Nothing represents the “me time” better than applying a facial mask. Today, we’re taking a closer look at a specific kind: the cooling masks! These formulas do more than the usual refreshing effect of a mask upon application. With actives that create a fresh sensation, they are able to create a lasting cooling effect that lowers the skin temperature. With this description, you probably can imagine how nice it feels on the skin. To help you learn more, we answer a few questions about cooling masks, how they work, and which are our favorite ones!
What is a cooling face mask?
A cooling face mask is a skincare product that creates a refreshing, cooling effect on the surface of your skin upon application. With some formulas, you even have a promise of how many degrees they can lower the skin temperature! The fresh and energizing sensation is not only reserved for the first few seconds of application, but lasts while you keep the facial mask on.
What is a cooling face mask good for?
A cooling face mask gives you more than a lasting refreshing sensation. You can think of it as a solution to reduce signs of fatigue and energize the skin, like a spa-like treatment that makes you instantly feel good. The freshness of these masks is perfect to reduce puffiness, so they are actually the ideal match for those experiencing morning puffiness. It is also ideal to provide immediate relief for redness and hot flashes, cooling the skin temperature and reducing discomfort immediately. Another cool use of these masks is after sun exposure, to refresh the skin after a pool or beach day. As you can see, there are multiple uses for these cooling formulas, and you can make them work for you in many ways.
When to use a cooling mask?
The best timing for a cooling mask depends on the benefit you are expecting from it with each use. Maybe you want to depuff the skin before a special occasion, and in that case it would be ideal to use a couple hours before makeup to reduce puffiness. You may also want to use it to reduce the temperature of your skin during a hot flash, or after experiencing facial redness… and that can be at any hour of the day. As a general rule, you can probably benefit more from using it as a morning mask, to enjoy the depuffing and refreshing results for your day. But if you are using it to calm down the skin after a beach day, you should wait for the evening to enjoy its effects.
What ingredient is used in face masks to give that cooling feeling?
The list is quite vast, but the classical ingredients would be some form or derivative of menthol, peppermint extract, camphor, or eucalyptus. There are, however, multiple other ingredients, especially botanical extracts, that can provide the promised refreshing effect. Mugwort or purslane extract, betaine, and other ingredients may be the reason your facial mask gives you that refreshing and cooling sensation.
What are the best cooling face masks?
Feeling the cooling effect of a facial mask is quite an experience. We’ve choosen our favorite ones so you can start with the best!
Clarins Cryo-Flash Cream-Mask
Great for hot flashes
Taking inspiration from cryotherapy, this is the Clarins answer for those looking for a refreshing facial mask. The key ingredient is the exclusive Cryo-Starter technology, combining a menthol-derived molecule responsible for the signature cooling sensation. Equally impressive is the instant lifting effect and the boost of hydration and skin radiance. The result is more than worth the effort; after only 10 minutes, the skin feels firmer, smoother, deeply hydrated and with an impressive -4°C temperature drop on contact.
Antipodes Flora Probiotic Skin-Rescue Hyaluronic Mask
Great for sensitivity & redness-prone skin
This mask works as much for the skin that needs cooling as it needs a repairing rescue from a rich formula. It contributes to rebalancing the skin microbiome and reinforcing the skin barrier, while infusing your skin with the deep hydration it needs. The innovative formulation also helps to reduce inflammation, relieving itching and redness, making it the ideal cooling mask for sensitive and redness-prone skin. The calming wild rose and lavender fragrance takes the delight of the cooling sensation one step further.
AXIS-Y New Skin Resolution Gel Mask
Great for dark spots
This multitasking K-beauty powerhouse is for those whose skin needs a calming, brightening, and barrier-boosting action at the same time. The cooling gel texture lowers skin temperature on contact, delivering the immediate cooling relief that irritated and sensitized skin needs. While experiencing the refreshing sensation on the skin, the actives in the formula gently exfoliate the skin for a smoother and more radiant complexion. Equally important, you can count on the niacinamide to strengthen the skin barrier all the while targeting hyperpigmentation, and Centella asiatica to repair the skin.
heimish Black Tea Mask Pack
Great budget-friendly cooling mask
In as short as 5 to 10 minutes, this heimish cooling mask delivers an effective dose of care to your skin. The formula is refreshing and easy to apply, thanks to a mini spatula included, and delivers a subtle cedarwood and floral scent that turns your masking ritual into a sensory experience. Thanks to black tea, aloe vera, Centella asiatica, and litchi extract, this cooling mask works to visibly tighten pores and refine skin texture, while hydrating the skin and reducing redness. It’s the best of what Korean beauty has got us used to.
Dr.Jart+ Cryo Rubber Moisturizing Mask
Great for sheet mask lovers
This is your dermatologist-tested sheet mask treatment designed to hydrate, repair, and transform skin in as short as 20 minutes. The two-step process is very simple: it begins with a serum ampoule packed with moisturizing ingredients that reinforce the skin barrier, which is followed by the iconic cooling rubber mask. This step is going to lower your skin in which lowers skin temperature by 5°C. The clinically tested results speak for themselves, with users consistently reporting a reduction in heat-related redness and a strengthened barrier after a single use.
111SKIN Cryo De-Puffing Eye Mask
Great for tired eye area
Developed to quickly minimize the appearance of signs of aging, these ultra-adherent hydrogel eye patches lock in moisture and reduce puffiness and dark circles all the while delivering a powerful fresh feeling. Featuring a peptide complex together with vitamin E and seaweed extract, it works to smooth the appearance of fine lines while tackling puffiness and dark circles. Suitable for all skin types, this cooling eye mask is the ultimate pre-event essential to erase signs of fatigue on the delicate eye contour.
For more options for tired under eyes, check our post entirely dedicated to eye patches for dark circles.
