Wash-off Masks

Wash-off masks serve many purposes but are most often categorized as either exfoliating or moisturizing. They're best if used just a few times a week to target what your skin needs. After you figure out what your skin has been craving, apply a mask, sit back and relax for the instructed amount of time, then wash it off and reveal the results!

Clay and Mud Wash-off Maks

Clay and mud wash-off masks are great for oily skin types because they absorb excess sebum and clarify pores by drawing out impurities. One of the best parts about clay and mud masks is the instant gratification you get with results when you wash it off.  They immediately visibly reduces the appearance of sebaceous filaments and blackheads. If ever feel a breakout coming on, I'll paint on a clay mask and it works like charm to keep it at bay. I use clay and mud wash-off masks before I do a low pH cleanse so that I can wash away any leftover clay or mud with the cleanser afterwards.

Recommendations: Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask, New York Biology Dead Sea Mud Mask, I'M FROM Volcanic Mask,

Chemical Exfoliating wash-off Masks

Chemical exfoliating wash-off masks can instantly brighten dull complexions by getting rid of dead skin and impurities. They are usually formulated with the chemical exfoliants alpha hydroxy acid, beta hydroxy acid, or a combination of both. Chemical exfoliating masks come in concentrations that are much more intense than regular acid treatments so they must be washed off your face after about 10-20 minutes. They often come labeled as “peels” or “facials” and should be used with caution due to their intensity. Whenever trying out a new acid mask, make sure to patch test first as sensitive skin may have a harsh reaction. During your first uses of an acid mask, I think it’s best not to keep it on for the full amount of time instructed. Instead, I like to slowly build up to the instructed leave-on time to get my skin used to the acids. I use acid exfoliating masks after a low pH cleanser and before a hydrating toner. On nights that I use these masks, I usually won’t use a leave on active acid treatment afterwards because my skin has already had enough.

Recommendations: The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, Drunk Elephant T.L.C Sukari Babyfacial, Herbivore Blue Tansy 

Physical Exfoliating Wash off Masks

Physical exfoliating wash off masks remove dead skin cells via the physical motion of massaging some type of granule against your skin. Unfortunately, these physical wash-off masks have angular, sharp, abrasive bits that can cause micro-tears and cuts on your skin which creates the opportunity for bacteria to easily get into your skin and cause issues like acne. For these reasons, I much prefer chemical exfoliating wash-off masks instead. However, for those times when you have flaky dead skin build up that you just need to get rid of, I think it’s okay to use some types of physical exfoliants. The Skinfood Wash-off Rice mask is my go-to when I want to remove skin flakes, it’s rice granules are a soft alternative to harsher physical exfoliants like sugar, salt, ground walnut shell, etc.

Recommendations: Skinfood Rice Mask Wash-off

Moisturizing Wash-off Masks

Moisturizing wash-off masks are perfect for when you need an extra dose of moisture in your routine. While exfoliating masks should be rinsed off with water after use, it’s actually better to just blot with a damp cloth after a moisturizing mask, wiping away just the excess. These types of masks are packed with ingredients that will leave your skin plump and buttery smooth. While not typically as hydrating as a sheet mask, they do a lovely job of brightening your complexion and delivering rich nutrients to your skin. A star ingredient to be on the lookout for in these masks is honey. Honey is a humectant (meaning it draws moisture into the skin) and is naturally antibacterial. Products containing honey have a tendency to leave their skin a bit sticky, so a rinse-off mask can be a perfect way to get your honey fix.

Recommendations: I'm from Honey Mask, Glossier Moisturizing Moon Mask, fresh Rose Face Mask, Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask