Although both exfoliators and masks are usually made of natural ingredients, masks are generally smooth in texture. They are also made of several different things, such as plant, milk, fruit or citrus based products, as well as clay, and the ever popular mud mask. The concentrated consistency of masks gives an immediately noticeable result.
What do they do?
The author Andi, of www.andibradshaw.com says that masks are designed to leave the different skin types looking and feeling polished so that additional skin care products can penetrate more easily, leaving the skin looking healthier and more vibrant. Basically they calm or stimulate the skin but if you have any skin concerns (rosacia or acne, etc.) and the mask for your skin type doesn’t seem right for you then only use masks for sensitive skin. This type is soothing to any kind of skin.
– Dry skin needs to relieve that really dry, flaky, tight feeling that often comes after cleansing, with a mask that will hydrate as well as moisturize (adds water and oil). Use masks that contain buttermilk, lanolin, amino acids, oils or milk proteins. The concentration of these ingredients are developed to give the extra hydration needed to those extra dry skin cells. That re-hydration will reduce the look of those shallow wrinkles and/or fine lines.
-Normal/Combination skin needs a mask that addresses dull, tired skin that lacks that vibrant, healthy look. For this type, masks usually contain ingredients like eucalyptus, menthol, or peppermint which stimulates the skin, while sloughing off the dead skin cells and dirt. Often peel-off or hardening masks contain the stimulating effects of the above ingredients. These produce a pleasant tingling that revives and invigorates the skin, leaving it healthier looking.
– Oily skin gets best results from deep cleansing, clay or mud masks that will cleanse the skin while drawing out dirt, excess oils and impurities. Clay masks increase perspiration and open pores. They absorb the excess oils as the pores release dirt and impurities. Deep cleansing and mud masks draw out imbedded oils and dirt and tighten the pores temporarily. They also have anti-bacterial additives that reduce the growth of bacteria as it leaves the skin clean.
– Sensitive skin needs masks that are gentle, mild and soothing. Ingredients like aloe, caffeine, chamomile, and honey are all comforting to the skin. Caffeine decreases redness and puffiness, while aloe reduces inflammation, chamomile soothes the skin and honey helps retain moisture. These masks are designed mainly to leave splotchy, dry, sensitive skin, looking smoother and feeling softer and healthier.
How do I use Masks?
Using a brush or clean hands, slather product onto your face while being careful to avoid your eye and mouth areas. Choose a relaxing atmosphere to recline and put your feet up, maybe some soft music while you close your eyes and relax; be careful to note the suggested time. For removal, masks that are gel or creamy may be tissued or rinsed away. Peel-away masks should be removed in a downward strokes as that’s the direction that your skin cells grow. Masks that dry to a hard or pasty finish may be rinsed off with both hands full of water. To finish, rinse until you’ve removed all signs of product, blot dry with a clean cloth and follow with your moisturizing routine.