A face mask can be a potent treatment to see instant results and can address specific concerns, as well as providing a luxurious moment of self-care.
Here’s why you should be incorporating face masks into your skincare routine, what are the different types and the benefits!
Why should you use a face mask?
Face masks are occlusive meaning they blanket the skin and deliver beneficial ingredients to improve the quality and appearance of the skin. Here are some of the benefits…
It can be a targeted treatment
Face masks are often catered to treat a particular skin concern or for a certain skin goal. Whether its hydration, brightening the skin, fighting acne or even anti-ageing, there’s a mask created to help you personalise your skincare routine. “Using a face mask allows for a more intense home treatment for the skin to work towards your skin goals,” says Rebecca Elsdon, leading skincare expert and Owner of Skin health clinic: Re:Skin.
Nourishes the skin
Face masks often contain an intense dose of active ingredients to provide your skin with concentrated nourishment to give instant, visible results on the skin’s texture and appearance.
They can enhance absorption
Did you know that face masks can also help activate ingredients in your other products to penetrate the skin more deeply, therefore maximising their effectiveness and giving you quicker results.
A great self-care ritual
A face mask isn’t just skincare: it can be a moment of self care and relaxation. It can force you to take a moment to yourself, to help reduce stress and improve your wellbeing.
Great for a special occasion
Quite often a face mask can give instant results, so they’re perfect just before a special occasion to give you an instant boost of radiance.
What are the types of face masks?
Clay masks
These are great for oily and acne prone skin. They help to absorb excess oil, unclog pores and draw out impurities from the skin. Your skin will feel refreshed and mattified: it’s very cleansing too.
Charcoal masks
Similar to clay masks, these masks are wonderful at detoxifying the skin by drawing out impurities and excess oil. Perfect for congested or acne prone skin! Masks with ingredients like salicylic acid or sulphur are also great to help unclog pores and reduce inflammation.
Cream masks
These masks tend to be quite rich and nourishing and are particularly great for dry or mature skin. They can help to plump the skin and smooth texture.
Exfoliating masks
If you’re after something to give you a brighter, smoother complexion, you’ll love an exfoliating mask! They slough off dead skin cells using AHA’s, BHA’s or enzymes to reveal brighter skin below.
Gel masks
Love how cooling gel masks feel on the skin! They’re fabulous for soothing and hydrating the skin – particularly if the skin is sensitive or irritated. You can also look for masks with ingredients like chamomile and oatmeal to help soothe the skin too.
Sheet masks
These masks are pre-cut fabric that are soaked in serum. They offer a quick and relatively mess-free way to hydrate and revitalise the skin. You can find sheet masks that target all sorts of skin goals: from deeply hydrating to brightening, firming and even soothing masks.
Peel off masks
Peel-off masks help to remove dead skin cells to leave the skin feeling smooth and glowing! But be gentle with them!
Overnight masks
Overnight masks are often hydrating and may contain hyaluronic acid, working as both a barrier and sealant on the skin, locking in the actives so it doesn’t evaporate from the skin.
How to start using face masks in your routine
Depending on your skin’s needs and the type of mask, you can use them daily, weekly or a few times a week.
Make sure to start with a clean face for optimal absorption.
Don’t be afraid to multi mask! If you have combination skin or just want to treat different areas of your skin, feel free to use multiple masks. You could use a clay mask on your oily t-zone and a hydrating cream mask on your drier cheeks for example. Have fun!
Once your skin is applied – relax! Take a moment to unwind, close your eyes and let the mask work its magic.
It’s important to work out what you want from the treatment – does your skin need moisture, decongesting etc, in order to get the best results and follow the timings on the packaging. Follow up with your regular skincare routine.
“One advantage that can’t be disputed is the self-care and relaxation element of the process. Helping to reduce stress and prevent overall well being will naturally enhance skin health,” says Rebecca Elsdon, leading skincare expert and Owner of Skin health clinic: Re:Skin
Embrace the power of face masks and treat yourself with some pampering!
(*PR gift/sample)
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