Summer skin, while tanned and glowing, may be hiding a few deep, dark secrets. While sunscreen protects skin and is necessary daily wear, when we layer it on during the summer months, it can penetrate and clog pores leading to breakouts, irritation, rosacea, and exacerbate acne prone skin.

Sunscreen can contain large UV-reflecting or scattering particles that can block pores, although it is not the only the cause. Throw into the mix tacky sunscreen-covered skin attracting pollen, pollution, dirt and dust from gravel roads, fine sand, sweat and humidity, and that’s one recipe for clogged pores and a place where bacteria thrives.

We have the fix!

Thankfully, you’re one relaxing night on the couch away from restoring skin to its clear, dewy natural state with the ultimate fix: face masks.
There are two main types of face masks with different benefits, which can be used alone or in combination:

• Rinse off masks - such as clay, charcoal and mud draw out dirt, debris and bacteria reducing pimples, acne and pore size, and are washed off after they dry on the skin.
• Overnight treatment masks - are packed with antioxidants and moisture-rich ingredients to heal, nourish and hydrate and restore skin balance and pH levels while you sleep.

Four Face mask hero ingredients worth knowing

1. Clay, charcoal and mud

These powerful, naturally sourced mineral-rich, antioxidant ingredients not only draw out impurities from pores thanks to their negative ions but absorb excess oil, bind to toxins, bacteria, heavy metals and pathogens to detoxify the skin, decrease inflammation, regulate sebum production, diminish pore size, while oxygenating skin to improve circulation and support cell turnover. Depending on texture, these masks can exfoliate and brighten skin when rubbed into skin.

Try Dr. Hauschka Clarifying Clay Mask, Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Charcoal Mask, Alya Skin Pink Clay Mask, Antipodes Halo Skin Brightening Facial Mud Mask or BLAQ Mask Tube.

2. Manuka honey

New Zealand’s most popular honey when used in masks balances the skin’s pH levels, with antibacterial properties destroying acne-causing bacteria - thanks to its naturally occurring hydrogen peroxide and methylglyoxal - and calming skin inflammation while reducing redness, healing existing pimples and hydrating skin and healing breakouts. Avoid if you have a bee or pollen allergy.

Try Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask, Bees Brilliance Manuka Honey Mask or Syrene Aqua Hydrating Masque.

3. Vitamin C masks

As well as rejuvenating, brightening and hydrating skin, vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that protects skin, slows premature ageing by repairing damaged skin cells and reducing free radical damage. It also reduces skin discolouration and pigmentation, removes the appearance of redness, dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles, and evens skin tone.

Try Dermalogica MultiVitamin Power Recover Masque, The Crème Shop Vitamin C Face Mask or Trilogy Age-Proof Overnight Mask.

3. Gold

Not just for jewellery, gold restores youthful glow by eliminating toxins, improving blood circulation to skin, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while restoring skin elasticity by boosting cell renewal and stimulating collagen production. Gold also contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which reduce breakouts and acne while cooling and healing skin.

Try Dr. LeWinn's Eternal Youth 24K Gold Age Defying Face Mask, MasqueBAR Gold Foil Peel Off Mask or The Oozoo Face Gold Foilayer Mask.

4. Hyaluronic acid

To plump, tighten, smooth and hydrate skin, hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that occurs naturally in the body’s skin cells. It draws in moisture like a sponge thanks to holding nearly 1,000 times its own weight in water and being able to bind to skin. It also protects the acid mantle, outer layer of the skin so moisture stays in and irritants stay out.

Try Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Overnight Firming Mask, The Crème Shop Hyaluronic Acid Essence Infused Facial Mask or Trilogy Hydrating Jelly Mask.

Face masks are not only ideal as a treatment to nourish summer skin, but done weekly, they keep skin protected, nourished and hydrated, reduce premature ageing while preventing and healing breakouts. What’s not to love?

Face masks are a little luxury you can do all year round. Find your face mask faves here.