A unique innovation that’s been trending in recent years, peel-off masks have certainly been getting a lot of attention. Perhaps you’ve seen one demonstrated on your social media feed with flawless execution. 

Or to the contrary, maybe you’ve been horrified by more dramatic presentations wherein users struggle to remove them, and appear to be in quite a bit of pain throughout the process.

In truth, not all peel-off masks are created equal. There are certainly a few out there that may do more harm than good. However, when formulated with the right ingredients and used correctly, they can be not only fun to use, but also beneficial for your skin.

So to help you choose wisely and get results, today we’re answering all of your most pertinent questions and sharing a few great options to get you started. Here’s the scoop!

Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Peel & Reveal Revitalizing Mask

How Do Peel Off Masks Work and What Are the Benefits?

Over the years, various types of the peel-off mask have come in and out of fashion. Those of us who grew up in the 90s, may recall earlier versions that required a lot of time to dry and even more time to extract from our skin (not to mention our hair as a side effect.) 

Luckily, most of today’s peel-off masks have come a long way, using rubber or hydrojelly ingredients that allow for easy application and removal. Once the mask has dried or “set”, it can then be easily peeled away and disposed off, making it a great alternative to masks that require rinsing or messy cleanup.

Anne Semonin Firm & Lift Peel Off Mask

Combining new technology with highly-specialised ingredient decks, they can be used by just about all skin types to address just about any condition or concern. Some are designed to cool the skin, targeting inflammation and redness. 

The Shake & Shoot Rubber Soothing Mask by Dr. Jart+ is a great go-to we love. While others, like the Firm & Lift Peel Off Mask by Anne Semonin, use youth-boosting ingredients to minimise signs of ageing.

Additionally, what makes the peel-off format unique is that because it adds a bit of weight or pressure to the skin upon application, the formulas are able to be infused more deeply into the skin. 

Dr Jart+ Shake & Shot Rubber Brightening Mask

How to Choose a Peel-off Mask: What to Look For (And What to Avoid)

In the simplest terms, the way to avoid a bad experience with a peel-off mask is to opt for one that is high quality and from a reputable brand, rather than just any version you might find at the drugstore or on Amazon. 
Higher end products tend to be a safer choice because they are able to utilise more advanced formulation technology for making removal a breeze, and feature quality active ingredients for creating the perfect finishing effect. 

GA-DE Revivalist Firming Peel-Off Mask

For perking up dull skin, you can look for natural brighteners like Vitamin C, or if your skin craves moisture, look for a hydrator like B5 or panthenol. If you have mature skin, you might also enjoy a bit of exfoliation thanks to AHAs and BHAs like those found in Elizabeth Arden’s Peel & Reveal Revitalizing Mask. 

One last thing to note is that a peel-off mask should never feel painful or difficult to remove, so to avoid this pitfall, you might also want to take a moment to read reviews from other users. If you see any of these red flags mentioned in the comments, it’s probably in your best interest to pass and look for another option. 

Or, if you’re looking to create a skincare routine in the first place, try our skin analysis. After answering just a few short questions, you’ll get a free mini-skincare routine tailored to your skin type and skin goals!

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