by Kailania Puran

Created on: July 02, 2009   Last Updated: July 03, 2009

Considered a spa like treat for many years, facial masks are essential to any woman's skin care regime. The beauty and trouble with masks, however, is the incredibly wide variety available, making it difficult to pick the best one for you. Just because it got an award from a magazine, does not mean it will work on you. Worry not, all one needs to do is consider a few facts about your views, lifestyle and skin to help you make an informed decision on the right facial mask for you.

One of the most important factors in choosing a mask, is to know your skin type. There are usually 5 basic types of skin. Normal, a healthy and balanced complexion that feels comfortable and is smooth to the touch with small pores. I suggest an ex foliating mask once or twice a week, like a peel mask, but really any type of ex foliating mask will do (lucky you). Try the Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask. Sensitive, easily irritated, causing red blotches and itchiness. If you have this kind of skin, avoid harsh masks and use them sparingly, maybe every other week to once a month depending on your skin's sensitivity. Try a cooling gel mask, like Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Masque. Dry, feels tight after washing, may look and feel flaky and rough. Masks with AHA's, or alpha hydroxy acids, help by removing dead, dry skin cells and moisturizing the new. Make sure the mask says hydrating, like the Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask, or, if you want to green, try the Nude Intense Moisture Mask. Oily, shiny skin, especially in the T-Zone (forehead, nose and chin), large pores and breakouts. Clay masks are great for you. If you have breakouts, look for masks with ingredients like Sulfur, Willow-bark Extract, Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid. Try the DDF Sulfur Therapeutic Mask, or the Boscia Clarifying Detox Mask, another green product. Combination skin seems in the middle, with oily spots (T-Zone) and dry spots (cheeks). Try putting a more clarifying mask for oily skin on your T-Zone, avoiding dry patches.

Also consider your age. A 45 year old mother cannot use the same mask as her 15 year old daughter. To combat wrinkles, employ a hydrating mask; for loss of elasticity, a firming mask like Ole Henriksen Firm Action Mask. For hormone ridden complexions, try masks based on your skin type, but use sparingly and properly.

For you Earth lovers out there, look for organic, all natural, green, eco-friendly masks in health food stores, or even organic sections of your grocery. Try brands like Burt's Bees or Kiss My Face. Nowadays stores like Sephora mark these types of products.

So what are you waiting for? Figure out your skin's type and what you want/need in a skin care product, and go try some masks! Once you see how much the right mask can enhance your natural beauty, you'll never want to hide behind a mask again!

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