face masks for the winter

THE 15 BEST FACE MASKS FOR GLOWING SKIN

While face masks are not required as part of your skincare routine, they can provide more than just a relaxing self-care experience. Choose one with specific ingredients that address your skin conditions, and it could make a significant impact on the appearance and feel of your skin. However, like with all skincare categories, choosing the perfect face mask for you is dependent on some factors, including the face mask brush you use, as well as your skin type, skin issues, and lifestyle. So, we’ve compiled a list of the top face masks for glowing skin for you to choose from. 

The Inkey List Madecassoside Mask

We recommend this cheap mask for when your face needs some extra support, whether you’re having a flare-up of redness and irritation or you’re simply desiring a calming treatment for your skin. It is one of the best face masks for acne, recommended by many influencers. It contains madecassoside, a component of Centella Asiatica, a medicinal plant noted for its skin-soothing properties. The mask acts to reduce redness and inflammation while also hydrating the skin and creating a cooling sensation that is extremely pleasant. It can be used as a leave-on treatment or a rinse-off mask, making it extremely versatile. 

Osmotics Cosmeceuticals Blue Copper 5 Prime Sleep Tight Mask

Despite being on the more expensive side, this Osmotics offering was a popular choice. This face mask is suitable for every skin type and condition. The high content of sodium hyaluronate (called hyaluronic acid) to increase hydration and copper peptides to assist in stimulating collagen formation also impressed the Lab. It aids in the visible tightening, lifting, and restoration of lost volume. Intensive hydration fills fine lines and wrinkles while also relieving stress and promoting healthy-looking, radiant skin. Some people found the lotion a little sticky to apply, but no one observed any stains or residue on their pillow in the morning, which pleased the Lab.

Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Mask

This pricey selection is a terrific idea if you’re prepared to splurge on a face mask and make this portion of your self-care routine more luxurious. It is a cream mask that has been specially created to make the complexion appear more youthful and revitalized in an instant. While it is rather pricey, it is believed that a little goes a long way and it is not a wash-off product, so it is thought to be a reasonable value. The ultra-creamy product is pillowy soft and simple to apply, and it dramatically boosts moisture.

Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask

This potent, triple-action physical, chemical, and enzymatic exfoliation treatment targets a dull, aged, and congested face. This face mask exfoliates in two ways: it contains pumpkin enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids for chemical exfoliation, as well as aluminum oxide crystals to physically polish away dead skin cells. The tiny grit in the thick, gel-like texture makes application easy and ensures that the physical exfoliation isn’t too harsh. It also has a lovely pumpkin aroma that isn’t overbearing but rather enhances the masking experience nicely.

Burt’s Bees Hydrating Overnight Mask

Burt’s Bees Hydrating Overnight Mask replaces moisture as you sleep, allowing you to wake up with deeply hydrated skin. This 99% natural mix contains some of nature’s best components, such as avocado, a superfruit high in fatty acids, and prebiotics, which aid in the maintenance of a healthy microbiota. Burt’s Bees moisturizing mask has skin soothers including avocado oil and prebiotics and is reasonably priced. This mask, according to several customers, absorbs well and helps to smooth out crepey skin texture. However, one online reviewer claims that the mask caused them to break out, so keep this in mind if you have acne-prone skin.

Mary Kay Clear Proof Deep-Cleansing Charcoal Mask

Treat your skin to this rinse-off charcoal and clay Mary Kay mask, which has been shown to remove oil and clarify. It is suitable for all skin types, but i highly recommend for those with oily skin since this charcoal mask can help to remove impurities from your face. According to lab research, the product decreases skin oil by 89% and shines by 84% in 15 minutes. “I have dry skin and am wary of clay masks,” says the customer, “but unlike some that can dehydrate, I was amazed that this left my face clarified and baby soft.”

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask

This Origins mask, aptly titled, is like a gulp of moisture for even the driest skin. It’s also a fan favorite, described as an “amazingly hydrating product.” This nightly sleeping mask, infused with Hyaluronic Acid and Avocado Butter, hydrates dry skin for 72 hours. Skin regains its dewy radiance. It can also be used as a hydrating hand mask for dry hands. The mask’s aroma is invigorating, and customers find it extremely soothing for skin afflicted by dry winter air, as well as amazing at healing dry spots. One disadvantage is that it can feel tacky on the skin.

Aveeno Oat Face Mask with Pomegranate Seed Extract

This clarifying, creamy clay mask is like a smoothie for the skin, with relaxing oats and pomegranate and kiwi extracts, which work to boost glow while hydrating your skin. The rich and silky texture of the nourishing oat mask solution moisturizes dry skin. Apply the complete oat face mask to clean, wet skin and leave on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. The nutritious mask is gentle enough to use twice a week. It’s a spa-like treatment at a drugstore price. It leaves the face “refreshed and radiant,” according to one tester.

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask

If you’re looking for hydration, Summer Fridays’ Jet Lag Mask is your best bet. The well-known formula contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, shea butter, and ceramides to deliver much-needed moisture, as well as niacinamide and vitamin C16 to boost brightness. This hydrating product can be used as a regular mask or as an under-eye treatment. Furthermore, thanks to the fragrance-free reformulation, those with sensitive skin can now enjoy the nourishing effects without being irritated.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask

The Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask is appropriate for all skin types and issues. It is a bouncy, breathable sleeping face mask formulated with watermelon, hyaluronic acid, and AHAs to hydrate, smooth, and polish beautiful skin. It can be used as a leave-on moisturizer and brightener or as an overnight sleeping mask. As a last step in your skin care routine, apply a generous amount to the skin before going to bed. In the morning, gently pat the mask into your skin and wash it away. This facial mask has anti-aging and pore-minimizing qualities. Spread a thick layer from the brow to the chin for a wash-off mask. After 10 minutes, rinse thoroughly. However, scent, which is one of the probable allergens, may cause sensitivities in certain people.

CETAPHIL Pro Dermacontrol Purifying Clay Mask

If you have clogged pores or simply want a deeper clean without irritating, this mild mask from CETAPHIL will work. A luxuriously creamy Amazonian clay mask that deep cleans pores while enhancing skin tone and texture, leaving skin feeling clear and invigorated. It moisturizes and brightens skin tone with the help of calming cucumber seed extract. The creamy clay mixture helps prevent dryness while also creating a fresh, clean feeling on the skin. According to many customers, it effectively unclogs pores and after a few times using, the skin does get better. However, some found no difference on their face.

NEUTROGENA Hydro Boost Hydrating Mask

If you’ve never used a hydrogel mask before, you’ll be hooked after using this one. Its cooling and invigorating properties make it great for soothing sensitive skin. Because it contains up to 50 times more water than a conventional sheet mask, this hydrogel mask is packed with hydrating components that quickly heal dry skin and help it retain hydration over time. Hyaluronic acid is included in the formula. The face mask conforms to your skin and locks in its moisturizing ingredient for optimal absorption and clinically proven outcomes. To use, use the face mask after cleansing and before applying serum, and leave on for 15 to 30 minutes to provide extra hydration to your skin.

Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask

The Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask is a popular face mask among beauty bloggers. Manuka honey, known for its antibacterial properties, helps to combat blemishes at their root and intensely moisturizes dry and flaky areas, making it ideal for combination skin. Manuka honey from the wild seals in moisture while keeping skin fresh and blemish-free. Pohutukawa bloom, endemic to New Zealand, conditions and soothes irritation for a clear, bright, and vibrant complexion. To use it, apply a layer at night and twice a week or whenever you want to achieve a glowing skin.

Pixi Glow Mud Mask

If your skin has recently been prone to breakouts, Pixi’s Glow Mud Mask will be a godsend. Among the face masks in skincare, it is the top rated one. The mask targets blemishes at their source by drawing impurities out of the skin and restoring your skin’s radiance. The mineral-rich treatment absorbs oil, draws out impurities, and fights breakouts while rejuvenating the skin. Kaolin and sea salt cleanse, while ginseng and aloe vera soothe. You can even dab onto isolated locations if you believe they require more targeted therapy.

First Aid Beauty 5-in-1 Bouncy Mask

Finally, this is the best face masks for skin. Anything with the word “bouncy” in the title can only mean plumped-up, glowing, and gorgeous, and that is exactly what this FAB face mask does. The mask has an ultra-modern smart gel composition that rapidly retakes shape after application to assist give a dewy, refined, and plump-looking complexion that glows with hydrated resilience. It contains rose-bud extract and Vitamin C, calms, hydrates, and gives remarkable brightness to tired complexions. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for post-party skin.

Conclusion

It can be tough to find the best face mask for glowing skin, but numerous excellent options can soothe, hydrate, and nourish delicate skin. It’s critical to choose masks produced with gentle, non-irritating ingredients such as chamomile, aloe vera, honey, and oatmeal. Patch-testing new things before using them is frequently recommended to avoid adverse reactions. With the right face mask and a gentle skincare plan, sensitive skin types can achieve a healthy, radiant complexion.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DRY SCALP AND DANDRUFF: SOMETHING YOU DON’T KNOW

Within the domain of hair and scalp care, the terms ‘dry scalp’ and ‘dandruff’ are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion among individuals seeking effective solutions for their scalp concerns. Understanding the fundamental distinctions between these two conditions is crucial for implementing targeted and successful remedies. While both dry scalp and dandruff share common symptoms such as flakiness and itching, their underlying causes and characteristics are markedly different. We set out on a journey to demystify the complex world of scalp problems, shedding light on the unique features that differentiate dry scalp from dandruff in this post.

CAUSES OF DANDRUFF AND DRY SCALP

Dry Scalp 

A dry scalp happens when your head doesn’t have enough oil to feel moist. It’s like when your skin gets dry, and it can make your head itchy, flaky, and irritated. It might also make your hair seem dry because the oil from your head keeps your hair healthy.

People with dry skin are more likely to get a dry scalp. This means that things causing dry skin can also lead to a dry scalp, such as:

  • Air that’s too dry, especially in winter.
  • Washing your hair too much.
  • Skin problems like eczema.

Dandruff

The scalp naturally sheds dead skin cells, and dandruff happens when this shedding process speeds up. The flakes in dandruff are actually these dead skin cells. The faster the scalp sheds skin, the more severe the dandruff.

Researchers don’t fully understand what causes dandruff, but potential factors include fungal scalp infections, scalp oils, and sensitivity to substances like hair products. These factors may work together, making dandruff worse in some cases. For instance, people with fungal infections might experience more severe dandruff if they have sensitive skin or an excessively oily scalp.

Many people have a fungus called Malassezia on their scalp, and usually, it doesn’t cause any issues. But for those with dandruff, this fungus can make the scalp irritated and cause flakes. The irritation might happen because of how the fungus interacts with other things on the scalp.

SYMPTOMS OF DANDRUFF AND DRY SCALP

Dandruff

Dandruff is a common scalp condition that can be identified by several distinctive symptoms:

Visible Flakes: The most noticeable sign of dandruff is the presence of white or yellowish flakes on the scalp and in the hair. These flakes may also fall onto clothing.

Itching: Dandruff often causes itching on the scalp. The urge to scratch can be persistent and may intensify when the scalp is irritated.

Oily or Greasy Scalp: While dandruff is commonly associated with dryness, in some cases, it can lead to an oily or greasy feeling on the scalp, contributing to the formation of clumps of flakes.

Redness: Dandruff may cause redness on the scalp, particularly if there is inflammation or irritation.

Flakes on Eyebrows and Face: Dandruff can extend beyond the scalp, leading to the appearance of flakes on the eyebrows and around the nose.

Dry Scalp

Dry scalp manifests with specific symptoms that distinguish it from other scalp conditions. Common symptoms of dry scalp include:

Small, White Flakes: Unlike the larger, yellowish flakes associated with dandruff, dry scalp typically results in smaller, white flakes. These flakes may resemble those of dandruff but are often less oily.

Tightness or Dryness: Individuals with a dry scalp often experience a sensation of tightness or dryness on the scalp. This feeling may be accompanied by discomfort or a general lack of moisture.

Itching: Similar to dandruff, dry scalp can lead to itching. However, the itching associated with dry scalp is often more related to the dryness rather than inflammation.

Dull and Dry Hair: The hair itself may appear dull and dry, lacking the healthy luster and shine associated with well-moisturized hair.

Seasonal Variations: Symptoms of dry scalp may worsen during specific seasons, especially in dry or cold weather when environmental moisture levels are low.

White or Gray Patches: In some cases, individuals with a dry scalp may notice white or gray patches on the scalp. These patches may be associated with dry skin rather than an excess of oil.

PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

Dandruff

Opt for a medicated shampoo: Using a shampoo designed for dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis at least twice a week. These shampoos contain ingredients like salicylic acid, ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, or selenium sulfide, which help reduce oil, combat fungus, and alleviate flakes.

Increase your omega-3 intake: Trichologist William Gaunitz and experts from the Cedars Sinai medical blog suggested that omega-3s can regulate oil production, leading to a reduction in fungal growth and flaking.

Consider vitamin D supplements: Trichologist William Gaunitz recommended taking vitamin D3 supplements to prevent dandruff. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, vitamin D helps slow the rate of rapid skin cell growth, which can contribute to more severe cases of dandruff and psoriasis.

Incorporate tea tree oil into your hair care routine: Tea tree oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it an excellent choice for rebalancing the scalp. Look for hair treatments, shampoos, conditioners, and masks that include tea tree oil.

Practice meditation (and/or exercise): High stress levels can trigger dandruff and excessive flaking. Incorporating meditation or exercise into your routine can help reduce stress levels, potentially minimizing the likelihood of a dandruff flare-up.

Dry Scalp

Give your scalp a boost with a pre-shampoo treatment: If your scalp feels dry and needs some care, try using a special product made just for your scalp. Put it on your dry hair twice a week before you shower. Leave it on for about 10 minutes, then rinse well before shampooing and conditioning as usual.

Choose a gentle shampoo and conditioner for moisture: When your scalp is dry, using gentle products can really help. Look for shampoos without strong smells or oils and go for ones with soothing ingredients like aloe vera and oat milk.

Avoid products with a lot of alcohol: Some hair products have alcohol in them, and that can be a problem, especially if it’s one of the main ingredients. When picking your hair care products, check that alcohol isn’t one of the first five to ten ingredients. Your scalp will be happier without it.

Don’t wash your hair too often: Washing your hair too much can wash away the natural oils your scalp needs. Try not to shampoo more than every other day when you’re taking care of your scalp. And use lukewarm water, not super hot water—it can dry out your scalp and skin.

Use a humidifier at home: If you live in a really dry place or if it’s summer or winter (the driest times of the year), a humidifier can add some moisture to your environment.

Consider probiotics: You can help your scalp stay balanced and moist by using products with probiotics. Some hair products have them, or you can take them as supplements. Taking a complex with nutrients good for your hair, skin, and nails can also give your scalp the nutrients it needs.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

If you find yourself grappling with persistent dandruff and dry scalp issues, it is advisable to seek the guidance of a medical professional. While over-the-counter remedies may be effective for some, if your symptoms fail to improve or worsen despite regular use of these products, it’s a clear signal to consult a doctor or dermatologist. 

Additionally, if you experience severe itching, discomfort, redness, or swelling on the scalp, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly. Scalp infections, marked by signs like warmth and the presence of pus, require swift intervention and prescription medications. Changes in hair loss patterns coupled with dandruff or dry scalp, or the recurrence of symptoms after periods of relief, also warrant a doctor’s evaluation.

Individuals with associated skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis should consider consulting a dermatologist for comprehensive care. Early intervention by a healthcare professional ensures a thorough assessment of your unique condition, leading to personalized and effective treatment strategies to maintain a healthy scalp.

FAQ

1. How do I know if I have dandruff or a dry scalp?

Those with a dry scalp may observe smaller and whiter flakes compared to the larger, yellow-tinged, or oily-looking flakes associated with true dandruff.

2. How do I know if my scalp is too dry or too oily?

You can determine if your scalp is too dry by observing small, white flakes, while an excessively oily scalp may result in larger, yellow-tinged or oily-looking flakes. 

3. Can hair fall out from dry scalp?

Yes. When your scalp is too dry for a long time, it can cause itching and flakes. It might even make your hair become thinner and start falling out.

4. Is it possible to have dry scalp but oily hair?

Yes. It might happen because your scalp is working too hard, maybe because of weather changes, styling too much, or it could be something you got from your family. 

5. Are shampoos for dandruff and dry scalp shampoos the same?

No. Dandruff shampoos use ingredients like salicylic acid or ketoconazole to fight fungal growth, while dry scalp shampoos use moisturizing elements like aloe vera and oat milk to relieve dryness and flakiness. 

CONCLUSION

I know a lot of people are asking questions about how to get rid of dandruff and how to get rid of a dry scalp. Although both make your head itchy and flaky, they happen for different reasons, so the treatment is not the same. Determining whether your scalp is too dry or has dandruff will help you choose the right products to keep your scalp healthy. If your symptoms do not improve, you should speak to your doctor for individual advice on scalp care