Do Face Masks Actually Work? This Is What The Dermatologists Think
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Face masks are a luxurious problem-solver for the skin. But do face masks really work? Part of the reason why they hold so much appeal is because of the natural, exotic ingredients that go into making them. Bamboo charcoal, Dead Sea mud, dark chocolate are just a few examples! The other reason why us ladies can’t seem to have enough of face masks is because it’s such a relaxing ritual. After all, an evening spent pampering your face is an evening well spent!
What do professional dermatologists think? Do they recommend the use of face masks?
Let’s see what the dermatologists have to say!
1. Your Skin Absorbs The Ingredients
An average, store-bought face mask is made up of plenty of ingredients, which can lead you to wonder if your skin really absorbs the nutrients in them or not. According to an NYC dermatologist, Dr. Neal Schultz, your skin does absorb the ‘active’ ingredients in your face mask the same way it does those in lotions and in creams. It doesn’t absorb all the ingredients though (1). However, CEO of Curology, Dr. David Lortscher, says that masks contain an additional substance known as butylene glycol, which helps in the absorption of more ingredients (2). That said, Dr. Dhaval G. Bhanusali says your skin will only be able to absorb a tiny amount of the main ingredient used in the mask (3).
2. You Need To Know The Ingredients Your Skin Requires
Dr. Schultz stresses that you should look for 3 major ingredients when buying a face mask. These are chemical exfoliants such as retinol and topical antioxidants such as vitamin C and peptides. Exfoliants help in removing dirt and dead skin cells, while antioxidants reduce the skin damage and prevent aging. Peptides, on the other hand, increase collagen production and give your skin tone and even look.
3. Not Everything Your Mask Does Is Needed
The market is full of fancy masks such as sheet masks, clay masks, activated charcoal masks and so on and so forth. You can call them gimmicks but that’s not true. You see, it all depends on whether your skin needs these ingredients or not. Dr. Lortscher explains that each mask serves a different purpose. So it boils down to what your skin requires. However, don’t expect revolutionary results from gimmicky masks, warns an NYC dermatologist, Dr. Michele Green (4).
4. Mud Mostly Benefits Your Skin
Dermatologists agree that mud is good for your skin and actually heals it when you use it in a mask (5). Dr. Green points out that mud is water-based, which makes it a perfect hydrating agent for dry skin. Dr. Bhanusali adds that mud is a great exfoliator as well and is better than a clay mask for dehydrated skin. However, it’s not that great for oily skin though.
5. Clay Has Its Own Benefits
Just as mud is great for dry skin, clay is best used on oily, acne-prone skin. Dr. Green says that clay helps in deep cleansing your pores and accelerates the rate at which your acne heals. Dr. Schultz agrees and says that clay masks help in removing excess oil, reducing clogged pores and excess shine from the skin. However, for clay to work its magic, it should be accompanied with ingredients like bentonite or kaolin (6).
6. Cream Masks Are Best For Excessively Dry Skin
Skin damaged by winter or the kind that’s naturally supremely dry can be fixed with a cream mask. Dr. Green notes that even though these masks are super hydrating and can plump your skin up, they won’t in any way help fight the signs of aging. So, don’t fall for that advertisement trap! Dr. Bhanusali says that cream masks that contain oats or papaya work but those with fruits are just gimmicks.
7. Don’t Expect Miracles From Sheet Masks
The Korean-invented sheet masks have piqued our interests like no other but they pose an important question –- do they really work? The doctor explains that it’s vital to have realistic expectations with sheet masks. She says that sheet masks should be ideally used at night as it enhances their absorption. She also says that their only purpose is to calm and hydrate your skin.
8. Activated Charcoal Masks Have No Proven Effects
It is believed that activated charcoal masks are meant to deeply cleanse your skin and remove all impurities. However, that has not been scientifically proven yet, says Dr. Lortscher. That being said, they don’t have any known side effects either so they can be safely used.
9. Keep Your Skin Type In Mind
The overwhelming variety of face masks can even confuse beauty experts on what to buy. Dermatologists recommend that you should buy the mask that is most suitable for your skin type. It should also be picked based on what benefit you are looking for. So, for example, if your skin is dry and hydration is your main concern, go for a moisturizing mask that’s suitable for dry skin.
So what do we learn from this? Face masks work to a great extent, provided you get the right one for you! So don’t hold back on this indulgence. Face masks are good! Maybe you should drag your friend along and have a face pack session!
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