We know that our daily skincare routines must be thorough and pretty darn meticulous if we want to maintain skin health long-term, but what about that weekly kernel of kindness: The Face Mask?
Some may see it as an indulgence, but as Tracy Douglas, Omniderm Skincare Expert explains, masks offer an essential and intense support treatment that can only enhance the condition of the skin and kickstart all that skincare goodness.
“Masks are a powerful maintenance treatment designed to deeply clean, hydrate, stimulate, brighten and calm the skin,” she explains. “It also assists to accelerate a more radiant, clear, calm and hydrated skin.”
In skincare speak, face masks prove the epidermal deal-breaker. So if you aren’t already using one once or twice weekly, you must start now.
If you are using a cream, gel or clay mask – as opposed to a cloth mask – they are best applied with a mask brush, suggests Tracy. “This allows a more even application of the mask,” she explains. It also allows precise application when using a mask that targets a specific area. “The direction of application should be working from the forehead down to the chin and from the base of the neck upwards to the chin.”
“To get the best result from using a mask it is always best to cleanse, tone and exfoliate,” she continues. “This allows deeper penetration of the active ingredients by removing the dead skin cells from the surface of the epidermis and preparing your skin for the mask.”
Most masks are left on the skin for approx. 20 minutes, however some are designed to leave on the skin overnight for a real booster treatment. To be certain, follow instructions to the letter, and try a patch test on the inner arm first.
Not sure which mask to make your very own? Here’s a brief overview of what you may need.
Dry Skin:
Ultraceuticals Ultra Replenishing Mask, $65, from Ultraceuticals.com.au has been formulated with a powerful blend of antioxidants and anti-fatigue ingredients such as caffeine, persian silk tree extract and salicin.
Congested Skin:
Nuxe Clarifying Cream Mask with Rose Petals, $34.95, from Cosmetiquesdefrance.com.au is rich in rice powder and rosemary water to gently tighten the pores.
Pigmented Skin:
C1 – Whitening, Moisturising & Pigment Taming Face Mask, $36, from Lonvitaliate.com.au is a cloth mask containing vitamin C to effectively increase the production of melanin for brighter, more radiant skin.
Tired Skin:
Shieseido Benefiance Firming Massage Mask, $80, from Shiseido.com.au contains bio-hyaluronic acid to promote suppleness and resilience, hydrating skin and maintains its softness.
Oily skin:
Dr Spiller Terra California Clay Mask, $86, from DrSpiller.com.au is a clarifying clay based mask to visibly equalise and purify problematic skin conditions.
Sensitive skin:
Decleor HARMONIE CALM Comforting Milky Gel Cream Mask, $90, from TrueSolutions.com.au contains essential Oil of Damask Rose, with recognised calming properties, to help to boost the natural defences of vulnerable skin
Ruddy Skin:
AHAVA Hydration Cream Mask, $42.50, from Ahava.com.au is a creamy texture mask formulated to hydrate skin. The mask instantly restores skin’s moisture leaving it feeling supple, soft and smooth.
Image credit: Miranda Kerr’s Instagram @mirandakerr featuring Kora Organics Hydrating Mask