If you’re a skincare enthusiast who would love to have skin that’s softer and more supple, consider a hydrating mask. The right one can do wonders for your skin.
What is a hydrating mask?
A hydrating mask adds moisture to your skin so that it feels supple and revitalized. When you apply the mask to your face, the mask creates a barrier that locks in moisture, preventing dehydration. For this reason, hydrating masks are great for skin that is dull and dry. If you’re looking to boost your skin’s hydration levels, look for our Hydra Mask Gel Cream. Hydra masks are available in gel, cream, and sheet forms.
The benefits of using hydrating masks for skin
There are plenty of benefits to using hydrating masks for your skin. One of the major benefits is that it replenishes your skin. This is especially helpful if you have dehydrated or dry skin. It can also help if you live in a dry climate.
When you use a hydrating mask daily, you’ll notice a more radiant complexion due to some of the ingredients used in hydrating masks, such as hyaluronic acid, shea butter, or peptides.
What should I look for in a hydrating face mask?
When choosing a hydrating face mask, look for ingredients that will help soothe and add moisture to your skin, such as glycerin or aloe vera. Our SOOTHE Rescue Mask, for example, contains glycerin to moisturize and calamine to improve stressed skin.
Some masks contain ingredients such as vitamins E and C for antioxidant protection. If you have sensitive skin, choose ingredients like oat extract and chamomile that are soothing. It’s also best to choose masks designed for your skin type and ones that suit your preferences whether those are gels, creams, or sheet forms.
Key ingredients in hydrating masks
Hydrating masks contain a variety of different ingredients. Here are some common ingredients:
• Aloe vera gel: Aloe vera not only hydrates but also helps soothe irritated skin.
• Glycerin: Glycerin pulls moisture from the air into the skin, hydrating it and leaving it supple and soft.
• Jojoba oil: Jojoba oil is a natural antimicrobial. It helps moisturize the skin and can soothe inflamed skin.
• Botanical extracts: Some hydrating masks contain botanical extracts that help soothe the skin. Some extracts include chamomile or green tea.
Types of hydrating masks and how to use them
Sheet masks
Sheet masks are thin sheets soaked in serums. The serums contain ingredients like aloe vera gel, vitamins, and more. To use a sheet mask, carefully unfold it, lay it on your face, and press it gently against your skin. Leave the mask on for about 15 minutes so that the ingredients can penetrate. Afterward, remove the mask and massage any extra serum into your skin.
Cream masks
Cream masks are hydrating masks in the form of a cream. To use a cream mask, make sure your face is dry, and then apply a generous layer. Keep the mask on for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off. Gently pat your face dry with a soft towel.
Overnight masks
Overnight masks come in the form of a gel or a cream. To use an overnight mask, apply a generous layer to your dry skin, and massage it in. Leave the mask on overnight. In the morning, rinse it off, and then gently pat your face dry with a soft towel.
Microbiome masks
Microbiome masks, like sheet masks, get placed over your face. They get soaked in serums and contain vitamins, oils, probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics. To use a microbiome mask, apply a thin layer to your face, and leave it on for the recommended time specified on the package. When the time is up, rinse it off and gently pat your face dry with a soft towel.
Whitening masks
Whitening masks target dark spots or uneven skin tones. To use a whitening mask, apply a thin layer to the areas you’d like to lighten. Leave the mask on for the time specified on the package. Afterward, rinse the mask off, and pat your face dry.
How to apply a hydrating mask
Here is a step-by-step guide to applying a hydrating mask:
• Wash and dry your face. Your skin should be dry before applying the mask.
• Unfold the mask if it’s a sheet or apply it generously if it’s a gel or cream.
• Apply the mask by smoothing it onto your skin.
• Wait 15 to 20 minutes, unless it’s an overnight mask.
• Remove the mask and massage in the extra serum if it’s a sheet mask.
• If it’s not a sheet mask, rinse the excess gel or cream off.
• Pat your face dry with a soft towel.
Always follow the product usage instructions.
How to choose the right hydrating mask for your skin type
To choose the right hydrating mask for your skin type, first determine what kind of skin you have. If you have dry skin, look for masks with shea butter or oils that will provide a lot of nourishment.
If you have oily skin, choose oil-free, lightweight hydrating face masks with ingredients such as aloe vera or noncomedogenic ingredients.
If you have sensitive skin, avoid masks that have fragrances, and pick hydrating face masks with ingredients like chamomile or oat extracts.
How often should you use a hydrating face mask?
How often you should use a hydrating face mask will depend on your skin type and your needs. Most skincare experts recommend using a hydrating mask one to three times a week. However, if your skin feels very dry, you may want to use one more frequently.
Alternatively, if you have sensitive skin, once every two weeks should suffice. Make sure to pay attention to how your skin reacts, and then make adjustments to your skincare routine.
Find the best hydrating masks at Rodan + Fields!
Whether you need to rejuvenate your skin or hydrate it overnight, you can find the new Hydra Mask Gel Cream at Rodan + Fields.
Frequently asked questions about hydrating masks
Do hydrating face masks actually work?
Yes, hydrating masks work. By replenishing moisture, they can leave your skin feeling softer, more hydrated, and more supple.
Can hydrating masks clog pores?
Hydrating masks typically don’t clog pores, especially if they contain noncomedogenic ingredients. If you have oily skin, ensure the mask indicates it is noncomedogenic / non-acnegenic.”
Can hydrating masks help with acne-prone skin?
While hydrating masks are not designed to treat acne-prone skin, you can use them to soothe irritated or inflamed skin. If you have acne-prone skin, choose masks with noncomedogenic ingredients.
Should I apply moisturizer after using a hydrating mask?
If you use a hydrating mask right before bed, a moisturizer may not be necessary. However, if you use a hydrating mask in the morning, it’s a good idea to apply a moisturizer afterward. A moisturizer can add even more hydration and keep your skin nourished longer.
How long does it take to see results from using hydrating masks?
Your skin should feel softer immediately after using a hydrating mask. However, for long-term results, use it consistently over months.
