Mask Like You Mean It
Why do we love masking? Let us count the ways. If you are wondering how to impress yourself and others with your skin knowledge, one way is to learn more about why masking between your regular facial treatments can make you look and feel better in your skin!
What defines a “face mask”?
Seems like a silly question, but there are many ways to technically mask. What comes to mind for you? Maybe a clay mask or a sheet mask, but what about a peel pad or a scrub? To us, those are technically masks too, because we consider masking to be any targeted treatment you do occasionally for a specific task.
How to mask
First, cleanse your skin, and then you are ready to mask. Start with one or two, but as you become a professional masker, you can have a full masking routine. Here are the purposes of most types of masks and the order in which to use them.
Scrub or enzyme masks
Scrubs are used to physically exfoliate the skin, buffing off surface-level dead skin. Scrubs mimic microdermabrasion in between your regular facial treatments. Scrubs are easy to use and are a great complement to everything facial-related. Leave a scrub on while you condition or treat your hair, then massage and buff to your heart's desire. You always want to use a professional, high-quality physical exfoliant because homemade scrubs can be too harsh and yield unpredictable results.
Masks containing enzymes can be used after scrubs or instead of scrubs for those with more sensitive skin. Enzymes used in skincare are derived from fruits, and they are one way of chemically exfoliating the skin by “eating” dead skin cells. Enzyme masks are almost always a staple in a facial treatment, so doing one at home will mimic the soft, bright skin a facial can give you. Enzyme masks usually require leaving them on the skin for 5+ minutes, then rinsing them off. Even though they exfoliate, they are considered gentle, and if you are going to start your masking collection, an enzyme treatment is a good place to start
Scrubs: Brightening Gommage, Cranberry Gommage
Enzyme Masks: Vital C Hydrating Enzyme Mask, Manuka Enzyme Lift, Pumpkin Enzyme, Nupeel
Clay mask
Clay masks scratch the masking “itch” and are a great at-home complement to your routine and treatments, since they're best left on for about 15 minutes and may not be included in a facial treatment for that reason. You may think they are only for acne, but anyone with concerns about pore congestion, excess oil, or redness can benefit from a clay mask. Clay masks may feel drying because they do dry up on the skin, but think of this as purifying, not “drying.” Clay masks applied with a brush and left to sit for several minutes can calm the nervous system, providing longer-lasting results, since stress is a major trigger of chronic skin conditions.
Sulfur Clay Mask, Mattifying Sulfur Clay
Peel pads
Chemical peels are another targeted treatment that an aesthetician will do in your customized treatment. These can be great to do at home because even if you already use an AHA or retinoid, using a peel pad will help boost results. Peel pads are wonderful to use after (or during) travel, recovering from a sickness, or when you are breaking out more than normal. Think of chemical exfoliants on a peel pad as an acne hack, a brightening boost, and a healthy skin treatment all in a quick swipe.
Moisture and hydration masks
Moisture masks are the most common because they are appropriate for nearly anyone at any time; there are no downsides to getting too much moisture or hydration. And, these days, there is a barrier-care obsession in the skincare market, so the demand for moisture masks is high. Since they aren’t as powerful in the “actives” department, they should be more affordable since moisture ingredients are typically less costly. But masks filled with moisturizing and hydrating ingredients are the ideal way to top off your routine, infusing your skin with moisture and sealing it in.
Algae Soft Mask, Soothing & Moisture Sheet Mask, Bio Cell+ Mask, Lavender Floral Mask, Ice Water Eyes
We hope you are closer to knowing what mask(s) you need for your skin. This information can always feel easy for professionals, but confusing for people at home. Our job is to empower your decisions. While we truly believe in our curated mask offerings, if you do decide to hit up the beauty aisle elsewhere, we hope this helps you sift through it. Remember, self-care is great, but using too many products or ingredients can cause reactions. Keep it simple and build your skin routine and confidence one step at a time.