How Face Masks Work

Looking for the best in natural face masks? I’m going to have a look at some top picks for masks for all skin types, the best natural ingredients you can put on your skin, and how to use face masks to get glowing hydrated skin! This is more than a little once in a while indulgence, natural face masks are seriously good skincare. 

There’s no avoiding it - good cleansing, sunscreen and moisturizing is the foundation of good skincare. But a face mask is a complimentary treat for skin and delivers immediate results. It may be temporary, but a mask can give that glow or clarity you’re after for that big event.!

They work by driving ingredients closer and deeper into the skin, infusing pores so skin absorbs more of the active ingredients. So, those ingredients are absolutely key. But, not all face masks are made equal. Read on.

What to Look For When Choosing a Face Mask

When it comes to facemasks, basic is definitely back!! Lots of masks on the market promote weird and wonderful ingredients. Snail mucus, or bee venom anyone? (Not even joking)

Apart from the (very marketable) weird stuff, non-natural masks contain fragrances, dyes, chemicals and parabens which can irritate the skin.  

Look for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and free of dyes and parabens. This is close contact treatment!

And, before you dive in, know what your skin needs. Go after ingredients that will solve that problem. Face masks deliver pretty immediate results. If you want to reduce redness, or tackle super dry patches, find anti-inflammatory or super hydrating ingredients. 

Why Choose Natural Face Masks?

• Less chance of a bad skin reaction -  chemicals or synthetic ingredients can cause irritation and be reactive. Face masks are deeply penetrating, so you don't want anything that’s going to cause problems.
• Target skin issues - Natural ingredients are packed with skin nourishing properties that will tackle dryness, oiliness, acne, ageing or dull skin.
• Unprocessed - minimum processing means none of the ingredients or formula have been compromised. No dilution or compromise of natural properties, so maximum benefits for skin
• Biodegradable, sustainable products - a natural face mask won't damage the environment or pollute the water systems when you rinse it off. It’s all natural.

Some of the Best Natural Face Mask ingredients for your Skin Type

These are just some of Mother nature’s ingredients for skin therapy. It's a quick edit, but keep an eye out for:

• Organic Clays - Green Clay, Pink Clay, Bentonite Clay, Rhassoul Clay - extract impurities, excess oil and dirt from pores
• Hyaluronic Acid - unmatched hydration. Keeps skin supple, and reduces skin wrinkles and lines
• Glycolic acid - amazing natural exfoliator
• Manuka Honey - anti-bacterial, anti inflammatory and deep moisturiser
• Aloe Vera - soothing, moisturising, healing
• Camomile -  soothing anti-inflammatory for acne or sensitive skin, and glowy!
• Turmeric anti-inflammatory, high in antioxidants. Helps calm acne and reduce scarring.
• Papaya - natural exfoliator.  Rich in several antioxidants, including lycopene.
• Lemon, Citrus extracts - brightener, anti bacterial and Vitamin C boost. Good for oily skin.
• Oatmeal - anti oxidant  healing, gentle for sensitive skin, blemishes, acne
• Coconut -  highly moisturising, high levels of Vitamin C maintain elasticity and flexibility, boosts collagen
• Raw cacao - high in antioxidants, anti-ageing. Improves circulation and hydration

How to Choose the Right Natural Face Mask for Your Skin Type

Know thy skin! Each natural ingredients will help a specific skin type. 

Think of a natural face mask like a delicious recipe (which is actually what they are). Don't go for a rich, creamy pasta if you actually want a light salad! Rich moisturising masks will be great for deep hydration before bedtime, but may not deliver the zingy, brightening effect you want before a night out.

Best Overall Natural Face Mask

Skin Equation - Enzymatic Clay Mask with Bentonite & Hibiscus

This Skin Equation mask is our overall pick because it’s suitable for all skin types, even sensitive, acne-prone, and eczema-prone skin. And it's a multi-tasker!

Enzymatic Clay cleanses, exfoliates and rejuvenates. It has kaolin and bentonite clay to purify and tighten pores and botanical hibiscus to rejuvenate. Papain and bromelain enzymes exfoliate gently, revitalising your complexion.

Twice a week is enough for this power mask!

Best Moisturising Formula

Fruits of the Nut Tree - Make Your Own All Natural Face Mask Kit

Do it yourself is maybe not what you had in mind, we know. But when this seriously pampering mask is mixed, you can feel the amazing superpowers of intensely moisturising coconut oil, antioxidant rich cacao powder, nutrient dense maca and deeply cleansing bentonite clay!

All ingredients come pre-measured, it takes minutes to mix and will moisturise and soften to perfection. Finest natural ingredients and totally organic, natural and eco-friendly.

For Blemished Skin

Kathy Sue-Ann's - Soothing Face Mask Powder

A healing and soothing mask that clarifies and heals the skin by drawing out impurities and replenishing irritated skin. Great for oily, combination and blemish prone skin. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, it adds minerals for a healthy, glowing complexion, and gently exfoliates.

It has an impressive formula of natural ingredients: Bentonite Clay; Oats to soothe;  Rhassoul Clay; Coconut extract for elasticity; Chamomile extract - anti-inflammatory healer; Lavender oil to reduce scarring and blemishes; and Bergamot oil to unclog pores and balance oil. A fabulous natural ingredient list.

Best Natural Face Mask For Dull Skin

Isabella’s Clearly - French Green Clay Powder for Face and Body Mask + Mask Brush

Simplicity itself. A 100% French organic clay mask that clarifies and hydrates. As one of the most absorbent cosmetic clays, it effortlessly draws out toxins and impurities, leaving your skin clear, smooth, and revitalised.

French Green Clay is gentle and highly absorbent. Natural anti-ageing minerals tighten pores, diminish wrinkles, and give a flawless complexion. It's a real boost for dull or tired skin. And also  excellent for sensitive skin, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis with a  nutrient-rich formula heals and regenerates skin tissue.

Bonus, you get a mask brush and you can use it on your body as well as face!

Natural Mask For Sensitive Skin

Bristol Made - Organic Rose Clay Cleanser

OK, so a cleanser - but a cleanser mask! And cleansing is the way to beautiful skin. This Rose Caly formula is especially good if you have sensitive skin that doesn't like harsh cleansers.

With a mix of Kaolin clay and sweet almond oil, Bristol Made’s little Rose clay treat delivers deep effective cleansing, purification and its smooth, creamy formula keeps skin feeling silky soft and supple. It’s simple, pure and utterly luxurious. It's a cleanser and mask all in one.

Face Mask For Oily Skin

Bristol Made - Organic Green Clay Mask

With Ultra ventilated Argiletz green clay, Bristol Made have aimed this organic green clay mask at oily or combination skin. 

It’s a skin reset. It gently strips away toxins, pollutants, and dead skin, while rebalancing and restoring its natural state. Argiletz is a great detox ingredient, so it will deal with oily skin, but won’t unbalance your skin's natural needs. Rejuvenating and detoxifying, extracting excess from oily skin.

How Often Should I Apply a Mask?

Because natural masks are free from chemicals and additives, they can be used more frequently, usually 2 - 3 times a week for optimal results. If you have sensitive skin, reduce this to once a week. Natural ingredients can be powerful, so don't overuse masks. Masks should work with your skin's natural balance, not change it.

When to apply a face mask

Rich moisturising formulas should be used after cleansing and before you go to sleep. The hydrating ingredients will have time to absorb overnight, when your skin is regenerating.

But, hey, no reason not to have a morning zing from a light brightening mask (if you have time!)

But in general, if you’re trying a mask for the first time, best to play safe and do it at night, so you know what kind of results you’ll get.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Natural Face Masks

Rule number 1 - Don't skip any of your cleansing steps. Remove all makeup, and go for a deep cleanse with a good natural cleanser

How to Apply a Face Mask 

A  natural sheet mask is smoothed over the face with your fingertips. Nice and easy, but work it in so all the product is transferring to the skin.

Cream and gel masks can be applied with (super clean) fingertips, or use a soft skin brush to spread the product. Get into the nooks and crannies - around the nose area for example. 

I like covering the lip area if the mask is a moisture bomb. I’m a little more careful with lips if it is a bit more astringent .. but that's me.

Removing a Face Mask.

It’s been 10 or 15 minutes of bliss. Time to remove! 

Rinse the majority of the product off with lukewarm (not hot) water. Then use a natural muslin cloth to gently wipe away the remaining product - again, get into the nooks and crannies and make sure it's all gone. Ta Dah! Beautiful soft face. 

If it’s a moisturising mask, decide if your skin needs more moisture or not. If it's been a purifying, clay mask, extracting oil and excess dirt from the pores, then your skin will soak up your natural moisturiser. Use a good natural serum for extra hydration.

All in all, a good natural face mask isn't just a treat, it's a bone fide excellent part of a weekly skincare routine, and you will see results - if you need convincing! Try one out, and hopefully there’s some good info here about ingredients. Some FAQ’s below! 

FAQs about Best Natural Masks for Glowing Skin

What are the benefits of face masks?

• Immediate results
• Natural ingredients - no unwelcome surprises
• Natural ingredients pack some powerful skin benefits
• Booster to your daily skincare routine
• Relaxation and easy, self care
• Relatively low cost skincare
• Sustainable product

How often should you use a face mask?

Most natural masks can be used twice or three times a week, if you have the time! This is best for gentle moisturising, soothing masks. 

If you’re using a more natural astringent, maybe to combat oiliness, or combat acne, then once a week is recommended.

What is the secret to glowing skin?

Being super disciplined about your daily skincare routine! Good cleansing, sunscreen, hydration and regular exfoliation are the keys to great skin, always. But you can get that extra glow from a natural face mask as it really works deeply. Whether it's perfect, gentle exfoliation to remove dull dead skin cells, or a boost of hydration for a dewy glow, face masks will deliver.  Keep it natural, and you will get those results.

 

Shop Organic & natural. Love yourself, love your planet. 🙂