While traditional clay masks and mud masks have been on the beauty scene forever, cloth masks are now attempting to make their mark on the beauty world. Their selling points are less mess, less time and improved effects with new options never before available in a mask treatment. Convenience is also a definite plus, but is it enough?  

Plus: There are definitely new options with the cloth mask. Cooling of over-stressed, over-worked and irritated skin is one. Because the cloth mask doesn’t have to dry to be effective like traditional masks, they offer a soothing treatment to skin that has had too much sun exposure or to skin racked by painful allergy symptoms like eczema. (Always consult your dermatologist before using a new product over skin conditions.) Look for a mask with soy, sea algae and wild yams to offer a refreshing, cooling treatment.  

Minus: While these masks feel good, they don’t show visible improvements after use (perhaps in time with repeated applications).

Plus: Moisturizing masks that come pre-soaked in a blend of vitamins B, C and E can rejuvenate and brighten dull, dry skin. Most begin to work immediately. Pores are able to soak in the moisture because the cloth mask stays moist while your skin drinks in the vitamins. These masks have the added benefit of being a quick pick-me-up for skin when applied just before applying your makeup. Skin is softer when the mask is removed after only ten minutes.

Minus: Some cloth masks are too pre-soaked and tend to drip. A minimal mess unless your applying before your makeup and you’re already dressed for work or an evening out. Cloth masks are also often difficult to place on your face.

Plus: Anti-aging cloth masks that included antioxidant ingredients like pomegranate extracts offer hydrating benefits that lighten, tighten and smooth the skin. These are normally not for everyday use, but are making their mark with results that are visible after just one use.

Minus: Some anti-aging masks sting when applied.

Plus: Cloth acne and blemish control masks use traditional acne treatment ingredients, but hope to improve results by not drying the skin as traditional acne treatment masks have in the past. The results are felt before they’re seen in most cases – as with most acne treatments. They do leave skin feeling clean, fresh and, depending on which cloth mask you choose, tingly.

Minus: The big minus to cloth acne treatment masks are the slits in the mask necessary for proper placement. Most cloth masks have a slit in the chin (a prime location for adult acne) and along the forehead. Cloth masks also tend to stop before the creases along the sides of your nose. This is another place you definitely want your cleansing and treatment to go. Another minus to cloth acne treatment masks is that they can not provide the deep treatment that clay masks can when they dry and pull bacteria from pores.  

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