The key to beautiful facial skin is keeping it clean and moisturized on a daily basis.

However, an occasional - once or twice a week - the good facial mask can give your face a soothing, refreshing boost.

Don't Rely on Old School Cold Cream

It's effective for removing makeup, but it's not optimal to leave it on your skin.

Cold cream consists of emulsions of mineral oils and waxes - including beeswax and ceresin.

The cream is held together by emulsifiers such as fatty acids and long-chain phosphates. The phosphates have been made neutral by triethanolamine or sodium hydroxide, or both.

The neutralized phosphates and fatty acids form a soap. 

The combination of soap and mineral oils and waxes is effective at removing makeup. 

And the mineral oils and waxes have been emulsified, which means they coat your skin to protect against the loss of moisture.

That is, they do so in the short run.

In the long run, they dry it out.

How Do Facial Masks Work?

Because the ingredients are slathered over your skin and remain there for a long time, they can go deep below the surface.

That infuses your pores with them, allowing the dermis to absorb them deeply.

That means it's not only important to cover your skin with healthy facial ingredients but to avoid harmful ones as well.

Watch Out for Harmful Ingredients in Facial Masks

Avoid ones that include fragrances, dyes, and parabens. 

Parabens are preservatives widely used in cosmetic and personal care products, including makeup, toothpaste, shaving gels, shampoos, moisturizers, personal lubricants, and tanning products.

The FDA says exposure to parabens has no harmful effect on human health.

However, commercial parabens are tested one at a time - one type of parabens in one type of product. Obviously, here in the real world, we are all exposed to a large number of them at the same time, and for our entire lives - making us the guinea pigs.

Some people claim parabens are endocrine disruptors that might affect our risk for breast cancer. 

That is not established or accepted by science, but some people with sensitive skin do have allergic reactions.

With a facial mask you're exposing your skin to the deep penetration by whatever the ingredients are, and for a prolonged period of time, so its safer to avoid parabens, artificial fragrances, and dyes.

Therefore, look for facial masks that say they're hypoallergenic and free of fragrances, dyes, and parabens.

If You're on Prescription Drugs

Check with your doctor.

Some medications change the thickness of your skin,  making it super-sensitive.

Not All "Natural" Ingredients are Desirable Either

In general, if it's safe to eat, you can put it on your skin.

But acidic ingredients are an exception. They have a low pH, which can irritate you.

Therefore, avoid lemon juice, lime juice, and all kinds of vinegar.

Two Basic Kinds of Facial Masks

1. Korean or sheet masks

These are made from a thin layer of cotton that's been soaked in the ingredients. They're sort of like wearing a Halloween mask, except they're much softer. They fit over your entire face, with holes for your eyes, nose, and mouth.

They're designed to lie on the curves of your face, infusing your skin with the ingredients.

Cream masks

These are simply the cream of your ingredients spread over your face.

Before You Use the Mask

Wash your face with warm water and a gentle cleanser.

You want to remove any dirt, residues, and makeup.

The warm water opens your pores, so the ingredients will penetrate more quickly and deeply.

Natural Ingredients

You can find a thousand different ingredients recommended for face masks.

Chances are, many different ingredients will help your skin.

Whole foods converted into skincare ingredients provide:

* Vitamins C, A, B, and E

* Enzymes

* Phytochemicals, including resveratrol

* Minerals

* Salicylic acid - which is aspirin, but many plant foods contain it

Others to look for in the products you buy are:

* Hyaluronic acid for dry skin

* Oats to soothe inflamed skin

* Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to reduce acne and blemishes

* Soy to reduce dark spots

The lactic acid in milk and yogurt exfoliates your skin, making it brighter.

Protect Yourself - Test First

Before you apply any facial mask, put a little bit on your jaw or behind your ear. If it turns red, try something else.

And put a small ring of petroleum jelly around your eyes to protect them.

If you have specific skin problems you wish to clear up, look around for specific solutions.

However, always be careful. Follow the advice of qualified experts.

https://www.allure .allure.com/story/why-use-cold-cream

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/do-face-masks-actually-work-or-are-they-just-a-fad/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraben

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/g32334329/best-face-masks/goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/g32334329/best-face-masks/

https://www.siobeauty.com/blogs/news/korean-face-masks

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/g32334329/best-face-masks/