Best Face Masks For Glowing Skin

Is your regular skincare routine failing to give you desired results? Millions of women around the world have included face masks to their routine for healthy glowing skin.

Face masks may seem a luxury, but are an absolute necessity to rejuvenate dull, dry, aged or oily skin. These skincare products go beyond a moisturizer and address more complex skin issues like inflammation, acne, excess sebum secretions, dryness, dark spots and wrinkles. Read on to know the best face masks for beautiful, young, glowing skin.

Our Ayurvedic Doctor Says

“Face masks or ‘Mukha Pralepa’ are classified under Lepa chikitsa in Ayurveda. They can be used locally for health benefits.”

-Dr. Zeel, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor, Vedix

What Is A Face Mask? Do These Really Help Your Skin?

Face masks are a range of skincare products that use the art of infusing natural ingredients to enhance skin health. The use of face masks hail from ancient times and its benefits are also cited in the vedic texts.

This skincare product comes in various textures of gel, clay, cream and sheet. Each of these is packed with synthetically produced or naturally derived compounds that aim to address various skin issues. Face masks are used by both men and women and have now become an irreplaceable part of one’s skincare routine.

According to Dr. Zeel, “Face masks or ‘Mukha Pralepa’ are classified under Lepa chikitsa in Ayurveda. They can be used locally for health benefits. Face masks can be employed for various benefits such as complexion enhancement, reduction of fine lines and ageing, acne treatment, healing scars, etc.”

Types Of Face Masks

1. Cream Masks

These masks have a thick, rich creamy texture and work like magic on dry, dehydrated skin. Dryness is a big culprit that makes your skin look aged and dull. Apart from providing hydration, skin specialists recommend the use of masks that provide added moisturization and protect your skin from various dryness-related skin issues.

2. Clay Masks

These are known for their amazing clarifying abilities. Clay masks absorb dirt and excess sebum from your face and leave your skin feeling clean and healthy. The added benefit of a clay mask is that it soothes and calms skin irritations due to its cooling properties. According to Ayurveda, clay masks work best on oily and combination skin as they pacify both Pitta and Kapha doshas which often lead to acne problems.

3. Peel-Off Masks

These have a gel-based texture that dries off to form a mask after application. They can be peeled off after the lapse of the specified time (10 to 15 minutes). Peel-off masks work like an exfoliant and remove the uppermost dead skin layer making your skin feel soft and smooth. These masks are often gentle and suit all skin types.

4. Gel Masks

There are a variety of gel masks for different skin types. These are lightweight and non-comedogenic, making them suitable for both oily and dry skin. Oily skin gel masks often contain astringent ingredients that help regulate sebum secretions. On the other hand, masks for dry skin contain moisturizing elements that give your skin a hydrating boost.

5. Exfoliating Masks

These contain either mild face acids (AHAs or BHAs) or exfoliating granules to slough off dead skin from your face. Using these masks 2 to 3 times a week prevents clogging of pores and enhances new skin generation by increasing your cell turnover rate.

6. Sheet Masks

Popularised by the Korean beauty regime, sheet masks are now a rage in the skincare market. These are made of rayon fabrics, cut in the shape of a face and dipped in serum and other skin benefitting bio-nutrients [1]. Sheet masks cater to most skin types and are considered an ideal rejuvenating skin therapy.

Benefits Of Face Mask For Your Skin

1. Brightens Skin

Face masks have exfoliating properties that remove the upper sun damaged layer of your skin. This also helps lighten dark spots and patches. Some face masks also contain natural skin lightening ingredients and enzymes such as papain (papaya), aloin (aloe vera) that help improve your natural complexion.

2. Hydration

Infused with moisturizing elements and serums, face masks provide hydration to dry skin [2]. They externally infuse your skin with moisturizers which improves skin barrier function and protects your skin from daily environmental damages.

3. Reduces Wrinkles And Lines

Face masks that contain anti-aging ingredients such as Hyaluronic acid are proven to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the face. These replace the lost moisture in your skin, regulate inflammation, increase skin elasticity, thereby making your skin look plump and young.

4. Clarifies Clogged Pores

Face masks help exfoliate dead skin, dirt and sebum from your face. Including face masks in your skincare routine can help prevent whiteheads, blackheads and acne issues.

5. Tightens Pores

Blocked pores appear enlarged due to the impurities trapped within them. Clarifying face masks remove such facial impurities and tighten your skin pores.

6. Boosts Collagen

Face masks that contain this essential protein are known to boost the collagen content of your skin. Other natural ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin C, hibiscus, and ginseng in your face mask can also aid in increasing skin elasticity.

7. Prevents Skin Conditions

From acne to dryness-induced eczema conditions, face masks can help keep many such skin issues at bay. Using face masks 1 to 2 times a week keeps your skin moisturized, clean and healthy.

8. Improves Skin Texture

Routine exfoliation provided by face masks, polishes your skin and keeps it smooth. Exfoliation increases your cell turnover rate thus ensuring removal of dead skin and resurfacing of healthy new skin cells.

9. Regulates Sebum Secretion

Astringent ingredients in face masks keep excess oil secretions in check. Face masks for oily and combination skin provide optimum moisturization while keeping your skin clean and non-sticky.

Face Masks For Different Skin Types

“The herbs used for face masks are classified as per their potency. Cooling herbs are used as a paste to balance Pitta and blood disorders like acne, inflammation, and burning sensations. Warm drugs are used in Kapha and Vata disorders like congestions, aches etc. Varnya or complexion-enhancing masks are generally employed on the face for cosmetic reasons,” adds Dr. Zeel.

1. Dry Skin

A. Avocado, Honey & Yogurt

Peel and deseed a ripened avocado and blend it into a rich creamy paste with honey and yogurt for this DIY face mask for dry skin. Apply and leave it on for 30 minutes before washing off.

B. Coconut Cream, Banana & Sesame/ Almond Oil

Use the above ingredients to prepare a nourishing face mask at home. Blend the ingredients and add a few drops of either sesame or almond oil or both and apply on your dry skin. Wash off after half an hour.

2. Oily And Combination Skin

A. Tea Tree Oil, Multani Mitti & Rose Water

Add a few drops of tree tea oil and rose water to multani mitti to make a rejuvenating clay mask at home. Leave it on for 15 minutes and wash off .

B. Japa, Triphala & Aloe Vera

Blend 4 to 5 japa flowers with triphala and add aloe vera gel to make a paste. Apply on your oily or combination skin for 20 to 30 minutes and wash off. This herbal aloe vera face mask not only moisturizes and controls oil, but also keeps bacterial infections away.

3. Normal Skin

A. Buttermilk & Masoor Dal

Soak masoor dal overnight and blend into a paste with buttermilk. Massage onto your skin and let it sit for 15 minutes before washing off.

B. Papaya & Honey

Mash a ripe papaya and add honey to it. Apply this skin rejuvenating pack and leave it on for 20 minutes before washing off.

Face Masks For Different Skin Needs

1. Anti-Acne Face Masks

A. Yashtimadhu, Sariva & Neem

Prepare a paste with the above ingredients by adding lukewarm water. You can either apply it as a spot treatment only on the acne-affected areas or on the entire face as an anti-acne treatment. Wash off after half an hour.

B. Vacha, Nirgundi, Guduchi

Add honey to the above ingredients and apply this anti-acne face mask to prevent acne problems and initiate quick skin healing. Wash off after 30 minutes with lukewarm water.

2. Complexion Enhancing Face Masks

A. Kesar, Raktha Chandanam, Yashtimadhu, Milk

This face mask is an absolute remedy for suntan and other types of hyperpigmentation on the face. Soak kesar in milk for an hour and add raktha chandanam and yashtimadhu to make your face mask. Leave it on for 30 minutes and wash off.

B. Turmeric, Musta [3] & Lodhra

The above ingredients can be mixed with lukewarm water and made into a face mask for improving your skin tone. Apply all over your face and wash off after half an hour.

C. Shweta Palandu

Shweta palandu (white onion extract) or Allium Cepa is widely used in Ayurvedic and skincare products (including Korean) for skin brightening. Prepare your own DIY face mask at home by blending a white onion and straining its juice. Apply this on your face and wash off after 1 hour to battle dark spots and skin darkening.

3. Anti-Ageing Face Masks

A. Lotus Root, Yam, Raspberry & Honey

Blend all ingredients to prepare an anti-aging face mask. Apply on your face and neck and leave it on for 30 to 40 minutes before washing off.

B. Amla, Laghu Panchamula & Raw Milk

Add dried amla powder to laghu panchamula (in powdered form) which is a combination of the roots of Shalaparni, Prshniparni, Brhati, Kantakari and Gokshura [4]. Prepare a paste by adding raw milk and apply on your skin. Wash off after 30 minutes.

How To Apply A Face Mask For Glowing Skin?

1. Cream/ Clay / Gel / Peel Off Face Masks

These types of masks have a specified application time. Read the instructions on the pack carefully and apply a generous amount all over your face and neck. Avoid applying on the area around your eyes and lips. Once the mask dries off, gently wipe it off with a wet towel or cotton pad. Apply a moisturizer to complete your routine.

2. Overnight Treatment Face Masks

Overnight masks are crafted to add hydration and aid skin rejuvenation. They work overnight and leave your skin feeling fresh and nourished in the morning. Apply before bedtime and wash your face with plain water in the morning. Follow it up with a moisturizer.

3. Sheet Masks

Sheet masks come in the shape of a face and have perforations for the eyes, nose and lips. Simply apply and relax and let the goodness of the mask absorb into your skin. Remove the mask after half an hour or after it dries off. Pat your skin gently for better absorption. Apply a moisturizer if your skin feels dry.

Vedix Tip: Apply ‘shatadhauta ghrita’ (100 times washed ghee) with water as a natural moisturizer after removing your face mask. These protect your skin and prevent transepidermal water loss and are usually considered more safe and effective than artificial moisturizers.

What Is The Best Type Of Face Mask For Skin?

There is no ‘one size fits all’ rule when it comes to face masks. To select the best face mask for your skin, you need to understand your skin type and your skin’s requirements. Visit your Ayurvedic doctor to know your Prakriti (body constitution) and based on that decide the ingredients that need to be included in your face mask for healthy, balanced skin.

What To Do After A Face Mask?

Follow up with a moisturizer after washing off your face mask. This helps your skin retain the goodness of the mask better and prevents dryness. Wear a non-comedogenic sunscreen if you are stepping out.

When To Use Face Masks In A Skincare Routine?

Your skincare routine needs an order to reap maximum benefits from the products you apply. This includes,

• Cleansing
• Exfoliation
• Face Steaming
• Face Mask
• Moisturization

In the above-mentioned order, cleansing removes superficial dirt and oil. Exfoliation provides a deep cleaning experience for your skin. Steaming opens your pores and prepares your skin to absorb the nutrients in your face mask. Moisturizer seals in moisture and keeps your skin protected.

How Many Times A Week Should I Use A Face Mask?

Use a face mask at least once a week or before an event to keep your skin rejuvenated. However, if your daily schedule keeps you constantly exposed to the sun, pollution, make-up or harsh weather conditions, it is recommended that you use face masks twice a week or whenever your skin appears dull and tired.

The Last Word

The benefits of face masks are numerous. However, it is important to see which type or ingredients are best suited for your skin. If you're unsure, consult your skin specialist for an expert opinion.

Read the ingredients carefully before selecting and it is always advisable to stay away from masks that contain fragrances, artificial colors, preservatives and other chemicals. Opt for natural ingredients and enjoy the benefits of this amazing skincare product that brings a healthy glow to your precious skin.

Know Your Dosha Now