Home Facial Masks: Why Do I Need Them?
Even though masks and exfoliators are generally made of natural items, exfoliators have a mildly abrasive texture while masks are smooth. Additionally, they can be made of distinct ingredients like plant, citrus, fruit or clay based goods and the always popular mud mask. It is because the consistency of masks is so concentrated that you’ll notice the results immediately.
What do they do?
With an exfoliator you must gently “work” the product, while the mask allows you to relax and the product does the work says the author, Andi of www.andibradshaw.com. In addition, they produce a healthy, polished, more vibrant outcome that allows your skin care products to smooth on and penetrate more easily. Although masks can calm or stimulate the skin, if you have issues with rosacia or acne, only use masks for sensitive skin, they are more gentle to any type of skin.
-Dry skin needs a mask that moisturizes and hydrates (adds oil and water), to relieve that really dry, flaky and tight feeling that you may have after cleansing. This type mask may contain amino acids, oils, lanolin, milk proteins and/or buttermilk. This extra oil conveys an intense mixture that is designed to rehydrate those extra dry skin cells. Those plumped up or re-hydrated cells minimize the appearance of any fine lines, or shallow wrinkles.
-Normal/Combination skin needs a mask that addresses dull, tired skin that lacks that vibrant, healthy look. For this type, masks usually contain ingredients like eucalyptus, menthol, or peppermint which stimulates the skin, while sloughing off the dead skin cells and dirt. Often peel-off or hardening masks contain the stimulating effects of the above ingredients. These produce a pleasant tingling that revives and invigorates the skin, leaving it healthier looking.
-Oily skin requires a clay, deep cleansing or mud mask. These types all draw out or absorb the excess oils, dirt and impurities from facial skin. Clay masks open pores and encourage the skin to perspire. Perspiration rids the pores of dirt and impurities, while the clay absorbs the excess oil. The deep cleansing and mud masks remove imbedded dirt and oils while temporarily tightening the pores. The anti-bacterial ingredients in these type masks will leave the skin clean and diminish the increase of bacteria.
– Sensitive skin requires gentle, soothing, mild type masks. Look for ingredients like chamomile, honey, aloe and caffeine; they will be comforting to your skin. Chamomile is soothing to the skin, honey aids with moisture retention, aloe will reduce inflammation while caffeine minimizes puffiness and redness. This type mask is developed to leave sensitive skin that may be dry and splotchy, feeling softer and looking smoother and healthier.
How do I use Masks?
On clean skin, masks can be generously applied all over your face with clean hands or brush (avoiding the mouth and eye areas). Follow directions for time; recline, elevate your feet, close your eyes and relax. Masks that are a creamy or gel consistency and can be tissued or rinsed off. The peel-away gels should dry to a mask, and be removed by pealing off in a downward motion because that’s the direction that your skin cells grow on your face. Masks for oily or acne prone skin, may be crusty or pasty when dry, hold a wet cloth to soften and remove product, rinse thoroughly and blot with clean cloth to dry. End with your moisturizing regimine.