Medical expert of the article
New publications
Beauty mask for the face
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
A beauty mask for the face has one main feature – a fast and at the same time precisely targeted effect on the skin. A characteristic feature of face masks is the solution to a specific problem, for example, moisturizing, cleansing, exfoliation, etc. Masks should be used in combination with other skin care products – creams, serums, etc. While universal creams maintain a certain balance, nourish, soften the skin, a mask has a therapeutic and healing effect on our skin, i.e. it is aimed at eliminating one existing problem.
Some women believe that a beauty mask for the face is absolutely not necessary in care, a regular cream has many wonderful properties - rejuvenates, nourishes, moisturizes, in general, makes the skin irresistible and does not require too much time. But this is a misconception, the mask has a much deeper and broader effect in facial care.
A cream, unlike a mask, should stay on the skin all day (all night). It has many tasks - not to dry out, not to tighten, to moisturize, to eliminate oily shine, to match makeup, to have a pleasant aroma. That is why some components that are part of the cream are absolutely not needed by our skin. When creating a mask, things are completely different - the color, smell, consistency do not matter, the main thing here is the benefit and effectiveness. A face mask contains a large number of active ingredients and should be used once or twice a week. All face masks differ in their effect on the skin, in this case you need to choose based on the skin problem - oily, dry, aging, problematic, etc.
Nourishing, moisturizing masks
As the name suggests, masks nourish and moisturize the skin that needs it. This is usually necessary in the cold season, when the skin suffers from temperature changes, cold wind, and dry indoor air. If the skin feels tight and peels, then this mask is exactly what you need. The consistency of masks is usually thick, creamy, and greasy. Such masks are not absorbed by the skin, but remain as a layer on the surface of the skin. There are masks that do not need to be washed off (you should only blot the excess with a napkin).
Peel-off masks
Peel-off masks have an exfoliating effect. Usually, such masks are sticky and gel-like in consistency. After application to the face, they begin to dry, forming a film that fits tightly to the skin. Such a mask is removed from the bottom up (from the chin), and the keratinized skin particles are removed along with the film. Such masks can contain components that enhance the exfoliating effect, for example, fruit acids.
Rolling mask
This mask, like the previous one, has an exfoliating effect. The mask should be applied evenly to the face, it will dry a little and form a dense soft layer, which should be rolled with your fingers. The exfoliation process occurs due to the mechanical effect on the skin (rolling), and the chemical components of the mask also help remove the dead layer, which help to detach unnecessary cells. Usually, the amount of such components is high enough so that with dry or sensitive skin you can not roll, but simply wash off with warm water, avoiding excessive trauma to the skin.
Acid peeling mask
Another type of exfoliating mask. Such masks are an alternative to expensive salon procedures. Their action is based on dissolving the upper layer of keratinized particles due to the acid contained in the composition. It is not recommended to use such masks for dry or sensitive skin, due to the overly aggressive components.
Cleansing masks
Almost all cleansing masks contain clay (or are actually clay). After applying such a mask, after a few minutes it begins to harden and tighten the skin. In this case, you can cover the mask with a layer of cling film (after making slits for the eyes, mouth, and nose). The mask will not tighten the skin, and the greenhouse effect created by the film will only enhance the effect of the mask.
Warming masks
This is another type of cleansing mask. When in contact with the skin, such a mask begins to heat up intensively, as a result of which the pores open and harmful substances, dust, and impurities are pushed out. Scrubs or peelings that remove residual impurities from the opened pores have a good effect after such masks. Some manufacturers produce products that have a double effect - thermal scrubs. Such products begin to heat up on damp skin, and the exfoliating components help remove dirt and cleanse the pores.
Toning masks
Such masks are usually used when a quick result is needed, for example, before a party. Such a mask perfectly refreshes, tightens, returns blush. The composition and consistency of the mask can be very diverse, most toning masks contain vitamins, cocoa extracts, ginseng, etc. Masks are simply necessary for women who live in big cities. People compare such masks with the "Cinderella effect" because of the quick but short-term result.
Eye (lip) masks
The skin around the eyes is very delicate and thin, so to care for it you need to use the lightest masks that are designed specifically for these areas of the skin. Such masks can be moisturizing or nourishing, applied like regular masks, after a certain period of time removed with a napkin or washed off with warm water.
Special masks
Masks that solve a certain type of facial skin problems. For example, soothing, for sensitive skin, whitening, etc. masks, depending on the purpose, have different consistencies, differ in composition, but invariably show a positive result on the face.
Scrubs can also be classified as face masks, as they have the same effect: effective action in a short time. Scrubs are applied to the face with massaging movements, then washed off with cool or warm water. During the massage, the skin receives all the beneficial substances that are in the scrub base (oils, vitamins). When choosing a scrub, you need to consider the abrasiveness of the exfoliating components (soft microbeads, apricot crumbs, etc.) and the composition of the main part. Scrubs containing oils are not suitable for oily skin, and scrubs containing anti-inflammatory components cannot be used for dry skin.
Benefits of beauty masks for facial skin
A beauty mask for the face can be used not only for basic skin care, but also to eliminate certain problems. For example, with the help of a moisturizing mask, the moisture balance is well restored even in very dry skin, you can solve problems with oily skin, acne, various inflammations, etc.
Facial care with masks is not only done at home; various procedures using masks are now popular in salons. Before applying the mask, the cosmetologist will first cleanse the skin, exfoliate dead skin particles, and massage the face. On average, the mask is applied to the face for 10-15 minutes. Masks may contain clay, aloe, essential oils, seaweed, herbal infusions, etc. When the mask's action time is over, the cosmetologist removes the remains with a napkin and applies a moisturizer or serum. In a good salon, you can also get recommendations on which masks to use yourself.
The benefits of beauty masks for the face are as follows:
- nutrition;
- toning;
- moisturizing;
- getting rid of acne, pimples, inflammation;
- calming effect;
- rejuvenation;
- cleansing.
You can make face masks yourself, every housewife has many effective ingredients for a mask in her kitchen. The following products are good for homemade masks:
- cucumber (stimulates cell regeneration, refreshes, soothes the skin, heals minor injuries). Cucumber is usually used as an eye mask, but it can also be added to other masks in grated form.
- avocado (source of vitamins A, B1, B2, D, E and fats useful for the skin). Avocado mask is good for sensitive and dry skin.
- honey (moisturizes, tones, increases elasticity).
- papaya (it contains substances that help effectively cleanse the skin of dead skin particles). If the skin is irritated, inflamed or sunburned, papaya masks are contraindicated.
- eggs (the protein has good cleansing and toning properties, increases elasticity).
- yogurt (contains lactic acid, which has an excellent exfoliating effect). Yogurt can be applied to the face as a stand-alone mask or used in a complex combination.
- potatoes (good for removing puffiness under the eyes, suitable for oily skin).
- herbs (chamomile, mint in the form of decoctions are included in many homemade masks).
Clay masks are good for oily or combination skin. It has a good cleansing effect, penetrates deep into the pores, removes impurities, makeup residue, without drying out the skin. Systematic use of clay masks helps get rid of acne and pimples. There are many masks that contain clay, intended for sensitive skin.
Masks containing aloe or cucumber also have a good effect on oily or combination skin.
Dry skin is in dire need of moisturizing, it is more prone to aging than oily skin. Special moisturizing masks will not only help restore the water balance, but also slow down the aging process, make it more elastic, and eliminate the feeling of tightness.
Various oils are great for dry skin, olive oil is especially valuable for the skin. At home, you can also use honey, sour cream, and cottage cheese to prepare moisturizing masks.
A dull complexion usually indicates insufficient skin cleansing. In this case, exfoliating masks, such as those with fruit acids, are a good choice. It is advisable to use film masks.
Normal skin does not cause any special problems for its lucky owners, but it is still recommended to do cleansing and moisturizing masks a couple of times a week for this type. This will help restore the water balance and get rid of dead particles, which over time make the complexion dull and lifeless.
For mature skin, even very intensive moisturizing will no longer have the desired effect. Here you need to use special products that contain substances that help in the production of collagen. Such masks will increase elasticity and smooth out fine wrinkles. For greater effect, you can use homemade masks two or three times a week.
Beauty Face Mask Recipes
A beauty mask for the face, which will be prepared at home from natural ingredients, will help to keep your skin young and beautiful for many years. Face masks are necessary even in cases when you have normal skin, for this type, moisturizing and nutrition will not be superfluous.
For normal skin, you can use the following masks: - 2-3 walnut kernels, grind thoroughly, add a teaspoon of honey and a tablespoon of cream (preferably homemade). Keep this mask for 15 minutes, then wash off with warm water.
- Squeeze the juice from black or red currants (about 1 tablespoon), add a little starch (1 tablespoon) for thickness. Apply the resulting mixture for 10 minutes and rinse with warm water.
- Pour milk over the crumb of white bread, let it soak well, mash it to make a thick mass, apply to the face and wash off after 15 minutes.
Dry skin really needs hydration, and the main effect of such masks is aimed at restoring the water balance in the skin:
- Mix the yolk with oatmeal flour (you can grind the flakes in a coffee grinder) until the consistency is similar to thick sour cream. Apply evenly to the face and leave for 15 minutes, wash with warm, then cold water.
- prepare a chamomile infusion (a glass of water and 2 tablespoons of dried flowers, leave for 2 hours, strain). Grind 2 tablespoons of chamomile infusion with a tablespoon of butter, gently apply to the skin of the face, leave for 15 minutes, remove the remains of the mask with a damp cloth. The mask is good for redness and minor irritations.
- Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and a tablespoon of olive oil to the mashed potatoes and beans, mix thoroughly and apply to the face, leave the mixture for 20 minutes, then wash with slightly warm water. After the mask, the complexion and the condition of the skin in general improve.
Rejuvenating masks smooth out the first wrinkles, nourish the skin, and increase elasticity. Aloe juice has a good rejuvenating effect, but for this, the plant leaf must be kept in a dark, cool place (a refrigerator is good) for two weeks, and then squeeze the juice out of it and use it in masks:
- Mix a tablespoon of aloe juice well with an egg yolk, apply to the face and leave for 15 minutes, wash with warm, then cool water for a toning effect.
- Bake an apple in the oven, cool it a little and mash it into a pulp, add about the same amount of olive oil, as well as a teaspoon of honey. The resulting mixture should be applied to the skin of the face and left for 15 minutes, then wash with water. The mask slows down the aging process, increases elasticity.
- Mix an egg yolk with a tablespoon of black or red caviar, to thicken the mixture a little, you can add a crumb of white bread. Apply the mask to your face and leave for 15 minutes, then rinse well with water.
Any mask should be applied only to well-cleansed and prepared skin. You cannot apply a mask to skin with residues of decorative cosmetics or any cream, as this will prevent the penetration of nutrients into the deep layers of the skin and the mask will simply not bring any results. You can wash off cosmetics with a regular product that you always use (milk, soap, foam). After cleansing, it is good to exfoliate using a scrub or peeling.
A beauty mask for the face is a great way to deeply moisturize, cleanse and nourish the skin. A woman who wants to look good and young needs to do masks that meet her needs several times a week. Our facial skin is not protected by anything, it is open to wind, dust, sun, rain and harmful substances. That is why it needs not only standard lubrication with cream in the morning and evening (even the best and most expensive), but also additional care in the form of various masks that penetrate into the deep layers of the skin and prevent aging, moisturize, soften, tone, improve complexion, etc.