Make Sure Your Face Mask Has These Key Ingredients

Adding a treatment to your skincare routine can not only help with existing concerns, but it can even be relaxing— a nice, stress-relieving way to end the day. But are you using the right face mask for your skin type? With so many different forms and functions available, it can be a little difficult to know exactly what ingredients will best address your concerns whether it's acne, hyperpigmentation, or even rosacea. So to find out some key ingredients that you should look for when selecting a face mask, I emailed with a couple of experts.

Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi, founder and director of Capital Laser & Skin Care and Assistant Clinical Professor for the Department of Dermatology at the George Washington University Medical Center, and Joanna Vargas, celebrity facialist and founder of Joanna Vargas Salon and Skincare Collection, both revealed what some of the best ingredients for treating various skin concerns are. Regardless of what type of mask or ingredients are most effective for your skin though, Dr. Tanzi warns against wearing any mask longer than the suggested time, as it could cause irritation. So you have a better idea of what exactly your skin needs to stay calm and healthy, here are the ingredients to try for eight common skin concerns:

1. Acne/Breakouts

Tula Exfoliating Treatment Mask, $54, Amazon

According to Dr. Tanzi, charcoal is a great ingredient for an acne treatment-mask because it works "like a magnet to draw impurities out of pores." Vargas adds that zinc and probiotics work well for acne-prone skin because they can help heal and rebalance the skin.

2. Clogged Pores

Patchology SmartMud No Mess Mud Masque, $29, Amazon

While charcoal also works to decongest skin that has clogged pores without breakouts, Vargas says that exfoliating properties are key. She suggests looking for "a physical exfoliant like volcanic rock plus an enzyme."

3. Dry/Dehydrated Skin

SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Facial Mask, $11, Amazon

Deeply nourishing and hydrating ingredients are perfect for those with dry or dehydrated skin. Dr. Tanzi recommends shea butter, and Vargas suggests using hyaluronic acid, avocado oil, and/or yogurt to reintroduce moisture into the skin.

4. Fine Lines

Joanna Vargas Eden Instant Lift Mask, $75, Amazon

"Stem cells are clinically proven in certain forms to help stimulate the body's ability to produce collagen," says Vargas. In addition to stem cells, Dr. Tanzi adds that a mask with antioxidants and moisturizing properties will also help with fine lines and other signs of aging.

5. Hyperpigmentation

Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask, $14, Amazon

To help with cell turnover and brightening the skin, Dr. Tanzi recommends trying a mask containing glycolic acid. An alternative to this acid is galactoarabinan, which Vargas says offers the same cell-turnover and brightening effects while also being anti-inflammatory.

6. Irritated/Inflamed Skin

Karuna Hydrating+ Face Mask (4 PK), $28, Amazon

To calm irritated or inflamed skin, Vargas recommends looking for soothing ingredients like chamomile and aloe. Dr. Tanzi adds that when treating these concerns, you should opt for a single-use, sheet mask, as these types of masks tend to have fewer preservatives so they won't irritate sensitive skin.

7. Oily Skin

Bliss Multi-'face'-eted All-in-One Anti-Aging Clay Mask, $50, Amazon

According to Dr. Tanzi, clay-based glycolic masks are especially good for oily skin because they exfoliate and reduce oil but are also calming. Zinc and jojoba oil are also helpful in signaling the skin to stop producing excess oil, says Vargas.

8. Rosacea

Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Masque, $34, Amazon

To help keep rosacea calm, Dr. Tanzi says to look for ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties like sulur or kaolin. Vargas adds that Arnica also helps soothe the skin.

Regardless of what type of mask you prefer though, be it sheet, peel-off, or mud, if you know what ingredients to look for, your skin concerns will be so much more manageable.