by Hanny A

Created on: July 06, 2009   Last Updated: July 13, 2009

Facial masks have been used for generations; they have become a major part of the role in skincare. Thus, this has created the sheer mass of different facial masks that are being produced. Some are natural and have been perfected that have been derived from heritages and cultures with known effects; others use synthetic chemicals which have also been proven to work. The large amount of different facial masks may leave you wondering which one is right for you, but it is not a hard task as it seems to be.

Firstly, you need to determine your skin type; there are five categories of different skin types, and choose a facial mask which is designed for that skin type.

1. Normal
If you have normal skin, your face should not feel tight or oily, it should feel quite supple and smooth. It is normally the skin type which is least prone to acne and blemishes.

For normal skin, a lot of masks can be used to clean and exfoliate the skin. A facial mask including honey and oatmeal will leave your face feeling refreshed and cleansed. The oatmeal will exfoliate your face, while the honey will hydrate it.

2. Combination
If you have combination skin, your skin will be oily on patches of your face and dry on other parts of your face. It can be hard to control because of the different treatments each area might need.

For combination skin, a facial mask like the above it the best one because it contains a mixture of two different ingredients which will complement each other and especially your skin tone as it contains honey (moisturise and retain natural moisture) while the oatmeal exfoliates your skin.

3. Dry
If you have dry skin, your face will feel tight and flaky. Dry skin is also prone to wrinkles, which means that if you have dry skin it is good to use moisturising face masks.

For dry skin, a mask which will leave your skin feeling hydrated and smooth is the best mask. A home facial mask including honey, olive oil and vitamin e is great because it will replenish the skin and restore moisture and suppleness. Honey, olive oil and vitamin e are great natural home remedies which aim to lock in moisture that your skin needs.

4. Oily
if you have oily skin, your face will look shiny and greasy. This skin type is prone to acne; however it is not likely to get wrinkles. For oily skin it is good to use facial masks which will remove the excess oil from the skin.

For oily skin, a mask that will leave your skin feeling clean and smooth is what you need. A home facial mask including egg will tighten your face while collecting any excess oil on your face.

5. Sensitive
If you have sensitive skin, your skin will be very easily irritated by different facial products. It can be quite dry and red at times because of its sensitivity to different products. Sensitive skin should be treated very carefully.

For sensitive skin a yoghurt face mask is ideal. This is because yoghurt is a very light, natural ingredient which is not harsh to skin yet while also makes the skin feel smooth and supple. Including ingredients such as banana in the yoghurt facial mask is great because it adds as another ingredient to exfoliate and restore natural barriers in the skin.

Prior to products being used, facial masks should be tested on a small patch of skin to ensure that you are not allergic or sensitive to any of the items used in the facial product. To get the best out of facial masks, skin should be washed and patted dry with a clean towel.

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