Face and Body

The truth about at-home face masks: Do they really work?

6 August, 2024 . 0

Wondering if at-home face masks are worth it? Explore the pros and cons of various at-home treatments and how to select the best one for your skin.

You’re not alone if your beauty budget is feeling the pinch in today’s cost-of-living climate.

Interest rates, inflation, energy bills and more hits on the back pocket mean many of us are opting for at-home beauty solutions over salon treatments.

A world of face mask options

You only have to type in #facemask on TikTok to understand just how many gram-worthy masks there are on the market, all promising glowing results.

Once limited to cream or clay, today’s face masks span everything from enzyme masks to serum-soaked sheets.

“At-home masks have improved significantly and now include advanced ingredients like hyaluronic acid and plant extracts, which can effectively target specific skin concerns such as dryness, ageing and brightness,” beautician Haniyeh (Honey) Seida says.

“New formulations have also made them easier to use and more effective.”

“However, not all are created equal, and some can cause irritation or breakouts if they contain fragrances or harsh chemicals,” cautions dermatologist Dr Antoinette Ciconte.

How to choose? It’s about knowing your skin and what you’re trying to achieve, the experts say.

How to choose the right face mask for you

Sheet face masks

Made from materials such as cotton or hydrogel and soaked in serums rich in active ingredients, sheet masks can be a quick fix for hydration, brightening and soothing skin.

“Look for ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide and shea butter which can hydrate and temporarily plump up the skin, as well as soothing ingredients like green tea and liquorice root extract,’’ says dermatologist Dr Katherine Armour from The Australasian College of Dermatologists.

“Dipropylene glycol, a penetration-enhancing agent, might also be on the ingredients list which can work for normal skin, but may be a red flag for sensitive skin, so do a patch test first.”

Those with sensitive skin should also be careful with the ever-popular vitamin C which, while helpful for brightening and ageing, might be too strong for delicate skin, advises Dr Ciconte.

Exfoliating face masks

Exfoliating masks, including enzyme masks, are designed to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores and reveal a brighter, smoother complexion.

“When choosing an exfoliating mask, it’s best to look for gentle chemical exfoliating ingredients such as lactic acid, rather than mechanical exfoliants such as pumice which can damage the skin barrier.” Dr Armour says, adding: “And don’t overdo it.”

Clay face masks

“Some of these are touted as being rejuvenating but there’s not a lot of good science behind their anti-ageing claims – the main use of clay or charcoal is in the acne space,” Dr Armour says.

“For people with normal skin, they can be helpful in cleansing and purifying,” Dr Ciconte says.

Eye masks

Intended to reduce puffiness, dark circles and fine lines, eye masks come in various forms, including patches and gels, often infused with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, caffeine and peptides.

“If you are puffy under the eye, caffeine can work quite well to de-puff. Soothing ingredients like green tea and liquorice root extract are also beneficial in the delicate eye area,” Dr Armour says.

Silicone face masks

An eco-friendly alternative, silicone masks are designed to be used with your favourite serums and creams and create a seal over the skin, enhancing the absorption of active ingredients.

“One thing to remember is that these do require regular cleaning for hygiene and results may not be as immediate as serum-soaked masks,” Honey advises.

Natural masks

Simple DIY masks using natural ingredients can be simpler than you think, Honey reveals.

“Ingredients like honey which is hydrating and antibacterial; yoghurt which is exfoliating and soothing; oatmeal which is anti-inflammatory; and turmeric for brightening, can work wonders,” she says.

“But always do a patch test before using,” Dr Ciconte says.

“And avoid ingredients like fruit juice which can be acidic, baking soda and vinegar which are alkaline, and egg whites which can cause bacterial infections.”

“For DIY masks avoid tea tree oil and other essential oils, which can cause allergic and irritant contact dermatitis,” Dr Armour says.

Remember, have fun

With the right knowledge and a bit of experimentation, you can find the right mask to enhance your skincare routine – just remember to check the ingredients list and do a patch test first!

Mask on, glow up and let your skin steal the spotlight.

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Written by Liz McGrath.