Face masks are one of my favourite skincare products. It is the perfect way to recreate a relaxing spa experience from the comfort of your home. They are easy and fun to use, whilst leaving lasting results.
There is a face mask for every skin type, from clay masks to peel off masks. Face masks are not just beneficial for your skin, they can also be rather therapeutic – especially if they are infused with aromatic oils such as rosemary. These oils will help to improve your mood by stimulating your senses.
If you desire glowing skin (who doesn’t?!), masks can help with this. Particularly those that contain a mint extract. The tingly sensation you may feel using these masks can help to stimulate blood circulation in your face.
The Results
After adding a face mask into my skincare regime, I found that it helped my other skincare products to work more efficiently. This is due to the face mask allowing my products such as my moisturizers, oils and serums to be absorbed deeper and quicker.
Face masks are also the best way to deep cleanse your skin. A good face mask can draw out impurities found beneath the top layers of the epidermis. By using a face mask as part of your skincare routine regularly, it will help to keep your skin clear and prevent breakouts.
Additional benefits of using a face mask include:
- Improved skin tone
- Unclogged pores
- Excess oils are absorbed
- Removes dirt and the buildup of dead skin cells
- Clears acne
- Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Increased elasticity
- Softened and hydrated skin
- Reduced puffiness
- Promotes dewiness
Identifying the correct face mask for your skin type
For Oily to Combination skin:
This is the category I fall under. For us, clay and charcoal masks are the most suitable option. This is because these face masks help to absorb excess oil from the skin’s surface.
Also, charcoal has the ability to remove dirt which builds up in our pores. It is especially beneficial for those who suffer from acne or blackheads due to the activated charcoal drawing chemicals, dirt and bacteria particles to the skin’s surface.
For Dry/Dull Skin:
A type of brightening mask would be best suited this skin type. The ingredients within your face mask that you should look out for are green tea extract, avocado and the renowned vitamin C.
These ingredients will leave your skin looking radiant. Avocado is so great for dry skin. It helps to hydrate and soften red and flaky patches, due to it being a natural hydrating and moisturizing agent.
Sensitive Skin:
For those who suffer from particularly sensitive skin it is recommended that you opt for a face mask which contains chamomile, aloe vera or oats. These ingredients are calming and will help to reduce any redness and inflammation in the skin. Oats are known to reduce inflammation in the skin due to its rich antioxidant properties, which do not strip the skin of its natural oils.
How to use a face mask?
Before applying the face mask, you should always cleanse your skin to see the best results. Also, for increased penetration, you could exfoliate your skin beforehand.
After your skin is prepped, spread a thin layer of the mask over your face – avoiding your eyes and lip area. You can apply the mask either using your fingertips or a specialised brush for applying a face mask (if want to be less messy).
Now that your face mask has been applied, you must time how long to leave it on for. To find out the exact amount of time, you should check the instructions found on the packaging of your mask. As this is different for every mask, depending on the active ingredients it contains. This is generally for around 10-15 mins, to allow you to see the full benefits.
Once your mask is ready to be removed, apply a warm face towel to your face for around 30 seconds. This loosens the mask, making it easier to remove. You should then rinse the excess mask off with warm water and gently towel dry your face with tapping motions.
Finally, finish the process with a moisturizer. If you suffer from dry skin, a heavy hydrating cream would be best for you and for normal/oily skin opt for a light serum.
However, if you’re using a clear mask the process is slightly different. After the allocated time you can rub the mask’s excess oils into your skin. This will act as your moisturizer.
Many people are uninformed as to how often to use a face mask in their skincare regime. In general, you can mask 1-3 times a week. It is always recommended for you to check your product’s instructions, as this may vary if the mask contains high concentration ingredients.
My face mask recommendations
Beautycounter Charcoal Mask
This balancing charcoal mask is recommended for those with oily skin. The activated charcoal in this mask helps to give your skin a smooth and clear complexion, whilst the salicylic acid stimulates exfoliation.
The masks needs to be left on for only ten minutes. As it dries I can visibly see it drawing out excess oil and impurities from my pores.
I use it on my whole face 2 times a week. But this product can also be used as an overnight spot treatment. In that case I just dab it onto the critical spot or looming breakout and leave it on to do it’s work overnight while I am sleeping.
Homemade option
or if you want to be creative and make your own, here are two simple recipes I found:
Oatmeal Face Mask
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsps of ground rolled oats – contains a cleansing agent called saponins and has anti-inflammatory properties
- 1 tbsp of plain organic yogurt – gently exfoliates the top layer of your skin without causing redness
- 1 tbsp of honey – known for its ability to reduce redness, fight bacteria, moisturize and reduce inflammation
- Combine all of your ingredients in a bowl and mix together until you get a smooth, even paste.
- Apply all over your face and leave for 10 – 15 minutes.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water, working the paste off in circular motions and then pat dry with a towel.
- Work any residue into your face in gentle, circular motions.
Cocoa Dream hydration mask
“Avocado is extremely hydrating, cocoa is an excellent skin-soothing antioxidant, and honey is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory,” says Holly Monson, spa manager at Ocean Pearl Spa in California.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 Avocado
- 1 tbsp of cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp of honey
- Mash one-quarter of an avocado in a small bowl.
- Stir in one tablespoon cocoa powder and one tablespoon honey, mashing and mixing well.
- Apply the mask to your clean, dry skin for 10 minutes.
- Wash off with warm water, then moisturize as per usual.
So, set aside some ‘Me Time’ and pop on a face mask with some relaxing music and recreate your very own spa experience.