Since both exfoliators and masks are usually made of nature's ingredients, they both produce immediately noticeable results. Some of the more popular mask ingredients may be fruit or citrus, plant, clay or mud. However "scrubbing" with exfoliators will invigorate while masks have a more concentrated texture and will calm and soothe the skin.

What do they do?

According to the author, Andi of www.andibradshaw.com the purpose of a mask is to produce a polished, healthy more vibrant result that will enable your skin care products to glide on and penetrate with ease. Masks can calm or stimulate your skin, but if you have concerns about acne or rosacia, etc., stick to masks for sensitive skin. This type mask will be gentler to all skin types.

- If you have Dry skin, you'll need a mask that hydrates and moisturizes (adds oil and water) after cleansing, to alleviate that flaky, dry, tight feeling. Look for masks that contain milk proteins, oils, amino acids, buttermilk, or lanolin; the intensity of these ingredients are designed to provide a mixture that will infuse those really dry skin cells with extra hydration. The re-hydration of those dry cells will minimize the look of shallow wrinkles or fine lines.

- Normal/Combination skin should use masks that focus on tired, dull looking skin that lacks the healthy, vibrant look. Look for masks with peppermint, eucalyptus or menthol, because they'll stimulate while they rid the skin of dirt and dead skin cells. Hardening or peel-off masks often produce the stimulating effects of these ingredients. They also produce a gentle tingling while invigorating and reviving the skin as well as leaving it looking healthier.

- Oily skin gets best results from deep cleansing, clay or mud masks that will cleanse the skin while drawing out dirt, excess oils and impurities. Clay masks increase perspiration and open pores. They absorb the excess oils as the pores release dirt and impurities. Deep cleansing and mud masks draw out imbedded oils and dirt and tighten the pores temporarily. They also have anti-bacterial additives that reduce the growth of bacteria as it leaves the skin clean.

- Sensitive skin needs masks that are gentle, mild and soothing. Ingredients like aloe, caffeine, chamomile, and honey are all comforting to the skin. Caffeine decreases redness and puffiness, while aloe reduces inflammation, chamomile soothes the skin and honey helps retain moisture. These masks are designed mainly to leave splotchy, dry, sensitive skin, looking smoother and feeling softer and healthier.

How do I use Masks?

Using a brush or clean hands, slather product onto your face while being careful to avoid your eye and mouth areas. Choose a relaxing atmosphere to recline and put your feet up, maybe some soft music while you close your eyes and relax; be careful to note the suggested time. For removal, masks that are gel or creamy may be tissued or rinsed away. Peel-away masks should be removed in a downward strokes as that's the direction that your skin cells grow. Masks that dry to a hard or pasty finish may be rinsed off with both hands full of water. To finish, rinse until you've removed all signs of product, blot dry with a clean cloth and follow with your moisturizing routine.