Different types of face masks are trending among popular skincare products, and it seems like their craze won’t be going off any time soon. As per a study, the market value for face masks worldwide has been steadily increasing and is expected to grow from about 32.76 billion U.S. dollars in 2018 to nearly 51 billion dollars in 2025. Now, you see the rise in the demand and trend for facial masks? It means it must be a vital addition to your skincare routine. Let's study what benefits do face masks offer? What are the different types of face masks? 

Types of Face Masks and Their Benefits

1. Gel Masks
Gel masks are oil-free and water-based. They are mostly transparent or semi-transparent. They offer water-based hydration to dry skin cells without pore-clogging, heavy ingredients. This type of mask also has an organic cooling effect, which is massive for helping to soothe sensitivity and redness. You can store them in a refrigerator to get an extra cooling effect. Gel facial masks are beneficial when overheating the skin, typically after workout sessions or sun exposure. They can benefit your skin post-flight after the occurrence of water evaporation.

Best for which skin type?
Anyone can benefit from gel masks because they are compatible with every skin type. If you use only one kind of mask, gel masks are probably the way!

Recommendation: Terraform Brands’ Hydrating Gel Mask

2. Clay Masks
Clay masks vary based on ingredients added to the base. A clay face mask is an organic face mask that tends to be thick in texture, and you can look for a clay mask formula that includes hydrating ingredients. A helpful rule of thumb is to avoid anything that brings tightness or cracks to your skin when you move your face.
There is another product in the market called mud mask. Please don't confuse it with a clay mask, as mud masks work as a healing agent while clay masks are from dry skins. The primary benefit of clay masks is that they suck oil and other impurities, and they help in clearing pores and creating a tightening effect. They are good if you apply them during warmer months when the skin gets oily and needs a "clean" feeling.

Best for which skin type?
You can also multi-mask, using clay masks in oily and gel masks in dry areas. Generally, clay masks work best for oily and combination skin types susceptible to clogged pores.

Recommendation: Probiotic Mud Mask by Terraform Brands.

3. Cream Masks
Cream masks offer you a creamy texture like moisturizers. They are formulated with oils and emollients. The primary benefit of cream face masks is oil-based hydration to dry skins, and you can leave many of them overnight for deeper absorption. They are beneficial for restoring moisture loss after the flight or in cold weather when your skin is driest. They help give dry skin a bouncy, moist, and glowing look.

Best for which skin type?
A cream skincare mask is best for dry skin types that organically produce little oil. They should not be used by dehydrated, oily, or combination skin types since they can clog pores.

Recommendation: Concentrated Overnight Repair Mask by Terraform Brands

4. Sheet Masks
Usually, sheet face masks are oil-free and manufactured from different fabrics such as bio-cellulose, non-woven fibers, or rayon. Sheet masks may include synthetic perfumes that might irritate, and sheet masks are growing in popularity. The significant benefit of a sheet mask is to hydrate thirsty skin cells. They can give a natural cooling impact and be stored in the fridge before use, like gel masks. Sheet masks are favorable if you use them after water evaporation has occurred in the skin. You can have quick hydration to make the skin look bouncy and bright.

Best for which skin type?
Sheet masks are essentially the mask substrates soaked in serum. Therefore, a hydrating serum can be used as an alternative to a sheet mask. And they are the best choice if you have dry skin.

5. Exfoliating Masks
Exfoliating masks remove adherent dead skin cells that create skin troubles, including dull skin, trapped dirt, oil beneath the skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. Exfoliating masks can improve your skin's natural cell turnover and renewal process. Usually, exfoliating masks have physical abrasives such as coffee grounds, sugar, salt, pumice, or chemical exfoliants like beta or alpha hydroxy acids to dissolve or lift off dead skin cells. The secret behind the increased effectiveness of expensive serums and creams is regular exfoliation. Your freshly exfoliated skin can always feel ready to receive any skincare product's actives.

Best for which skin type?
Exfoliating masks are safe to use for all skin types but is you have oily or acne prone skin; these are your best option.

Final Words
A face mask will not provide you with the same results as a facial session from a salon. However, they certainly give additional skin benefits beyond your basic skincare routine. Moreover, you need to understand the functions of all types of face masks, know your skin type and buy the face mask according to your skin type.