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This is an ambulance after a sleepless night or a grueling day. A healing ritual in the season when the weather is not too kind to our skin. Moisturizing masks, cleansing, in the form of a cream, gel or application mask – which ones to choose and how to get the most out of them?
The popularity of this cosmetic product is associated precisely with the immediate beneficial effect on the skin of the face: care, restoration of tone, natural and healthy color in just a few minutes. Another sign of a cosmetic mask is its optionality: most women are sure of the absolute necessity of a cream that has become an element of their daily routine, while the mask remains something from the realm of pleasure, relaxation and rest, rare and precious moments dedicated to themselves. But it is in our direct interest to turn them into a regular ritual. “Cosmetic masks are an integral part of a long-established culture of facial skin care. But modern research also shows that the skin of women who regularly use masks always remains in the best condition, ”says Lionel de Benetti, director of Clarins research and development center.
The reason for the effectiveness of cosmetic masks is explained very simply: they are applied to the skin in a dense layer, covering the entire face, providing fast absorption of nutrients. The skin is in a kind of steam bath – the processes of tissue respiration and blood circulation are stimulated, accelerating the penetration of active ingredients into skin cells. A cosmetic mask has an important advantage over a simple cream: an intense effect on the cells of the epidermis in a short time leads to amazing visual results.
Cream mask
Its difference is a rich, fairly dense texture. Such masks are usually designed for dehydrated, dry, sensitive, tired or mature skin. Serves for active moisturizing and nourishing the skin, relieves irritation, softens, smoothes wrinkles, as if filling them from the inside. Cream texture masks are suitable for sensitive skin and skin prone to couperose (dilated vessels), but are used with limitations for acne and breakouts.
Mode of application. Apply to pre-cleansed, dry skin. For best results, apply a warm compress to your face before applying the mask to open up the pores (but not if your skin is prone to rosacea). Apply the mask evenly over the face, retreating 1,5–2 cm from the contour of the eyes and lips. If the skin is very dry, dehydrated and instantly absorbs the mask, you can apply another layer after a light minute massage. (The faster the mask is absorbed, the more the skin needs to be moisturized.) After a few minutes, the mask can be washed off with water, but it is better to use cotton swabs soaked in lotion or thermal water. Another option is to remove the excess with a tissue and do not rinse.
Application frequency: once a week.
Is a mask at the salon better than at home?
We asked this question to the cosmetologist: is it worth going to the salon to make a cosmetic mask? “Depending on what problems you want to solve,” says cosmetologist-dermatologist Elena Fuflygina.
“The effectiveness of the mask is enhanced by massage, hardware exposure or the application of concentrated products. If there are skin problems (susceptibility to allergic reactions, dilated blood vessels or acne), then only a professional can determine which of these methods is optimal. In the salon, you can solve these specific problems, and at home – carry out prevention. Some procedures are simply impossible to do on your own – for example, apply a plasticizing (hardening) mask to model the contours of the face. Another plus of the salon is the opportunity to relax in the beautician’s chair. The habit of putting on a mask on the go, talking on the phone, sitting in front of a computer, negates half the effect. It is better to spend a few minutes in complete peace – the face should be as relaxed as possible.
Exfoliating mask
Suitable for all skin types. An exception is hypersensitivity to mask components. Used to cleanse the skin of dead cells, moisturize and rejuvenate the skin. Masks containing granules exfoliate dead cells mechanically, products based on fruit acids and enzymes remove them chemically.
Mode of application. To achieve an exfoliating effect, apply a small amount of the mask to clean and dry face skin in circular massaging movements, paying special attention to the T-zone. Leave on for a minute or two, then rinse thoroughly with water at a comfortable temperature.
Application frequencyA: No more than once a week.
Application mask
An intensive treatment for dehydrated, dry, tired & mature skin. This is an upgraded version of the warming wet compress used by our grandmothers. Soothes and moisturizes the skin, smoothes wrinkles. Such masks are available in the form of wet wipes that saturate the skin with active substances. Sometimes wipes are soaked immediately before use, and in the Japanese version, serum or essential oils are often added to them, which are applied to the face before application. In addition, there are many varieties of application masks for the eye area – from round gel discs to classic “carnival” masks with slits for the eyes. Application masks are very practical: they do not need to be washed off with water, they do not stain the hair. Another plus is that they force us to be at rest, in a horizontal position, for at least a few minutes.
Mode of application. Place the mask-application on the face so that it is completely adjacent to the surface of the skin. Leave for 10 minutes and try to completely relax. Remove the mask by holding its edge, in the direction from the outer side of the face to the center.
Application frequency: once a week for the face, no restrictions for the eye area.
Cleansing Mask
Suitable for combination or oily skin, often contains mineral components that eliminate oily sheen. Gently removes impurities and excess sebum, prevents the growth of bacteria, makes the skin matte and leaves a feeling of freshness. Deep cleansing is suitable for dull and lifeless skin (especially for smokers). Such masks tighten pores and degrease the skin, so they can leave some feeling of dryness – for dehydrated skin, it is better not to use products containing clay, which has powerful moisture-absorbing properties.
Mode of application. The mask should be applied in a thin layer on clean skin (but not after a scrub), retreating 1-2 cm from the hair and eyebrows (since, when dried, such masks often crumble and their smallest particles are difficult to remove). Rinse off the mask with a latex or marine sponge, then apply a moisturizer.
Application frequency: once to twice a week for 15 minutes for oily and clogged skin. If you have mixed skin, then the mask should be applied only in the T-zone area. Once a month and no more than 10 minutes if you have thin skin.
Gel mask
As a rule, gel texture masks are designed for the area around the eyes. There are also “instant hydration” and “anti-stress” gel masks. The ultra-light and fresh gel texture is instantly absorbed, promising hydration and drainage – ideal for reducing dark circles under the eyes and puffiness. The mask-gel is absolutely non-greasy, non-comedogenic (does not lead to blockage of pores), well tolerated even by oily, prone to inflammation or very sensitive skin.
Mode of application. Apply the mask to the area around the eyes, retreating a few millimeters from the edge of the eyelashes, leave for 10 minutes. Option: place a thin slice of cucumber or wet cotton pads over the eyelids over the mask.
Application frequency: no limits.