Women use face masks to rejuvenate their facial skin and to try and avoid aging lines, wrinkles and dryness of the skin. Men also have started using face masks. But what exactly is a face mask? A face mask is a paste which is applied on the face and is left on for 15 to 30 minutes depending on the type of face mask and is either removed by hand or is rinsed off and a moisturizer is applied. What the face mask does is that it rejuvenates the skin and there are different types of face masks which are used for different skin types. Different masks are used for different skin types, for oily or acne prone skin one would be advised to use a clay or mud based mask. Clay and mud based facial masks absorb the excessive oil from the skin and when removed the skin has just the correct amount of moisture on it. Clay face masks are also used by beauticians, therapists and at spas to help remove excessive oil from the skin. Clay face masks are also used for all skin types and there are different ingredients that are mixed in the clay masks for different skin types.

For women or men with dry skin they would need to use a hydrating facial mask as this would provide the required moisture to the skin. There are a number of face masks that are available and it is virtually an impossibility to discuss the pros and cons of each type of face mask that is available and which is a suitable face mask for a person. Before using a face mask there are certain factors that have to be taken into account, one what type of skin does a person have, second is one allergic to certain stuff, if yes then what is one allergic too? After knowing answers to both these questions only then can one find a suitable face mask? In India the 'haldi face masks' is used by most brides to be and it is in fact a very popular pre-marriage ritual that is performed four or five days before the marriage. Haldi is basically turmeric and it is believed to whiten the skin and free the skin from blemishes.

Face masks are used monthly or more or less frequently depending on the extent of the person's preference. Some women uses face masks less frequently and some don’t use them at all. Face masks may have an astringent fruit juice which is used on oily skin and rose oil based face mask is used for combination skin. Honey is an essential item in face masks used for dry skin. In case one happens to live in cold climates and their facial gets easily damaged because of cold dry winds one can use a cold weather face mask to stop the skin from getting damaged due to the cold weather.

The best face masks use natural ingredients in then and therapists usually make their own face masks which are dependent on the person's skin type. One can get recipes of homemade facial masks to clear the skin especially should one have a severe skin condition, like acne or excessively oily skin. In case of both skin types one may have to use face masks more often. Natural face masks are the best for skin care as they don’t have any chemicals or artificial ingredients in them. Some therapists also use a heated face mask to help remove skin oil.

Use a face mask that suits your skin and don’t get pulled in by the ads on face masks. As one will be putting on the face mask for 15 to 30 minutes and should one be allergic to any of the ingredients used in a face mask one can have quite a severe reaction to the face mask, so caution must be used before applying a face mask. An ideal test for that is to apply it only to a small portion of the skin and only when there is no reaction one should extend it to cover the face. Placing cucumber slices on the eyes helps the skin around the eyes and freshens up the skin.