And now, my final piece on developing a home skincare routine (well, final for now...). Today’s topic, masks, is just like previous writings on toner and exfoliation. Masks can be added into your routine with great benefit to your skin, but they aren’t essential, if you don’t have the time or patience.
Why should you mask? Even if you clean your skin each morning and evening, big city living and life in general can find its way deep into your pores thanks to the environment, lack of sleep and veering from a healthy diet. When applied to freshly cleaned skin, masks can provide great support for these scenarios and more.
And once you have removed the mask, your skin allows products to more deeply penetrate. Cleaner, brighter skin that can drink up the benefits of skincare product sounds pretty good to me!
Now you just need to choose the mask that is right for you.
SHINY T-ZONE?
Masks are traditionally used to provide a deep clean for your skin. Clay masks are fantastic at penetrating pores, removing impurities and excess oil. Use a mask with a bit of salicylic acid and you’ve got a great way to combat breakouts (like the one I found on my nose this morning!). To reap the benefits, apply just once a week for 5 minutes. That doesn’t seem too traumatising, does it?
And while you might find it deeply satisfying to feel your mask dry completely and crack, please don't go this far. When you mask reaches this stage, it pulls hydration from your skin.
Also, when a mask dries completely, it requires scrubbing to remove it. We always want to treat our skin gently and this removal method will torment skin.
So just 5 minutes for your clay mask, please.
Need a clay mask to try? Here are some that I like: Good Things Five Minute Facial Mask, SuperFacialist Pore Purifying Clay Mask, Pixi Glow Mud Mask
DRY SKIN?
If your face feels tight or dry to the touch, then you should choose a hydrating mask, rather than clay. This type of mask will deeply cleanse your pores, while helping to alleviate dryness. Generally cream-based, these masks don’t run the risk of cracking like a clay mask.
Some options: SuperFacialist Intense Moisture Mask, Aveda Intensive Hydrating Mask, Peter Thomas Roth Marine Algae Mask.
COMBINATION SKIN?
If you’re dealing with an oily t-zone and dry cheeks (this can be common in winter), then you might want to consider applying two masks to address your concerns. Sound crazy? Think of it as multi-tasking. Layer a clay mask onto your t-zone and a hydrating mask to your cheeks, wait 5 minutes and remove. Your face will appreciate the double duty effort.
SKIN NEED A REBOOT?
If you’re recently off an airplane, sleep-deprived or looking forward to a special evening, I’d suggest a sheet mask. Made of gauze-like fibre and soaked in serum, this single use treatment idea has arrived from Korea, home to many recent beauty trends. Post-application, you will look dewy and fresh.
It’s worth noting, that sheet masks usually need to be on your skin for 15-20 minutes and I have found that they can slide around a bit. I find them easiest to use when I can put one on and then lie down while they work their magic.
After application, you can insert your own mask distraction here: reading a book, watching a video, checking social media…
And there are loads to try: Hydraluron, Maskeraide (multiple varieties), Masque Bar (again many options and eye masks, too). If you’re in the US, Sephora's own sheet masks are a good way to go.
If you don’t have time for a sheet mask, you could use the Exuviance Bionic Oxygen Facial, which requires just 5 minutes. After applying the gel to your face, the mask will foam and froth as it detoxifies pores and erases dullness. Perfect when you are pressed for time, but in need of radiant skin.
SNOOZE YOUR WAY TO BETTER SKIN
If your day is too busy, there’s always the overnight mask. Although this won’t deliver the deep clean of a clay mask, it can offer hydration and anti-ageing support. To get the best from an overnight mask, first apply your regular eye cream and nighttime moisturiser. Follow this with an application of your specially-chosen mask and head off to dreamland.
Three nights a week, I use Environ’s Revival Masque, which has a strong acid content, leaving my skin smoother and fine lines diminished. It’s been hailed as a facelift in a jar and I can tell you, I’ve seen more neck firmness as a result of regular use.
Once a week, I like to wrap my skin in cashmere, figuratively speaking. On Sunday evening, I choose a deeply cushioning and hydrating mask such as: Origins Drink Up Intensive, SuperFacialist Probiotic Overnight Skin Recovery Cream or The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Sink In Moisturising Sleep Mask. Each are a gentle treat for my skin.
While it’s not essential to mask your skin, it is a relatively quick treatment you can do at home to give your face some extra pampering, whatever your concern. Choose the best option for you and enjoy a few minutes of quiet time retreating from a busy day. Personally, I love morning to apply my cleansing clay mask. I slather it from the top of my forehead down to my neck and décolleté, removing with a warm, damp cloth. For you, evening application may be more successful and you may just want to mask your face, skipping your neck and chest.
Whatever method you choose, if you choose, find the right mask and application time that work for you. Your skin will thank you for it with the appearance of brighter skin. You may even come to treasure these few minutes of pamper time each week.