Multi-Maskers
Masks have certainly become the skin care product “du jour” thanks to the rise of Korean sheet masks along with a plethora of crazy masking trends popping up all over youtube - bubble mask anyone? Fads aside, masks are an excellent addition to your skin care routine once you find the right one/s for your skin type. Masks are also your secret weapon in treating short term problems such as breakouts, dullness and dehydration or chronic conditions like acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation.
No two masks are created equally and their effectiveness lies in the way ingredients are formulated to target specific skin concerns. Mud and clay are used for their ability to draw excess oil and impurities from the skin, mud is less drying than clay however clay is very healing for active breakouts. Cream and gel masks are infused with botanical oils and antioxidants to deliver a concentrated hit of hydration and rejuvenate the skin. Honey is a favourite ingredient in many mask formulas for its antimicrobial properties as well as its high concentration of antioxidants making it soothing, moisturising and anti ageing. The. List. Goes. On.
So, how often should you be masking? That really depends on your skin, what other products you are using and what you are trying to achieve but as a general rule of thumb a mask is a great once-a-week treatment to feed your skin with extra nutrients, rebalance the skin’s oil and ph level and promote cell renewal to uncover fresh and glowing new skin.
Here are our top tips on how to get the most out of your mask:
1. Cleanse your skin before applying your mask to ensure you remove all dirt, oil and dead cells from the skin’s surface. If you remove your cleanser with warm water this will open up the pores and help your mask to penetrate the epidermis.
2. Mask on, feet up, relax. Make this skin care treatment part of your weekly self care routine and allow your body and mind to just switch off.
3. Follow the directions provided with your chosen mask, most need to be rinsed off after 10-20 minutes on the skin however some cream and gel based masks can be left on overnight for an added hit of moisture.
4. After removing your mask, make sure to apply your regular products; a serum, oil, moisturiser and eye cream, to give your skin an extra boost and lock in moisture.
5. Masking is best done at night (or after you have removed your make up/ sun protection for the day) when you can leave your skin to rest, rejuvenate and reap the benefits of the mask overnight while you sleep.
6. Don’t be afraid to use more than one mask or apply your mask only to the parts of the skin that need it. If you have combination skin you might find a clay mask on your t-zone helps to absorb excess oil and treat breakouts while a cream mask on your cheeks will counteract any dryness.
Here are our picks for the best natural masks for your skin type and concern:
SKIN TYPE
Oily - Sukin Anti-Pollution Facial Masque
Combination - Courtney & The Babes Pink Clay + Zeolite Face Mask
Normal - Simplicité Calendula and Orange Plant Nutrient Mask
Dry - Kahina Giving Beauty Moisture Mask
Sensitive - Trilogy Very Gentle Hydra-Mask
SKIN CONCERN
Acne - May Lindstrom The Problem Solver and Girl Undiscovered Stumbled Across Paradise Face Mask
Breakouts - Indie Lee Clearing Mask and Courtney & The Babes Pink Clay + Zeolite Face Mask
Rosacea - May Lindstrom The Honey Mud
Dehydration - Odacité Deep Hydration Masque
Hyperpigmentation - Pai Skincare Rosehip Bioregenerate Rapid Radiance Mask
Dullness - Herbivore Botanicals Brighten Mask
Ageing - Kristina Holey + Marie Veronique Micronutrient + Hydro Mask and Grown Alchemist Age-Repair Gel Masque.
