Masks - How and Why?

So you are wondering about all those masks, whether on the shelves for home use, or in treatments.  What do they do?  Are they just luxury or do they deliver results? 

**Photo courtesy of ASCP**

Masks come in a few different forms:

• Pre-mixed, just spread on
• Powders that must be mixed with water
• Setting masks that set up/dry
• Peel off masks

The purpose of a mask is to deliver ingredients into the skin, or draw impurities from the skin.  Since they are left on for 10-20 minutes, they have time to perform their function, if used correctly.

To deliver ingredients, choose a mask for your skin type and main concern.  If it's aging, choose a mask with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, collagen, etc.  Start with clean skin, then apply an anti-aging serum under the mask, as the mask will help 'push' or penetrate the serum into the skin for better results.  Follow the instructions on the mask you choose for optimum results.  When removed, your skin may still have some residue, rinse but do not wash your skin to remove.  Your skin should have a smooth, soft, plumped, hydrated look and feel after this type of mask.  Finish with your moisturizer and repeat once or twice a week for optimal results.

**Photo courtesy ASCP** 

To draw impurities out of the skin, choose a clay mask.  This is good for oily, acneic, congested skin prone to breakouts and blackheads.   To use, cleanse skin, and apply a thin layer of clay mask to skin.  Let dry for at least 10 minutes (check instructions on individual masks).  Clay will draw impurities to the surface of pores, clearing blackheads and help to draw bacteria out of breakouts.  Clay also helps control oil production in skin, to reduce that shiny, oily feel.  Since clay can be drying, use once a week only on areas prone to blackheads, breakouts and excess oil production (usually the T-zone area).  Rinse with water, again, do not cleanse to remove, and follow up with an oil free moisturizer. 

Masks that must be mixed can be tricky to achieve the proper consistency.  Follow instructions, and apply/remove as noted above depending on the purpose of the mask. 

Peel off masks can be harmful if used improperly, I do not recommend them for home use.  If you do use one, follow instructions and if you notice any irritation from the peeling process, call me or another esthetician for instructions on how to treat skin. 

Masks in treatments are used in both ways above, depending on skin type and the treatment.  The serums applied under an ingredient delivering mask in a treatment will be a professional strength one, which will have greater amounts of active ingredients for faster results.  Masks in treatments are usually left on longer then one will do at home as well, so for this reason, monthly professional treatments are advised. 

Know your skin, know what you want to achieve for your skin and choose your mask carefully.  Then apply, close your eyes, relax and take some 'me' time.