To mask or not to mask, is that even a question? Treating yourself to a facial mask once a week replenishes skin with much needed nutrients and antioxidants. A mask session should be seen as a mini at-home facial as they help maintain your skin between professional therapies.
How does a professional treatment mask differ from an at-home mask?
A professional treatment mask may contain added actives and botanicals to provide a more intensive therapy. Therapeutic masks when used in conjunction with serums and targeted treatments can produce more pronounced results that cannot be achieved at home.
Masks come in many forms and some are clay or charcoal based to purify, some include colloidal oatmeal to calm and soothe, while some include hyaluronic acids, vitamins and minerals to replenish. Exfoliating masks contain enzymes or acid-based actives to create the desired results.
Novelty masks such as sheet masks are fun ways of maintaining skin health. When selecting such products be mindful of ingredients as you do not want to apply anything potentially harmful ingredients on your skin. Watch out for ingredients such as propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, dyes & colorants to name a few.
An at home masking ritual should always be preceded by a thorough cleansing of your skin. You may opt to exfoliate prior to a mask application to ensure optimal delivery of actives. When using professional skin care products always check with your skin therapies to ensure that exfoliation prior to masking may not cause irritation or sensitivity due to the concentration of actives present in these products.
Once you skin has been prepared, apply the mask according to the manufacturer guidelines. Find a tranquil setting in your home, set the mood with relaxing music, and lay back and relax while practicing deep breathing, meditation or indulge with a cat nap. You may choose to include lip and eye masks at this time.
A DIY eye mask can be found in your pantry or fridge. Cucumber slices are hydrating, assist with depuffing and are soothing. Dampened tea bags are equally soothing and when opting for a caffeinated tea it will stimulate circulation to help address dark circles. Keep an eye out for future posts on DIY Biological Face Masks.
Once you are ready to proceed with the next steps in your skin care routine, you may remove your mask with lukewarm water and a facial cloth. You may need to add water to your mask to assist with emulsifying the product prior to removal. Thoroughly cleanse the skin to remove all product and proceed with serums, concentrates and creams.
Masks are a skin care staple and should not be seen as a frivolous or unnecessary expense. Invest in your skin and you will reap the benefits in the years to come!
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