Face to Face: Face Mask 101
Collage by Aylea Skye/ Original Images by Unknown Sources
Face Mask As Skincare
Some time ago I read that the key to clean, clear supermodel skin (other than winning a genetic lottery) is to ‘use face masks as skincare’ and at first I didn’t get it; face mask are mask for the face and therefore a skincare component, however, I later understood this ambiguous pronouncement. Face masks are the beauty equivalent of a fashion accessory, they are a beauty accessory; considered an embellishment to the main skincare players such as cleanser, moisturiser etc. In order to achieve a clear glowing supermodel complexion, a face mask should be reappraised and appointed as a main player. Like everything in modern society, there is an assortment of face mask at one’s disposal offering an assortment of results, however, in order to integrate face masks viably and without eroding of your face, you first must select the correct masks for your skin and then for your lifestyle.
The Vital Veils*
Although we are individuals, with individual faces and individual skin care needs there are some face masks that everybody should have in their skincare routines, supermodel or not! Such as: *used in the following order*
Deep Cleansing Mask
Deep cleansing masks, which often come in the form of a clay mask and are sometimes known as ‘purifying masks’, does exactly what they say on the bottle (jar or tube), they cleanse your skin, deeper than you can with any face wash or cleansing gel. Often drawing up any impurities lying deep within your skin, these masks can cause what appears to be a ‘break-out’ however they speed up the 'break-out’ process and if used often, prevent future breakouts. Cult favourites such as Aesop’s ‘Parsley Seed Cleansing Mask’ and Omorovicza’s ‘Deep Cleansing Mask’ have indelible results, however cheaper alternatives such as Neutrogena’s ‘Visibly Clear 2 in 1 Wash Mask’ works just as well, and for those allergic to clay 'Queen Helene’s ‘Mint Julep Masque’ is great.
Exfoliating Mask
Exfoliating masks work differently from the typical abrasive facial exfoliating scrubs or brushes, these masks chemical exfoliate the skin, removing the dead surface skin cells resulting in a brighter, fresher complexion. These masks also aid the prevention of breakouts and are superb at fading scarring and hyperpigmentation. Chantecaille’s ‘Fruit and Flower Acids Mask’ , Dr Sebagh’s ‘Deep Exfoliating Mask’ and Triage Hyséac's '2-in-1 Exfoliating Mask’ with all have your skin looking silky smooth and fresh post-haste.
Hydrating Mask
Skin needs moisture and hydrating masks are pretty self-explanatory, they deeply hydrate the skin resulting in a fresh, reinvigorated skin. Even those with an oily skin type will benefit from a hydrating mask, as oily skin is usually an overcompensation for rather parched skin cells. Hydrating masks are extremely gentle on the skin so they can be applied several times throughout the week (particularly in colder climates/seasons). Sisley’s ‘Black Rose Cream Mask’ is both hydrating and plumping, whilst Antipodes ’Aura Manuka Honey Mask’ is simultaneously 'moisturising, clearing and anti-oxidising’.
Extra Extra
With a face mask in each of the categories above you are pretty much set, however as with everything in life sometimes one needs a little something extra, in the world of face masks this comes in the form of healing, lifting and rebalancing masks. We also need variation and if you feel the need to break the typical cream, mousse or gel application of a face mask, there are always sheet mask such as SK-II’s 'Facial Treatment Mask’ and StarSkin’s various sheet masks.
Integration
The best way to integrate face masks into a skincare routine is to integrate them into your life routine, i.e wear a face mask in the shower, or whilst you cook dinner, or whilst you eat dinner, or whilst you binge on your new Netflix obsession, it is not obligational for face masks to be a component of a pamper session. If you integrate face masks into the most mundane life routines then face mask, will become skincare and ‘salut supermodel skin’. You know the old proverb ‘a face mask a day keep the dermatologist away’ (accept face masks don’t need to be used daily).