How to choose a face mask thats right for your skin

Moisturising, smoothing, brightening, tightening, restructuring, plumping: when it comes to face masks, normal skins are spoiled for choice. All masks are suitable whenever your skin needs a helping hand. Which texture? Opt for a cream mask, which will be richer in fat than a gel. Which active ingredients? Go for glycerol, collagen, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to moisturise the outer layer of the skin, vitamin C for brightness and peptides for firming. 

Combination and oily skins produce excess sebum that can lead to irregular skin texture, enlarged pores and a shiny T-zone. Choose cleansing, purifying masks rich in absorbent ingredients that remove impurities, dead cells and traces of pollution. Which texture? Opt for an 'earth-based' mask to absorb excess sebum and close the pores. Which active ingredients? Clays, minerals, vegetable oils (jojoba, black cumin) and white nettle all have a purifying and rebalancing action. 

Dry and sensitive skins are fragile and low in lipids, so they can feel tight and uncomfortable. But there's nothing better than moisturising and nourishing masks to plump up the skin and boost the hydrolipidic barrier. Which texture? Use a gel mask, which will be softer and lighter than a cream texture. Which active ingredients? Aloe vera, vegetable oils (jojoba, avocado, borage), vegetable butters (shea, coconut, cocoa) and plant extracts (rose, camomile, cornflower) are all known for their nourishing and hydrating properties. 

Mature skin is sensitive, thinner and often lacks elasticity and suppleness. Firming face masks will stimulate and strengthen, as well as smoothe the skin for an immediate lifting effect. Which texture? Use a 'tissue' mask as it's better suited to ageing or dry skin. Which active ingredients? Green tea, vegetable oils (pomegranate seeds, macadamia nuts) for their restructuring properties, royal jelly for its regenerative action and vitamin E for its antioxidants.