FACE MASKS BENEFITS FOR SKINCARE

Facial masks are nonessential skincare products that are highly concentrated with ingredients that can treat a particular skin concern or skin type. Face masks can have you feeling revitalized, rejuvenated and refreshed.

WHAT ARE FACE MASKS?

Facial masks are nonessential skincare products that are highly concentrated with ingredients that can treat a particular skin concern or skin type. They provide focused treatment and are often potent so they should be chosen based on your particular skin type and concern.

Facial masks come in various forms — sheet masks (a.k.a Korean face masks), clay masks, mud masks, creme masks and so on. The effects of facial masks are temporary yet immediate so they are perfect for a quick glow when getting ready for an event.

They can be made at home too using natural ingredients found in your kitchen that can be great for the skin. Here are some examples of skin-beneficial ingredients you can use from your kitchen:

• Milk and yoghurt — exfoliates and brightens the skin

• Aloe vera — contains vitamins that can brighten the skin

• Papaya — contains enzymes that can brighten the skin

• Coffee — temporarily dries the skin and minimizes pores

THE BENEFITS

Note: the benefits below depend on the type of mask used and what skin concern you are addressing

• FAST and IMMEDIATE results — you notice a visible difference instantly (remember it’s temporary though)

• DEEP CLEANSING — ingredients in facial masks penetrate deeper into the pores to draw out dirt, oil and impurities

• RELAXING & THERAPEUTIC — perfect to add to a daily or weekly self-care routine because they make you feel good and they help relieve stress

• UNCLOGS PORES — masks can help remove dead skin cells which can help unclog pores

• MOISTURIZING — facials masks moisturize and hydrate dry skin by penetrating deep into the skin to enhance elasticity

• ADDS GLOW — masks can help stimulate blood circulation, blood vessels in your skin expand when you remove a mask after it dries on your skin and hardens

• FIRMER SKIN — some masks help enhance collagen production and fight off damage caused by free radicals to provide firmer, fresher skin

• EVENS SKIN TONE (BRIGHTER SKIN) — face masks often targeted toward brightening your skin can help diminish hyperpigmentation to even out skin tone

THE BENEFITS -- A SUMMARY

• refines pores/unclogs pores

• improves skin’s texture

• adds glow/brighter skin

• absorbs excess oil and dirt

• minimizes the look of wrinkles

• softens and smoothens skin

• gets rid of impurities

• increases elasticity

• moisturizes skin

• reduces puffiness

• instant dewy skin

• clears acne

HOW DO YOU USE FACIAL MASKS?

1. Thoroughly cleanse your skin to remove any impurities before using a face mask. Using a toner or exfoliator before can help the mask penetrate more.

2. Pat dry your face because masks should be applied on clean slightly damped skin.

3. Apply the mask as directed and wait for as long as the particular mask product instructs you to do so. If you are wearing a homemade mask it is up to you but most often anywhere between 10–30 minutes is good. If you wait too long it may be too drying for your face.

4. Rinse the mask off using warm water and pat dry.

5. Apply moisturizer or serum immediately after.

HOW OFTEN YOU SHOULD USE FACE MASKS

It is up to you, most skincare professionals would recommend 1–3 times a week. It all depends on the mask also. Some masks like overnight masks are light enough that you can apply them nightly.

I personally try to wear a mask daily either at night or in the morning but usually end up wearing it a few times a week because masks require 15–30 minutes of your day which I often can’t seem to spare these days.