Beauty masks have taken a step forward in the cosmetic industry. As customized products specially formulated to your skin’s type and need, they are quickly becoming a must-have in our daily skin care regimes. From pampering to practical, a twice weekly mask can take you skin to the next level.

When choosing a mask it’s important to identify what skin type it’s safe and effective for use on and what the mask is formulated to treat. In general, most masks are designed to care for wrinkles, sun damage, dry skin, uneven texture and tone, loss of elasticity, photodamage and large pores. Those conditions are then addressed by masks formulated to skin type in three common categories: moisturizing, revitalizing and clarifying.

Moisturizing masks are suited for dry and normal skin. They remove dead surface cells to reveal healthier, younger-looking skin and help improve skin’s soft, supple texture by hydrating the skin deep beneath the surface. As most masks do, they also help remove impurities left on the skin by the environment and makeup and cleanser residue. Moisturizing masks commonly include collagen and beta carotenes to renew amino acids deep within the skin tissue to promote elasticity. Combined with seaweed, collagen and beta-carotenes increase the skin’s capacity to absorb moisture. Look for products with the following ingredients that target particularly dehydrated areas and fine lines to help prevent premature aging: aloe vera, collagen, evening primrose oil, and retinyl palminate.

You will find revitalizing masks for all skin types. Those specially formulated for combination and oily skin use key ingredients to absorb excess oils, eliminate impurities and control breakouts from the surface of your skin. They also work to exfoliate dead skin cells and polish the skin’s texture as oily skin tends to appear dull. These masks also work to reduce the appearance of pores due to excess oil secretion.

Revitalizing masks for normal to dry skin make tired skin come alive with ingredients that stimulate circulation and revive your skin. These masks are especially useful for use before a special event or after a traveling. Look for masks containing jojoba, sunflower seed, rose hip and evening primrose oils, vitamins A & E.

Clarifying masks take deep clean one step further. These masks are formulated for blemish-prone skin with ingredients such as sulfur and salicylic acid. A clarifying mask removes excess surface oil, but leaves your skin with a soft, hydrated texture. It decongests pores and exfoliates dull cells that a daily cleanser can’t. With proper use, clarifying masks can do wonders for your problem skin often leaving you with immediate results.

Be sure to follow the instructions on the particular mask you choose. Most are for use once to twice per week. They are generously applied to the entire face avoiding the sensitive eye and mouth areas. Remove with warm water and a soft washcloth. Clarifying masks are best removed with clean, wet hands to avoid exacerbating already irritated skin. Do not use any mask as a scrub if your skin is irritated or sensitive and never use a mask on broken skin.

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