From pesky breakouts to a much-needed dose of intense hydration, there are a plethora of face masks out there to address specific skin concerns. All of which are able to produce noticeable results in a very short amount of time. In this article, we’ve selected the best face masks for men and why each one deserves a place in your cupboard.
Best face for Normal Skin: Menscience Facial Cleansing Mask
Finding the right face mask for normal skin is no easy feat. While it’s neither too oily or too dry, therein lies the problem: choosing the wrong face mask has the potential to disrupt the balance normal skin has. To address this, we recommend using a product like the Menscience Facial Cleansing Mask, which has a mix of potent ingredients that detox the skin.
A combination of Bentonite and Kaolin are the main clay components of this face mask. Both are skincare mainstains for their absorbent properties, able to lift excess oil residue and anything that’s clogging your pores. With the two in combination, expect a strong lift - as it sets onto skin, it will feel tight. This means it’s working.
To keep the formulation nicely balanced, they’ve included a range of soothing ingredients too. Green Tea is a notable one and greatly welcomed if you’ve got sun-damaged skin. Green tea contains polyphenols which are potent antioxidants. Not only do these repair skin that has suffered from free radical damage and UV damage, but its anti-inflammatory properties also calms down any redness you might have. Combined with Aloe Vera Juice and Calendula Extract, the face mask is perfect if you’re sunburnt and in need of dire soothing.
Best face mask for Oily Skin: Baxter of California Clay Mask AHA
As we've all been reminded, oily skin suffers from overproducing sebum. This results in a shiny complexion but also being more prone to breakouts and hyperpigmentation. Baxter of California's Clay Mask AHA is great for oily skin types, containing an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) in the form of Lactic Acid.
Lactic Acid works by dissolving the cell structure that holds together the dead skin. Considerably more gentle than it's common sibling - glycolic acid - it's recommended for oily skin that's even prone to sensitivity. Dissolving the dead skin buildup increases the cell rate turnover, an essential for oily skin because dead skin build-up is a common culprit for breakouts and skin looking dull. Lactic Acid even stimulates collagen, which is needed to keep skin plump and healthy.
To balance out the strength of the AHA, Baxter of California has added natural ingredients like Avocado Oil and Witch Hazel Water. Avocado Oil is an excellent all-rounder for the skin, containing Vitamin E and C, both of which are well documented for healing and brightening skin respectively. Meanwhile, Witch Hazel acts as an astringent, tightening pores over time to help control your skin’s sebum production.
Indeed, it’s a popular choice among men, being a recipient of the Esquire 2019 Grooming Awards.
Best face mask for Dry Skin: Urth Hydrating Mask Complex
The ingredients used in this Urth Hydrating Mask Complex mask justifies its price. With a diverse mix of nourishing ingredients, dry skin will happily soak it all up.
Part of the algae family, Red Seaweed Extract deeply hydrates the skin to improve elasticity and minimise the look of wrinkles over time. What’s unique about red algae is that it contains large quantities of carrageenan, peptides and fatty acids, all of which help skin retain a plump appearance. To enhance this mask’s moisture-retaining qualities, Glycerine is included. As a humectant, glycerine draws moisture from the air into the skin’s outer layer.
The vast number of vitamins is definitely something to note with this face mask, and contains Vitamins B5, C, E and D3. Each one plays a different role for skin, and are worth breaking down: Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) is similar to glycerine, drawing moisture from its surroundings and bringing it straight to the skin. Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) refines the skin tone, also encouraging collagen production to keep skin firm and prevent sagging. Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) repairs any damaged skin, offering significant antioxidant protection from environmental stressors that would otherwise wreak havoc in the form of premature ageing. And Vitamin D3 (Cholecaliferol) continues this reparative process by being anti-inflammatory - excellent for dry skin that’s also prone to redness and sensitivity.
While most face masks should generally be left on for about 10 minutes, the Urth Hydra Therapy mask can be left on overnight to work on skin. This is especially beneficial if your skin is extremely dry and taut due to winter and cold weather.
Best face mask for energising your skin: Jaxon Lane Bro Mask
Notwithstanding the humour of this mask's name, Jaxon Lane's Bro Mask is serious new generation skincare - and is an update from the mess and fuss of papery sheet masks. It's made with men in mind, sized up for bigger faces with two-pieces, so men with a beard can use the lower part on their neck instead.
The mask itself is supersaturated with Hydrogel, a water-based ingredient with a high water content, which gives the product a cooling and refreshing sensation with impressive thirst-quenching hydration. Most importantly, however, hydrogel efficiently deliver active ingredients to the skin - and sticks to it too. The gel matrix allows for a controlled and sustained release of these ingredients, enhancing their effectiveness. Residue after use is easily wiped away, and never clogs the pores.
And what does this mask deliver? Packed with 3% Niacinamide, Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides, Green Tea, Liquorice, and Ginger, it's a bona fide (non-invasive) injection of ingredients that are altogether good for the skin, reducing inflammation, redness, and dullness, whilst promoting plump and elastic skin. Use this product before a big event, or when your skin is crying for help, and it rewards with instant benefits.
Consider it your once-a-week at home spa treatment. Continued use softens the appearance of fine lines.