Not a single cosmetic product enjoys such love and trust as masks. They are able to quickly and effectively solve many skin problems. And they give us a few pleasant moments of peace and solitude, filled with anticipation of a wonderful transformation.
Oatmeal with honey, cottage cheese with strawberries, cucumber with lemon – until recently, recipes for face masks were not much different from entries in a cookbook. And even today, despite the abundance of ready-made products, there are a lot of lovers of “cooking” something for the skin.
Of course, homemade masks have some effect, but they are far from the formulas developed by professionals. In addition, the passion for self-production of cosmetics from improvised ingredients can lead to skin irritation.
Fruits, berries, dairy products are not created by nature for facial care. Yes, they contain useful substances, but in order for them to work in full force and bring only benefits, it is necessary to isolate the active molecules, discarding unnecessary ballast. This is what cosmetic laboratories do.
Through their efforts, masks have become one of the most effective and fastest growing cosmetic segments. Every month there are several new products with different textures, compositions and capabilities. Moreover, the very concept of a mask as a means that is applied for a certain period of time has become somewhat blurred.
Half of today’s products can be used as creams and even serums, like Korean liquid masks. But, despite such opportunities, most of us prefer the classic method of application, expecting a miracle of transformation.
Credibility
Why do we love masks so much and, most importantly, trust them?
“This ritual is filled with the magic of reincarnation. Applying a mask to her face, a woman sees how his features disappear under it, the expression freezes, the usual reflection in the mirror changes. To become faceless for a few minutes, even repulsive, to isolate oneself from the outside world, to retire, in order to be transformed later. This is somewhat akin to the natural cycle “caterpillar – chrysalis – butterfly,” explains neuropsychologist Dr. Arno Ober.
And the cosmetologist Joel Siocco is sure that even the waiting time, which is necessary until the mask works, is perfectly reflected in the appearance. “Mimic muscles relax, blood circulation levels off, the skin becomes less stretched and tense. Yes, and positive emotions in anticipation of the transformation are always beautiful, ”she believes.
Different impression
Each type of mask gives not only its own result, but also special emotions with sensations. So, clay-based products deeply cleanse the epidermis, remove toxins, tighten pores and, like a paperweight, absorb excess sebum.
Their work cannot be called imperceptible: the preparations pinch, tighten, and after half an hour they literally fetter the face, subjugating its facial expressions. But many brands do not advise waiting so long.
“For a cleansing mask to work, 10-15 minutes is enough. If you bring the product to dry completely, it will begin to draw moisture from the skin. And this is useless, ”explains Joel Siocco.
Rinse off the mask in time with plenty of warm water and enjoy the result: after the “clay detox”, the skin becomes bright, even and radiant.
Film masks remove much less excess from the face. But they act softer, simultaneously moisturizing and smoothing the skin.
The second type of cleansing masks – peel off, they look like a viscous transparent gel. They are more demanding, as they dry out quickly, holding down the face along with all the grimaces and antics, if allowed. For about half an hour you will feel like you are in a vacuum, and then you will remove the mask in one movement, like a snake shedding its skin.
And this is not an allegory: dead skin flakes get stuck in the viscous texture of the gel, which are removed along with the frozen film. How are they different from the usual scrubs? Purely mechanical – nothing. Moreover, film masks remove much less excess from the face. But they act softer, simultaneously moisturizing and smoothing the skin, but without scratching it. They also give that very psychological moment of “breaking through the cocoon” and turning into a butterfly.
Know your rights
Exactly the same effect of a fairy or a magician is possessed by today’s topical products made from non-woven fabrics or hydrogel. Hiding our faces for a few minutes, they give pleasant moments of expectation of magic.
These products are also captivating by their ease of use: you do not need to distribute them over your face, protect your eyes and hair, wash your hands, and then wash your face after a few minutes. Miracles don’t have to take effort. Although it must be said that classic masks with a cream or gel texture do not lose their relevance.
The thing is that if earlier they were done from time to time, now for many it has become a familiar daily entertainment. And using the same tool all the time with the surrounding diversity of the market is simply boring.
The richness of choice and the search for different tactile sensations help to expand not only skin care, but also emotions. After all, even if the same word “moisturizing” is written on the fabric and gel masks, we will still expect different effects and sensations from them, choosing the right remedy depending on the mood and situation.
Don’t count on deep relaxation, drainage, and detox from a XNUMX-minute express product. These fast-paced products are only aimed at short-term improvement in complexion and skin texture.
Strictly adhere to the timing set by the manufacturer. The duration of the mask is not taken from the ceiling
On the other hand, if you decide to give the skin a generous portion of active substances, try to create the most favorable conditions for this: decent cleansing, a relaxing environment and subdued light. Strictly adhere to the timing set by the manufacturer. The duration of the mask is not taken from the ceiling, but derived through numerous tests.
Remove it also according to the instructions, so that later you do not complain that the skin is tightening or, conversely, the makeup has rolled up. Each mask has not only duties, but also its own rights, which are in your own interests to observe.
Although here there is room for maneuver and cunning. This will help the trend for multi-masking – applying two or even three masks at once. Of course, not for the whole face – the point of multimasking is not to mix different means – but to save time and solve several problems at once.
For example, combination skin often needs more intensive cleansing and matting of the T-zone, which is prone to oily sheen. At the same time, other areas on the face, on the contrary, may require additional moisture.
The opportunity to carve out a window in your schedule to make several masks in a row is far from always issued, and why, if tasks can be solved in one fell swoop. Some brands have even begun to produce 2-in-1 masks – two products are packed in one jar or sachet with two compartments.
A convenient option for those who travel a lot or do not like a lot of cosmetics in the bathroom. However, with today’s variety of interesting and effective masks for all occasions, it is quite difficult to avoid an attack of hoarding.