Face Masks 101: Benefits, Types & How Often You Should Use One Written By (old): Alisha Whitley There’s nothing quite like a face mask to amp up your skin care routine. The right mask is not just an indulgent treat — it can also tackle a number of key skin concerns and conditions. Whether you're dealing with dryness, fine lines, large pores, acne or a combination, there is a mask that will work for you. Read on to learn about the different types of face masks, how to apply them and which ones are right for your age range and unique complexion. Benefits Of Masking | Types Of Face Masks | In The Mix | Face Mask For Your Skin Type | Face Mask For Your Age | How Often Should You Use A Face Mask?  Benefits Of Masking: What You Didn't Know About Masks Just like a serum or moisturizer, a face mask is a skin care vehicle. It delivers highly concentrated actives, vitamins and nutrients to the skin to improve its overall health. What makes face masks unique is that they are occlusive — meaning they create a physical barrier that locks in the beneficial ingredients, allowing the skin to absorb them more efficiently.   Face masks are designed to be used intermittently to give your skin an instant boost. Depending on what your skin needs, there is a mask that can do one (or a combination) of the following: Hydrate and moisturize dry skin Refine large pores Improve skin texture Absorb excess oil and dirt Decongest clogged pores Minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles Enhance elasticity Improve the look of breakouts Brighten dark spots Types Of Face Masks Available With so many options out there, how do you choose the right face mask to cater to your unique needs? Let's do a deeper dive to figure out which mask texture is right for you.  Cream Think of the texture of a rich moisturizer — that’s the best way to describe the feel of a cream-based mask. These face masks do wonders for adding moisture and nutrients back into the skin, helping maintain a plump and youthful-looking appearance. Cream masks can target a range of conditions — from the visible signs of aging to problem skin. The Bamboo Age Corrective Masque and the Coconut Cream Masque both smooth the appearance of dry, dehydrated or aging skin overnight, while our Clear Skin Probiotic Masque suits acne-prone and oily skin types. The Kombucha Microbiome Leave-On Masque is a no-rinse probiotic skin care formula that suits all skin types. It is designed to support the skin’s natural recovery process and maintain a healthy skin moisture barrier. This rich, slow-absorbing mask provides soothing hydration and comfort to dry, dull skin. And don't stop there. Eminence Organics International Educator Brian Goodwin lets us in on a skin care secret: “An insider tip is that most of our cream-based masks can be used as a leave-on treatment.” In other words, keep it on for10 minutes or all night, and let that goodness sink in!  Gel  Gel masks have the consistency of a jam or jelly. With their lightweight texture, they are an excellent choice for oily to normal skin types. Many gel masks include astringent ingredients like raspberries and blackberries which minimize oil and tighten the appearance of pores. Others are formulated with hydrating ingredients like stone crop and honey which replenish the look of dry and dehydrated skin.  Our Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque is a great option for those in search of a firmer-looking complexion. It contains a cocktail of rhubarb extract, avocado oil, leafy greens and citrus. Whichever mask you choose, you can amplify your results with this skin care tip from Brian: "Apply your favorite gel-based mask in the shower to make it an active in-shower treatment." The heat from the shower can open the pores and allow the skin to better absorb the beneficial ingredients.   Clay  With its absorbent, exfoliating and astringent properties, clay treats ongoing skin conditions related to acne, such as excess oil and inflammation. A clay mask can also be applied just to the problem areas, meaning it can double as a spot treatment. If you're dealing with congested pores, the Charcoal & Black Seed Clay Masque absorbs excess oil while reducing the appearance of large pores and dark spots. Illite clay, activated charcoal and black seed oil create a formula that visibly transforms the look of congested pores by leaving the skin looking even and refreshed without drying it out. If you have acne-prone skin, Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar recommends using the Acne Advanced Clarifying Masque to treat bumpy and congested skin: “It’s nice and creamy in texture, and you literally only need a bit … Just hit those little areas and let it dry.”  Related Articles We Have The Next Big Trend In Face Masks How To Use an Overnight Face Mask For Younger Looking Skin Best Eminence Organics Face Masks That Cele