Mud Masks

Best for: Oily, acne-prone skin.
What They Do: Made with natural ingredients like kaolin or bentonite clay, these masks absorb excess oil, remove impurities, and refine pores.
Ideal Ingredients: Look for sulphur or charcoal for enhanced detoxification.

Peel-Off Masks

Best for: Exfoliation and smoothing skin texture.
What They Do: Peel-off masks form a thin layer on your skin and gently lift away dirt and dead skin cells when removed.
Caution: Avoid masks with high concentrations of polyvinyl alcohol, which can irritate the skin.

Gel Masks

Best for: Sensitive or inflamed skin.
What They Do: These cooling masks soothe irritation and reduce redness while hydrating the skin.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, cucumber extract, and chamomile.

Overnight Masks

Best for: Dry or mature skin.
What They Do: These masks are applied before bed and work overnight to repair and hydrate your skin. The Youth Activating Overnight Mask improves skin recovery and deeply hydrates your skin.
Key Ingredients: Retinol, peptides, and ceramides for anti-aging benefits.

How to Use Face Masks for Best Results

Cleanse First: Always start with a clean face so the mask can penetrate your skin properly. Try the Youth Activating Cream Cleanser to hydrate your skin with NAD.
Follow Instructions: Different masks have different usage times and frequencies. Check the packaging to avoid overuse. Overusing a mask can irritate your skin, especially if it contains strong actives like acids or retinoids.
Patch Test: Test any new mask on a small area of your skin to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction.
Moisturise After: For rinse-off masks, follow up with a good moisturiser to lock in the benefits.

Tips for Budget-Friendly Mask Shopping

You don’t have to spend a fortune to find a good mask. Here’s how to shop smart:

Read Labels: Look for active ingredients that match your skin concerns.
Skip the Gimmicks: Flashy packaging doesn’t guarantee quality. Focus on ingredients and reviews.
Drugstore Gems: Many affordable brands offer masks that are just as effective as high-end options.

What to Avoid in a Mask

Irritating Ingredients: Steer clear of alcohol, menthol, eucalyptus and synthetic fragrances.
Cheap Formulas: Price isn’t always an indicator of quality, but a cheap sheet mask might lack effective ingredients or contain fillers that can harm your skin.

FAQs About Face Masks

How often should I use a face mask?

Most masks are best used 1–2 times per week, but this varies depending on the mask type and your skin's needs. For example:

Hydrating masks can be used more frequently.
Exfoliating masks should be limited to avoid over-exfoliating your skin.

Always follow the product’s instructions.

Can I use more than one mask at a time?

Yes, this is called ‘multi-masking.’ It’s great for targeting different skin concerns in different areas of your face, especially if you have combination skin.

Are DIY masks effective?

While some DIY face masks can be beneficial, make sure they use safe, non-irritating ingredients. Avoid using harsh substances like lemon juice or baking soda directly on your skin.

Are face masks actually good for your skin?

Face masks can be good for your skin, but it depends on the type of mask and your skin's needs. They can provide extra hydration, deep cleaning or even help with issues like acne or dullness. Using the wrong mask or overdoing it can irritate your skin, though, so make sure to use one for your skin type.

Finding Your Perfect Match

The right face mask can transform your skincare routine, providing both immediate results and long-term benefits. By understanding your skin type and the active ingredients that benefit it most, you can find the perfect mask to complement your skincare routine.

Remember, consistency is key. While a face mask can give your skin a quick boost, the best results come from a comprehensive skincare routine tailored to your needs. Pamper yourself in the process and let your skin glow!