Facial masks: types, which you need and common mistakes
I have been seeing this in the pharmacy for years: people spend a fortune on facial masks without really knowing what they are buying. They come in asking for “anti-ageing masks” or “for pores” as if they were specific medicines. Let’s clear up what actually works, what is pure marketing and how to choose the mask your skin really needs.
What facial masks are and what they really do
A facial mask concentrates active ingredients in direct contact with the skin for a set period of time. The key word here is concentrate. It can contain higher doses of actives than a daily cream because you only use it for 15–20 minutes.
A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2023) showed that occlusive masks increase penetration of active ingredients by up to 300% compared with the same formulation in a cream.
Tabla comparativa: Mascarillas faciales
| Tipo de mascarilla | Mecanismo de acción | Para qué sirve realmente | Frecuencia recomendada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hidrogel (parches) | Oclusión intensiva + liberación sostenida | Hidratación profunda, contorno de ojos | 2-3 veces/semana |
| Sheet mask (tela) | Oclusión media + vehiculización | Hidratación, calma, luminosidad | 2 veces/semana |
| Arcilla (clay mask) | Absorción selectiva + purificación | Control de grasa, limpieza profunda | 1 vez/semana máximo |
| Crema densa (sleeping) | Oclusión prolongada + nutrición | Reparación nocturna, antiedad | 2-3 veces/semana |
| Peel-off (arrancable) | Exfoliación mecánica superficial | Células muertas, comedones abiertos | 1 vez/semana |