Why Use a Facial Mask?

To mask or not to mask? It's a tough question, especially considering today's endless selection. First off, we can assure you that you won't find your answer among the unicorn shimmer masks or sugar-scented versions crowding our Instagram feed. Cute as they are, we need to separate the trend-worthy from the trustworthy! So if you've ever asked yourself, "Do I need a face mask?" prepare for the final verdict as we consult the experts.

A reliable indicator of a great facial mask comes down to its reputation through history: has it remained popular through the decades? Or better yet, centuries? If after generations, a mask recipe is still being praised in the global beauty scene, you can bet it’s trustworthy.

The evolution of facial masks 

To separate the greats from the gimmicks, let’s trace the origins of facial masks. According to Dr. Karen Harris, a historian based in South Africa, the original masks for cosmetic purposes were born out of Egypt.

From the Dead Sea, the early Egyptians collected salt for their exfoliating masks—a recipe created from blending salt with milk and honey. A little later, along the Euphrates, the ancient Greeks gathered mint for their masks—an effective calming and disinfecting remedy. And near the Yangtze River, generations of Chinese cultivated rice—a key ingredient in their fermented skin-lightening masks.

Face masks for your skin needs

Just because we found great reviews on that #cleanbeauty facial mask (which includes the ancient ingredients we just discussed), it doesn't mean the formula will vibe with our skin. Since we all have different skin needs, it's important to choose a mask type that suits your specific needs.

Oily or acne-prone skin

Oily means we’ve got greasy (not glowy) skin due to excess sebum. And as many of us know, the more shiny and gunky our skin, the more likely breakouts will ensue. But unfortunately, we can’t control the problem of oil production with a mask (if caused by genetics); we can manage how the symptoms impact our complexion.

Even if we don’t usually belong to this skin category, we may sometimes benefit from a mask that treats oily or acne-prone skin. The right remedy would depend on our emotional and physical health which is always changing, says NY-based dermatologist, Dr. Joshua Zeichner. As he explains to Allure magazine, when we experience stress or PMS, for example, this condition can increase our production of oil because of that hormonal surge. He also notes other factors, like humid weather and heavy makeup, as triggers for excess sebum and breakouts.

Finding the right mask for oily skin

While it's tempting to grab the strongest oil-sucking mask we can find, we shouldn't be leaching moisture from our pores so aggressively. The better trick is finding a mask that gently helps de-grease our skin, while rebalancing and soothing the dermal barrier, suggests Dr. Zeichner.

Jelly-based masks made with plant-based antioxidants are ideal, working to harmonize our skin's microbiome (its outer defensive barrier). Nuria's Hydrate Revitalizing Night Jelly, winner of the 2021 Byrdie Eco Beauty Award, is loved for its ability to deposit antioxidants into the skin for a healthy moisture balance. Made with generous amounts of bilberry, gardenia, and safflower extract, this ultra-hydrating jelly facial mask leaves skin dewy and plump, all while controlling shine!

Finding the right mask for breakouts

In our battle against acne-causing bacteria, skincare science is currently focusing on the healing effects of two key ingredients: green tea and charcoal. According to Dr. Suzana Saric from the University of California, "Tea polyphenols may be used for reducing sebum production in the skin and for treatment of acne vulgaris." So while green tea calms and clears our skin with moisture-balancing antioxidants, charcoal piggybacks this process with its natural detox effects.

Nuria's Defend Purifying Bubble Mask is formulated with both green tea and charcoal! Blended with the skin-polishing powers of apple juice, this herbal blend revitalizes the dermis for a brighter and more energized complexion.

Dry and sensitive skin

Whether it's a genetic thing or aging, dry skin can feel itchy, flakey, and irritated. So, understandably, those of us in this skin category will get serious FOMO when it comes to exfoliating masks containing retinoids or AHA's. Instead of getting that gorgeous, collagen-rich boost, we're more likely to swell and redden. Cuuuuute.

Finding the right mask for dry & sensitive skin

Treating dry skin is largely about balancing moisture, hydration, and microbes on the dermal surface. As Dr. Zeichner suggests, "Look for hydrating cleansers that won't compromise your skin barrier, which helps prevent moisture loss." Algae, for starters, is a great skin balancer!

This powerhouse ingredient can treat even our driest face days. Offering a rich source of trehalose, a type of sugar molecule, this unique nutrient has incredible healing effects on hormonal, dry, or sensitive skin.

In a clinical study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, a team of researchers observed the effects of trehalose on skin among 40 female patients. Doctors saw significant improvements in the condition and clarity of the skin in biopsy samples. Using this science, Nuria's Defend Overnight Recovery Cream contains trehalose from algae! This milky-rich, non-comedogenic formula works to hydrate the dermis as we sleep, restoring bounce and brightness to dry skin.

Normal or combination skin

Combination skin means a combo of dry and oily: greasy in the T-zone (forehead and nose) and dry on our cheeks. Normal skin, on the other hand, means that under typical circumstances (low stress and healthy lifestyle, etc.), our skin is calm and balanced. 

Finding the right mask for normal or combination skin

To treat both conditions (normal and combination skin), a team of researchers based in Italy found that facial masks made with biocellulose (natural fiber) have cell-regenerating properties that can normalize combination skin and strengthen regular skin types. Based on this research, Nuria's Replenishing Biocellulose Mask is made using Nata de Coco, a natural fiber from fermented coconut, which conditions and softens skin with rich fatty acids, proteins, and B vitamins.

Whether it's a formula inspired by ancient skincare or current cosmetic science, facts don't lie! The best skin treatments are the simplest ones: clean, plant-based formulas—exactly what our skin craves! Respect this wisdom and we'll never need to question the importance of a facial mask—because we'll already be seeing the results.

 

About the author, Rachel Esco
Rachel Esco is freelance beauty copywriter based in Toronto, specializing in conscious cosmetics and natural skincare. Over her career, she’s collaborated on projects for leading global brands in skin care, hair care, makeup & nails. If stranded alone on a deserted island, she’d be content with the following two items: SPF and Netflix.