Face Mask Myths Debunked
By Wander Beauty | Nov 14, 2022
To mask or not to mask, that is the question. And if you're asking us, the answer is to mask – every time.
Join us as we take a look at mask myths and the truths behind them, frequently asked questions – like how often you should use face masks – and how to choose the right masks for your unique skin type and concerns. Lastly, we list our absolute favorite products.
Common myths
They're just a fad
Sure, we’ve evolved from cucumber slices to Baggage Claim™ Eye Masks, but the reality is that face masks have been used for thousands of years. Cleopatra was known to have bathed in milk and applied egg white masks to her face, while natural ingredients such as muds and clays were used for beauty purposes in nearly every ancient culture. Face masks are just as popular as ever, and we expect this to be the case for many more centuries to come.
So, just why are skincare face masks such a favorite? Face masks are uniquely designed to deliver concentrated ingredients to your skin. This occlusive design makes them highly moisturizing and nourishing and, because you keep them on for 10 to 20 minutes, the ingredients have more time to penetrate the surface of the skin and take effect.<product>1</product>
You can just use a DIY formula
If you're after the novelty of an at-home spa day, DIY formulas are great! Honey can be soothing and give you a natural glow for the day, cooling cucumber could help reduce excess puffiness, and yogurt could give you an extra dose of hydration. However, if you're seeking deeper, more lasting effects, investing in a high-quality face mask specially formulated for your specific skin type and concerns is best.
Masks are an effective way to target particular issues, such as acne and visible aging. If you have any of the following skin concerns, consider looking for masks that contain these ingredients:
- Dry skin: Hyaluronic acid and Ceramide NP
- Oily skin: Salicylic acid
- Fine lines: Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and resveratrol
- Acne & blemishes: Salicylic acid and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)
- Rosacea: Niacinamide
- Dark spots and pigmentation: Aloe leaf extract and licorice root extract
They’re a luxury
The basics of your skincare routine should consist of cleansing, moisturizing, and SPF. However, you need to adapt your regime to meet your specific skin care needs. Adding a weekly face mask is a simple, easy and effective way of giving your skin some extra TLC without your routine becoming unnecessarily complicated. In fact, if you only have time for a daily three-step routine, face masks are an unrivaled addition, as you generally only need 10 to 20 minutes once a week to do them. You could even opt for an overnight mask like Staycation Hydrating Mask and let it get to work while you sleep!<product>2</product>
Types of face masks
Mud: Mud masks are designed to deeply cleanse the skin. They're great at unclogging pores and removing surface impurities. Because they're water-based, they’re more hydrating than clay formulas and have soothing, healing properties.
Clay: These are rich in minerals that nourish and revitalize the skin. They absorb excess oil and are great for oil- and acne-prone skin types. Because they tighten the skin slightly, they may not be suitable for those with dry ski
Cream or gel: These masks have a thicker consistency that is particularly beneficial for dry skin types, delivering a healthy dose of hydration. Formulas typically contain soothing and rejuvenating plant extracts such as aloe vera and cranberry seed oil, making them ideal for sensitive skin. Of course, be sure to check the label for any harsh ingredients or synthetic fragrances.
Exfoliating: Chemical exfoliants like glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acid are commonly featured in exfoliating face masks. These mild acids work to smooth skin's texture and unclog congested pores by gently clearing the build-up of dead skin cells, leaving skin looking and feeling smoother, brighter, and more youthful.
Peel-off: These skincare face masks boast a rubber-like texture, making them super easy to apply and remove. They're a great mess-free alternative and help minimize the appearance of pores and leave you with smooth, bright-looking skin. For added benefits, we’ve launched the Mini Lift Off Brightening and Purifying Mask – a travel-sized version so that you’re always radiant wherever you wander.
Sheet: Sheet masks may look strange, but they usually contain hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and antioxidants to hydrate the skin and defend against free radical damage.
Overnight: Overnight formulas or sleep masks give the skin plenty of time to repair and rejuvenate. Packed with ingredients like AHAs, ceramides, and nourishing plant extracts, they offer intense hydration and give noticeable results.
<product>3</product>
Our favorite face masks
Now that you know the types of masks and what they’re ideal for, let's take a look at the best face masks in a variety of formulas.
Staycation Hydrating Mask
This 3-in-1 multitasking formula can be used as a daily moisturizer, an overnight treatment, and a hydrating mask. Suitable for all skin types, it promises to quench your skin while improving the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, leading to a radiant, youthful-looking complexion.
Baggage Claim™ Eye Masks
These award-winning eye masks visibly brighten, hydrate, and reduce puffiness while minimizing the appearance of fine lines and dark circles. In just 10 to 15 minutes, you can de-puff and awaken the under-eye area. The best part? They're 100% mess and stress-free, suitable for use at home, in airport bathrooms, or even while you prepare your breakfast!
Lift Off Brightening and Purifying Mask
The bright pink peel-off mask that’ll bring vibrancy back to your skincare routine. Enriched with acai, goji berry, blueberry, lychee, mangosteen, and green tea extracts, this purifying peel-off mask dries quickly and lifts off to reveal a smoother, clearer, and brighter complexion.
Fast Lane Instant Facial™
Sometimes you need an instant solution, and in those times, you can always reach for Fast Lane Instant Facial™. The AHA/BHA-packed exfoliating mask features a high-impact combination of 10% Alpha Hydroxy Acid and 2% Beta Hydroxy Acid to reveal a brighter, more youthful-looking complexion instantly. It gently removes the build-up of dead skin cells, softens skin, and dramatically minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines.<product>4</product>
Perfect your weekly skincare routine with Wander Beauty
Learn more about essential skincare in The Wanderess Edit, your go-to blog for all things beauty. Of course, if you're ready to dive straight into the best multitasking makeup and skincare products on the market, you can find our latest products here.
Face Mask Myths Debunked
To mask or not to mask, that is the question. And if you're asking us, the answer is to mask – every time.
Join us as we take a look at mask myths and the truths behind them, frequently asked questions – like how often you should use face masks – and how to choose the right masks for your unique skin type and concerns. Lastly, we list our absolute favorite products.
Common myths
They're just a fad
Sure, we’ve evolved from cucumber slices to Baggage Claim™ Eye Masks, but the reality is that face masks have been used for thousands of years. Cleopatra was known to have bathed in milk and applied egg white masks to her face, while natural ingredients such as muds and clays were used for beauty purposes in nearly every ancient culture. Face masks are just as popular as ever, and we expect this to be the case for many more centuries to come.
So, just why are skincare face masks such a favorite? Face masks are uniquely designed to deliver concentrated ingredients to your skin. This occlusive design makes them highly moisturizing and nourishing and, because you keep them on for 10 to 20 minutes, the ingredients have more time to penetrate the surface of the skin and take effect.<product>1</product>
You can just use a DIY formula
If you're after the novelty of an at-home spa day, DIY formulas are great! Honey can be soothing and give you a natural glow for the day, cooling cucumber could help reduce excess puffiness, and yogurt could give you an extra dose of hydration. However, if you're seeking deeper, more lasting effects, investing in a high-quality face mask specially formulated for your specific skin type and concerns is best.
Masks are an effective way to target particular issues, such as acne and visible aging. If you have any of the following skin concerns, consider looking for masks that contain these ingredients:
- Dry skin: Hyaluronic acid and Ceramide NP
- Oily skin: Salicylic acid
- Fine lines: Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and resveratrol
- Acne & blemishes: Salicylic acid and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)
- Rosacea: Niacinamide
- Dark spots and pigmentation: Aloe leaf extract and licorice root extract
They’re a luxury
The basics of your skincare routine should consist of cleansing, moisturizing, and SPF. However, you need to adapt your regime to meet your specific skin care needs. Adding a weekly face mask is a simple, easy and effective way of giving your skin some extra TLC without your routine becoming unnecessarily complicated. In fact, if you only have time for a daily three-step routine, face masks are an unrivaled addition, as you generally only need 10 to 20 minutes once a week to do them. You could even opt for an overnight mask like Staycation Hydrating Mask and let it get to work while you sleep!<product>2</product>
Types of face masks
Mud: Mud masks are designed to deeply cleanse the skin. They're great at unclogging pores and removing surface impurities. Because they're water-based, they’re more hydrating than clay formulas and have soothing, healing properties.
Clay: These are rich in minerals that nourish and revitalize the skin. They absorb excess oil and are great for oil- and acne-prone skin types. Because they tighten the skin slightly, they may not be suitable for those with dry ski
Cream or gel: These masks have a thicker consistency that is particularly beneficial for dry skin types, delivering a healthy dose of hydration. Formulas typically contain soothing and rejuvenating plant extracts such as aloe vera and cranberry seed oil, making them ideal for sensitive skin. Of course, be sure to check the label for any harsh ingredients or synthetic fragrances.
Exfoliating: Chemical exfoliants like glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acid are commonly featured in exfoliating face masks. These mild acids work to smooth skin's texture and unclog congested pores by gently clearing the build-up of dead skin cells, leaving skin looking and feeling smoother, brighter, and more youthful.
Peel-off: These skincare face masks boast a rubber-like texture, making them super easy to apply and remove. They're a great mess-free alternative and help minimize the appearance of pores and leave you with smooth, bright-looking skin. For added benefits, we’ve launched the Mini Lift Off Brightening and Purifying Mask – a travel-sized version so that you’re always radiant wherever you wander.
Sheet: Sheet masks may look strange, but they usually contain hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and antioxidants to hydrate the skin and defend against free radical damage.
Overnight: Overnight formulas or sleep masks give the skin plenty of time to repair and rejuvenate. Packed with ingredients like AHAs, ceramides, and nourishing plant extracts, they offer intense hydration and give noticeable results.
<product>3</product>
Our favorite face masks
Now that you know the types of masks and what they’re ideal for, let's take a look at the best face masks in a variety of formulas.
Staycation Hydrating Mask
This 3-in-1 multitasking formula can be used as a daily moisturizer, an overnight treatment, and a hydrating mask. Suitable for all skin types, it promises to quench your skin while improving the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, leading to a radiant, youthful-looking complexion.
Baggage Claim™ Eye Masks
These award-winning eye masks visibly brighten, hydrate, and reduce puffiness while minimizing the appearance of fine lines and dark circles. In just 10 to 15 minutes, you can de-puff and awaken the under-eye area. The best part? They're 100% mess and stress-free, suitable for use at home, in airport bathrooms, or even while you prepare your breakfast!
Lift Off Brightening and Purifying Mask
The bright pink peel-off mask that’ll bring vibrancy back to your skincare routine. Enriched with acai, goji berry, blueberry, lychee, mangosteen, and green tea extracts, this purifying peel-off mask dries quickly and lifts off to reveal a smoother, clearer, and brighter complexion.
Fast Lane Instant Facial™
Sometimes you need an instant solution, and in those times, you can always reach for Fast Lane Instant Facial™. The AHA/BHA-packed exfoliating mask features a high-impact combination of 10% Alpha Hydroxy Acid and 2% Beta Hydroxy Acid to reveal a brighter, more youthful-looking complexion instantly. It gently removes the build-up of dead skin cells, softens skin, and dramatically minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines.<product>4</product>
Perfect your weekly skincare routine with Wander Beauty
Learn more about essential skincare in The Wanderess Edit, your go-to blog for all things beauty. Of course, if you're ready to dive straight into the best multitasking makeup and skincare products on the market, you can find our latest products here.
