To many, applying of facial masks is not part of their daily skincare routine as it requires time and patience when using it. Although the procedure of applying the mask requires your time and effort, the results are instant compared to applying your skincare products. Many would ask, does investing in facial masks make a difference to your facial complexion? There are so many different types of masks for different purposes such as hydrating, brightening, whitening, firming, lifting, anti-aging etc.
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Hydration is one of the most important to your complexion, regardless of your gender and age. You can even use it on a daily basis. Without hydration as the basic of your skincare routine, other problems such as wrinkles, loose and dull skin will more likely appear on your face. Nobody wants that! All you have to do is to cultivate the habit of hydrating your face using moisturizing mask on a day-to-day basis. It will help keep your skin healthy and rejuvenated.
Our Research Regime
- A total of 4 members were involved in this article
- Over 50 hours of research
- Tested over 25 hydrating masks
- Skipped over 50 masks due to low quality or harmful substances
Our Favorite Hydrating Masks
A list of the top hydrating masks according to our advisers and writers. Most of the masks are recommended by Sandra Chang who had personally tried most of them.
Sheet Masks
- My Beauty Diary Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Mask
- [TONYMOLY] I’m Real Mask
- Dermal Korea Collagen Essence Facial
- mothermade Deep Moisturizing Rich Snail Facial Mask
Hydro Gel Masks
Wash-off Masks
Recommended for Trying
- My Beauty Diary Horse Oil Ultra Hydrating Mask
- My Beauty Diary Antarctica Glycoproteins Moisturizing Mask
Hydrating Masks – a Fast Fix to Correct Lack of Radiance
Moisture to the face can make a world of difference to the quality of your skin. The best moisturizing products today are based on the very latest skin care research and knowledge. Hydrating masks are one of these products, and they have been developed to supplement the natural beauty of your skin. These different masks are cut in the shape of the face with holes in them for your eyes, nose and mouth.
These anti-aging masks are a cosmetic medium which have been specifically prepared for different skin types. A youthful, glowing bloom has much to do with the skin’s capacity to hold water, which becomes a problem when the Winter sets in and the skin is inclined to dry out. It is precisely why these hydrating, calming masks have been formulated – to restore your skins natural moisture balance.
Your Skin will Relish this Treat
These sheet masks are soaked in nutrition-packed serum and the serums are made up of ingredients such as:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Vitamin C
- Retinol
- Amino acids
- Minerals
- Alpha hydroxy organic acids which penetrate deep into pores.
Apart from dry skin, the ingredients in these serums treat brown spots, pimples, and wrinkles. Its up to each person to check out the different ingredients used in these masks. You’ll find these masks drenched in skin-feeding serum and your skin will soak up every drop. The masks themselves are also made from ‘beneficial-to-the-skin’ ingredients such as sea kelp, aloe and kiwi extract.
What does the Hydrating Mask do to your Face?
By placing the mask on your face for about 20 minutes, your skin will absorb as much as the nutritional serum as it can. As you apply the mask to your face, you feel a soothing sensation of freshness as the serum starts working to balance your skin’s moisture content. The masks restore the skin’s vibrancy and vitality by sending the serum deeper onto the skin surface. This is the area where the nutrition is needed the most where it deeply conditions the skin. These masks are suitable for normal, dry, sensitive and oily skins which will help your skin become soft, smooth and supple. There’s no doubt that your skin will be more hydrated, making a significant different to the quality of your skin.
cleanliness first..
To get the most benefits from your moisturizing mask, make sure your skin is clean and free from dead skin cells. Dead skin cells can prevent ingredients from penetrating the skin where they are needed. Make sure you use a gentle exfoliator first to prepare your face for its mask.
Different Types of Hydrating Masks
The masks are made up of different materials such as fibers, cotton, silk, papers or gel types. They are not quite the same as the cream- or paste type hydrating masks bought in tubes and which you apply like a cream and then wash off. A material-type hydrating mask is used just once and is also individually packaged.
If you’re hard-up for cash there are less expensive masks which have been manufactured from coarse fibers. Through advanced bio-technology processes, more advanced masks are produced which are more natural and which help your skin look and feel more radiantly alive. Some of these fabrics are –
►Bio Cellulose – this is a natural fiber. Bio-cellulose was first developed for medical applications to cover burns. Moldable, bio-cellulose is slightly expensive but it adheres exceptionally well to the skin. An all-natural, biodegradable material, bio-cellulose masks are likened to getting a beauty-salon or spa experience. The bio-cellulose mask won’t dry out during application and effectively disperses its ingredients effortlessly into the skin.
►Pulp – the serum in a pulp mask will evaporate quickly. The masks have a finer texture than fiber masks, with the fit being a somewhat uneven, not adhering to the face as snugly as you would like. However, a pulp is fairly inexpensive to manufacture and with better absorption capabilities than fiber.
►Fiber – a non-woven fabric with a coarse texture. These are the cheapest moisturizing masks and they don’t adhere well to the skin. The ingredients embedded in these masks won’t be able to penetrate into the skin very well. Ingredients evaporate very quickly, and the paper-like texture makes the mask lacking in that contouring flexibility. You may find you have to lie down for this mask to remain on your face.
►Hydro gel – certainly offers better performance than their low-end fiber and pulp counterparts. The production process blends cosmetic serums with gelatin. Hydro-gel masks are designed to maximize absorption of active ingredients and to improve the skin texture. Excellent for all skin types, it also improves dark spots and uneven skin tone. It has excellent adhesion, allowing for ingredients to be effectively absorbed.
When to Apply the Moisturizing Masks?
There is no hard and fast rule about when to apply the masks. Their beauty lies in the fact that they’re so easy to use. Some packets come with just one mask in while others come with 2, 4, 5 or 10. Brand names are vast and varied and you’ll spot names like Tony Moly’s. Dr. Jart, Boscia, Lancome, Garnier and Origins among others. Prices vary and when you do research, you’ll find they’re priced from anywhere between $10 to $120.
You can apply them any time of the day or evening. Some people use them more often, but 3 to 4 times a week will be more than adequate in ensuring optimum skin care.
Once you have removed the mask from your skin, you’ll notice that there is always a little bit of serum left in the foil packet. Don’t let it go to waste. Use it on your face, neck, chest or elbows.
Creams and lotions are useful too, but serum infused hydrating sheet masks do that much more – the easily absorbed molecules give your skin a good soaking. They’re wonderfully easy to pack and are perfect for holiday travel. They come 100% prepared for you – just the right amount of ingredients for your skin – they couldn’t be easier to use.
Advantages of Hydrating Masks
- They adhere closely to the contours of the face
- The active ingredients of the serum are deeply penetrating, preventing roughness and dryness
- Nourishes and moisturizes – keeps skin smooth and alive
- Red, sensitive inflamed skin is cooled and even the facial muscles relax with the soothing sensation
- Lighter, thinner sheets adhere evenly to the skin and the skin can even continue breathing
- Great for travel – no worrying about spillages
Our Favorite Sheet Masks
My Beauty Diary Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Mask
Price when Reviewed: $14.21 for 10 – 4.2 stars on Amazon
My Beauty Diary is the innovative brand that started the sheet mask idea and is currently the best-selling mask producers in Asia. This China-based brand offers a wide range of masks, a few of which are included in this article.
The Hyaluronic acid moisturizing mask’s biggest feature is its purpose of intensive moisture seal, hydration, and moisturisation. The featured ingredient hyaluronic acid, of which the elements are made extremely small via a hi-tech hydrolysis process, maximizes moisturizing benefits to the skin.
Humectants such as glycerine and the hyaluronic in this mask literally draw moisture from the environment into the skin and form a protective water molecule screen that secures moisture within the skin.
The product also contains precious deep-sea coralline, a premium algae extract and oat extract to nourish the skin for a healthy glow.
The mask is further infused with citrusy extracts to serve as light exfoliator agents.
Users say their skins are hydrated and soft after using the mask. It restores moisture to the skin within only 20 minutes. It is not rich or creamy – hence, it provides a hydrating boost without tipping dry skin over into the greasy territory.
TONYMOLY I’m Real Mask
Price when Reviewed: $11.49 for 10 – 4.5 stars on Amazon
TONYMOLY is a cosmetic brand produced by the firm C&Tech Corporation in South Korea. Tony is Korean for “charming, stylish,” while moly is the Japanese term for a “container of all stylish things.” The company opened its first store in Seomyeon, South Korea in 2006 and has since then expanded internationally with hundreds of stores worldwide.
The I’m Real Mask comes in 11 variants that each serve to perform a different function. All these variants contain 3-layered, 100% natural pulp sheets that are highly absorbable, and they are all free of parabens, talc, benzophenone, triethanolamine, and artificial pigments.
Specifically, the aloe mask is filled with aloe extract and an enriched water-based essence that are soothing, hydrating, and regenerate skin to heal acne scars.
The mask is gentle and does a good job at hydrating and soothing skin in as little as 10 minutes. Users’ skins are baby soft and free from tightness from the very first use of this mask, regardless of their skin types.
Dermal Korea Collagen Essence Facial
Price when Reviewed: $12.46 for 16 – 4.5 stars on Amazon
Manufactured in South Korea, this mask contains vitamin E and collagen that leave tired skin healthy and elastic. Collagen is a protein that serves as building block for tissue in the human body, binding body cells together. It was recently discovered that collagen is even found in bones and tendons. Masks such as this one that contains collagen are excellent at restoring elasticity and removing wrinkles.
The mask also contains pearl powder that makes skin moist, clear, and stress-free.
Aside from its main ingredients (collagen and pearl powder), two important features are that the mask comes as good quality felt for effective absorption, and the mask’s eye areas are not completely cut out so that users can put them back to cover their eye lids.
The mask feels cooling, soothing and refreshing when applied, and has good moisturizing and firming properties, leaving skin silky soft and firmer to the touch.
Mothermade Deep Moisturizing Rich Snail Facial Mask
Price when Reviewed: $17.95 for 10 – 4.9 stars on Amazon
This mask is produced by CosmeticLab in South Korea. Its main selling point is its snail secretion filtrate that contains mucin, which contains glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, collagen, and elastin, all of which are excellent at protecting skin from damage, infection, dryness, and UV rays, while also aiding in anti-aging and purifying benefits.
The mask also contains ceramides and hyaluronic acids and hence is a nutritious product that leaves the skin more elastic, while minimizing the appearance of pores.
It comes as a cupra mask sheet that is made of a downy hair of 100% cotton seeds.
The product aims at lifting up sagging skin and rehydrating dry skin. It has been dermatologically proven to be non-irritating and effective for all skin types.
Our Favorite Hydro Gel Masks
TONYMOLY Intense Care Snail Hydro Gel mask
Price when Reviewed: $15.22 for 5 – 4.5 stars on Amazon
Similar to the Mothermade mask, the TONYMOLY mask also contains the mucin element from snail secretion filtrate that helps to brighten and moisturize skin.
The product is also infused with ceramium kondol plant extract to supply nutrients to the skin, and it is enriched with a combination of seaweed, sea algae extract, and traditional Korean herbs for providing nourishment while protecting the skin against external damage.
The product reduces the look of fine lines around the eyes, leaving skin looking radiant and soft. It nourishes and moisturizes the skin, boosts vitality, solidifies skin’s hydration barrier, heals acne and scars, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
Users say their faces are smoother, more supple and refined, and makeup application is even easier only one day after using the mask.
24k Gold Collagen Crystal Mask for Deep Tissue Rejuvenation and Collagen Renewal Mask
Price when Reviewed: $39.99 for 10 – 4.4 stars on Amazon
This product is distributed by Nucell Skin Solutions in the USA.
Its biggest feature is the super-fine gold sheet active gold, which, along with other ingredients such as pearl powder and pure white essence lotion, repair signs of aging by rejuvenating skin.
Users comment that the mask is very cold when applied – it stays cold for the entire time, making it a nice product to use during the summer. The mask leaves skin feeling softer, with a smoother texture, while not causing any breakouts after using it.
The mask is effective at rehydrating dry and damaged skin, although it has to be used for more than 1 hour at a time.
Our Favorite Wash-off Masks
Foxbrim Dead Sea Mud Mask
Price when Reviewed: $14.99 for 8 fl. oz. – 4.4 stars on Amazon
This product is imported from Israel and bottled in the USA.
It contains 100% natural Dead Sea mud, which is rich in magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iron, which are all effective at maintaining healthy, supple skin. It has been proven to reduce wrinkles and fine lines while rejuvenating tired, worn skin, and killing acne-causing bacteria.
Skin texture is improved and redness is drastically reduced. The mask also improves the skin’s moisture balance and it assists in healthy skin cell regeneration.
Further, the elements of the mud address skin ailments such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
This particular Dead Sea Mud mask also contains grapefruit seed extract and is free of any additives or filler ingredients. It is easy to apply and can be easily washed off without any difficulty. It leaves skin fresher and softer after every use.
Beauty Dead Sea Mud Mask for Facial Treatment
Price when Reviewed: $14.95 for 3.3 fl. oz. – 4.3 stars on Amazon
Distributed by Pure Body Naturals (Pure Luxe LLC in the USA), this product, similar to the Foxbrim mask, contains Dead Sea mud. It draws out oils and toxins, fights pimples and blackheads while fading acne scars, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, erases cellulite, minimizes pore sizes, and improves overall skin complexion.
The mask shows immediate results, leaving skin soft and glowing, smooth to the touch. It works in as little as 10 minutes and has been listed as the Nr 1 best-selling product in the entire Beauty category on Amazon.
Aside from the Dead Sea mud, the mask also contains all natural ingredients such as jojoba oil, Aloe Vera juice, glycerine, and the hickory bark extract.
Hydrating Masks to Try
My Beauty Diary Horse Oil Ultra Hydrating Mask
Price when Reviewed: $12.99 – no rating yet on Amazon
This mask contains horse oil and horse fat which have been shown to be more absorbent to the skin. These ingredients moisturize and repair dry, rough, and uneven skin tone.
The product contains Cosphingo™ x Aquaroad™ which is the perfect combination for improved skin water replenishment. It is free of parabens, alcohol, mineral oils, pigments, and fluorescent agents, and is safe for all skin types.
It is brightening, whitening, anti-aging, moisturizing soothing, cooling, nourishing, repairing, firming restoring, and is effective at leaving your skin look younger and more radiant.
My Beauty Diary Antarctic Glycoproteins Moisturizing Mask
Price when Reviewed: $12.88 – no rating yet on Amazon
The biggest selling point here is the glycoproteins that are extracted from marine ooze found at the bottom of glaciers in Antarctica. Packed with rich proteins and complex carbohydrates, the mask deeply hydrates skin, locks in moisture, helps refine skin texture, nourishes skin, and protects skin from environmental stimulants.
The product is free of parabens, alcohol, mineral oils, and artificial coloring.
It includes saccharides and amino acid, as well as marine collagen, Tripleurospermum maritime, and other moisturizing ingredients.
While being gentle on the skin, it leaves skin looking young, plump, and radiant, with a luxurious velvety smooth texture.
Sources:
- www.beautifulwithbrains.com
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- www.amazon.com
A Dewy Look you’ll Love
Our skins need targeting care, and today rejuvenating solutions abound. These hydrating face masks won’t magically turn back the clock by 20 or 30 years, but they will ensure your face is soft to the touch and also glowing, and they’re an instant skin care product at a great competitive price.