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How do I Choose the Best Dry Skin Mask?

Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers

Dry facial skin can be the cause of discomfort and bothersome peeling, leading to embarrassment about the skin in general. If you want to avoid this kind of annoyance, you can start at home by using a dry skin mask regularly. It can help bring some moisture back into the epidermis, typically preventing the peeling that most people dread. Moisturized skin is also usually easier to apply makeup to, as it is likely to go on smoothly once the skin is no longer parched. Find out the factors that make up a quality dry skin mask, and which ones to avoid.

The first step to finding a good dry skin mask is making sure that the purpose of the facial mask is to add moisture. This might sound obvious, but many masks that are on the market claiming to be for all skin types are actually not good for dry skin. For example, there are lots of masks that claim to exfoliate, getting impurities out of the skin and sloughing off dead cells. This might sound desirable to most people, but anyone with dry skin should beware that this type will likely cause additional dryness and peeling. Therefore, a facial mask that promises to exfoliate or take off layers of skin should be avoided.

A woman removing a peel-off facial mask.
A woman removing a peel-off facial mask.

There are certain ingredients to look for in a dry skin mask. Avocados, milk, honey, and tangerines can often be found in both natural masks made at home, and those on the supermarket shelves. On the other hand, some types of food are actually quite drying and can be found in good masks for oily skin, not dry skin. Some examples are lemons, oranges, and kiwi, so stay away from masks with such ingredients if your goal is to moisturize.

Honey can be used in facial masks to relieve dry skin.
Honey can be used in facial masks to relieve dry skin.

A clay mask can be a great way to add moisture to skin, but some types are also known for drying it out. The best kind of dry skin mask made with clay will usually only have pink, yellow, or white kaolin clay in it. Dead sea clay has also been approved for dry skin since it usually works well for most skin types in general. Try to stay away from a clay mask that has red kaolin, French green, or bentonite in it, to name only a few ingredients that are hazardous to dry skin. This goes for both the types of clay masks you can make at home, and those found at most stores.

Discussion Comments

bluedolphin

I made an avocado face mask at home after I read this article. I put an avocado through the blender (minus the pit and skin of course). It came out a nice puree. I added a few drops of olive oil as well. I kept it on my skin for fifteen minutes and washed it off. I've never seen my skin so soft and bright. I love it!

I'm planning on trying the banana and honey and yogurt and oatmeal masks next! I heard these are very moisturizing for dry skin. I hope I don't eat it all before putting it on my face!

candyquilt
@fify-- Kitty litter is made from bentonite clay, some of which forms from volcanic ash. I'm assuming the idea behind using litter to make a face mask is to benefit from the nutrients found in this clay.

However, I don't think that kitty litter is pure enough to use on the face, especially the ones with perfumes and dyes in them.

Why would you want to go through the trouble when you can buy a nice clay mask product for your face that you know is safe and effective?

fify

My friend said that she uses kitty litter to make a facial mask for dry skin. Apparently, she adds water to litter and applies it to her face as a paste. And then when it dries off, she washes it off. She said it makes her face super soft like a clay mask.

Does this really work for dry skin? Is it safe?

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    • A woman removing a peel-off facial mask.
      By: anna karwowska
      A woman removing a peel-off facial mask.
    • Honey can be used in facial masks to relieve dry skin.
      By: Jaimie Duplass
      Honey can be used in facial masks to relieve dry skin.
    • Avocado can be used in a face mask.
      By: Richard Villalon
      Avocado can be used in a face mask.
    • A person with very dry skin should use a hydrating mask.
      By: Konstantin Kulikov
      A person with very dry skin should use a hydrating mask.
    • Tangerines may be used to create a natural mask.
      By: denira
      Tangerines may be used to create a natural mask.