Now that we have established that hair masks are best used as a deep conditioning treatment and can’t do miracles… are at-home-face-masks effective and which one’s should you buy?
As someone with combination skin (oily T-zone & normal/dry perimeter), sensitive skin (my skin irritates easily with fragrances etc.) AND acne prone skin…(takes breath), I am constantly on the search for products that will keep my skin balanced and won’t break me out.
I know, I hit the jackpot!
But in all seriousness I’m still learning what my skin needs because as we age, as the seasons changes, as our hormones change so does our skin! Even to this day I don’t have any products that I’m married to in my skin care routine, mask or otherwise.
So I thought I would try to provide a general guideline for what kind of mask should work best for your current skin type and as your skin changes. This may mean that you keep 2-3 masks on hand because who knows what your skin will need that day!
7 Types of Face-masks
1.Cream Masks
Cream masks can have many different ingredients and different goals. There are cream masks for brightening, hydration, blemish control, and anti-aging. But because cream masks are, you guessed it, cream based they can be pore clogging and are not great for everyone.
Recommended for: Normal to Dry Skin
Not recommended for: Oily & Acne Prone Skin
2. Sheet Masks
This type of mask is different from the others. A sheet mask is usually a serum soaked paper mask. It is designed to lie on and fit your face. These are often hydrating or antioxidant boosting mask types. After waiting the allotted time and removing the mask you’re usually instructed to massage any excess serum into your skin. Talk about moisture!
Recommended for: All Skin Types
Caution: *If you have acne prone and/or sensitive skin get sheet masks for that skin type to avoid clogging pores and fragrance irritation.
3. Clay Masks
This is for my fellow acne prone and oily guys and gals. Clay masks are meant to provide balance (with oil production) and sooth skin while also helping to draw out debris and gunk. They can also help eliminate blackheads and firm your skin. And in my experience can make my face tingle or itch (FYI).
Recommended for: Oily & Acne Prone Skin
Not recommended for: Dry to Very Dry Skin
4. Exfoliating Masks
Getting rid of dead skin cells and any other gunk is super important for your skin’s health and appearance. Exfoliating masks are different from physical exfoliations you do with gritty/beaded cleansers. This type of mask is “chemically” exfoliating your skin. Meaning the fruit enzymes, that are in most chemical exfoliation masks, help to dissolve dead skin cells so no harsh rubbing is required.
Recommended for: All Skin Types
Caution: *Sensitive Skin Types (choose less abrasive masks)
5. Gel Masks
Gel masks are new to my collection, but so far I like them! Gel masks are great for dehydrated skin. They are a very gentle mask and are absorbed quickly into the skin. Gel masks can hydrate, calm and even help firm your skin. But because they are gel based they are less likely to clog your pores.
Recommended for: All Skin Types (even Sensitive)
6. Peel- Off Masks
They say if you need an instant glow to go the peel-off mask route! It does what is says, after setting for the allotted time, you peel off the mask (carefully) and it removes the topmost layer of your skin and its gunk. They are usually plant based ingredient masks, but be careful with what mask you choose. You only want to remove the topmost layer, nothing more!
Recommended for: All Skin Types
7. Vitamin C Masks
Yes, vitamin C is good for your immune system and your skin! Vitamin C masks are great for boosting collagen production. Which in turn can help fill in fine lines and with other aging concerns. Vitamin C is also great for brightening the complexion!
Recommended for: Aging Skin
Are Face-masks worth it?
Similar to the hair mask debate, realistic expectations have to be set, there are no miracles here!
Most masks have similar ingredients to the moisturizers & serums many of us already use. But they also contain extra delivery agents that help the mask’s nutrients penetrate the skin deeper than regular moisturizing products. But that does not mean that your skin is absorbing every ingredient in the mask equally. Only the main or active ingredients will most likely be absorbed and benefitted from.
It’s all in the ingredients! Accept that your skin can only benefit from the main and active ingredients and base your decision off of that, while also keeping in mind your skin type at that time.
Bottom Line
Yes, masks are beneficial and allow extra goodness to be absorbed by your skin.
Yes, I will continue to use them. I usually stick to gel masks for moisture/collagen boosts, clay masks to draw gunk from my pores & when I have a breakout. And lastly I use sheet masks when I just want some fuss free added moisture!
If nothing else, putting a face-mask on says it’s “ME time” and everyone can benefit from more of that!
KBAs’ Pine Needle Powder Exfoliating Face-mask Recipe!
Ingredients: Equal Parts of Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Pine Needle Powder (from Pine Needle Tea bag)
Directions: Tear open 1 Pine Needle Tea bag & mix together equal parts of Olive Oil and Pine Needle powder into a non-metallic bowl. Once combined apply an even layer of the mask to entire face (avoiding eye area). Leave mask on for 10-20 minutes. Before removing the mask gently message into skin for 30-60 seconds. Then use your favorite cleanser and warm water to remove the Pine Needle Face-mask.
Benefits
This Exfoliating facemask helps to improve acne, balance overall oil production and can normalize skin pigmentation.
Brightens and rejuvenates dull skin, tightens and reduces the appearance of pores and wrinkles while helping to boost collagen synthesis.
Use two to three times a week to have a younger, brighter and healthier complexion!
THIS WEEK’S DEAL:
Use discount code: PINETEA20 at check out
to get 20% OFF KBA’s Pine Needle Tea.
Valid through: Monday, March 11th
Paige Peterson