Face Mask 101

Your Guide To Better Skin

Did you know the global skincare market is worth over $148 billion? The reason is simple — we all want beautiful skin. Face masks are an easy way to decrease your skin problems for a refreshing complexion. Here’s your guide to the face mask and how to choose a face mask.

What Is a Face Mask?

A face mask is different from other skincare products because it delivers a powerful concentration of healthy ingredients into the skin. Most face masks are targeted, meaning they improve specific problems. Since face masks are so powerful, it’s only recommended you use one either once or twice a week.

Why Should You Use a Face Mask?

Face masks are convenient because you can see results in a short amount of time. This is because of the targeted ingredients and how they penetrate into the skin.

While every face mask varies, the average amount of time you leave one on is 15 minutes. This means a face mask is easy to add to any skincare regimen. There are a variety of different face masks out there, as we will cover later, and nearly anyone will benefit from using a face mask.

What Do Face Masks Do For Your Skin?

A face mask can offer multiple benefits, depending on the product, your skin, and your skincare goals. You can find a face mask that can:

• Clear up excess oil
• Moisturize skin
• Cleanse the skin
• Exfoliate
• Prevent and treat aging symptoms
• Brighten the complexion
• Clear and prevent acne
• Decrease the look of pores, acne scars, and other texture issues

Even if you don’t need these targeted benefits, a face mask is still a great product to add to your skincare regimen. The right face mask can leave you with glowing skin and a more youthful complexion. There are also masks for the eyes, body, and more!

How Do They Work?

How do face masks work? They penetrate the active ingredients into the skin and trap them in only a short amount of time. Since face masks are formulated to treat specific skin concerns, they all work differently. However, you can ensure that the face mask you use will leave your skin looking and feeling healthy.

Different Types of Face Masks

Face masks will offer more than beautiful, smooth skin. From clay cleansing masks to brightening exfoliating masks, there are a variety of face masks out there.

Cream Masks

Cream masks have a thicker consistency, though some cream masks are more lightweight than others. You may think these are the best face masks if you need hydration. These masks feel silky on the skin, leaving your face feeling fresh and moisturized.

Gel Masks

Gel masks also nourish the skin but are more lightweight than cream masks. This consistency is recommended if you have oily/combination skin or if you don’t like the heavy feeling of a cream mask. Certain masks also have a gel consistency; this is common for acne masks, where they cleanse and moisturize the skin to treat and prevent breakouts.

Clay Masks

Clay masks contain unique ingredients that detoxify the skin while keeping your complexion hydrated. While most clay masks are ideal for oily and acne-prone skin, you can find clay masks that offer brightening and anti-aging benefits. For a clay mask, you usually wait until it hardens or changes colour before rinsing off.

Warming Masks

Warming masks are very unique. They can target areas that traditional masks can’t, such as skin texture and pore size. Plus, they feel amazing on the skin and clean like nothing else.

Exfoliating Masks

Exfoliating masks and cleansers remove dirt, dead skin cells, oil, and other impurities from the skin surface. This makes your skin look more luminous and decreases the look of imperfections.

There are two types of exfoliating masks: physical and chemical.

Physical exfoliating masks are the most recognizable ones — they’re often in the form of a scrub that takes away the first layer of skin to reveal the healthier skin underneath. Chemical exfoliating masks use ingredients such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) to make your skin look more glowing and youthful.

While you can find exfoliating masks for all skin types, they can be very powerful and abrasive. If you have sensitive skin, make sure you use an exfoliator for your skin type.

How Often Should You Use A Face Mask?

Every mask has different requirements. While some masks may only require a once-a-week application, others recommend using the mask as often as three times a week. No two masks are equal, so always read the directions and use a patch test before applying the mask.

How Do You Use A Face Mask?

Follow these easy steps to use a face mask:

• Always start by cleansing the face with a mild cleanser
• Take a small amount of product and apply it to the face, using either your fingers or a brush
• Always avoid putting the mask on or near the mouth and eyes
• Let the mask sit on the skin for the recommended amount of time, usually 15-20 minutes
• Rinse off the mask with water

Keep in mind that some face masks require additional steps. For example, if you’re using a cleansing or exfoliating mask, you may need to massage the product into your skin before or after application. Again, always read the directions before applying the mask.

Can Face Masks Cause Acne?

If you have acne and blemish-prone skin, you may wonder if face masks are right for you. There are many masks that act as a breakout treatment. They work by cleaning out your pores for smoother skin.

However, you’ll also want to use a calming product so your skin doesn’t over-produce oil and sebum, which can lead to more breakouts.

How To Choose The Right Face Mask?

First, understand your skin type. Most people have one or more of the following skin types:

• Normal
• Sensitive
• Dry
• Oily/combination
• Breakout prone

Next, know your skincare goals. For example, if you have dry skin, you may need a moisturizing mask. You should also consider additional goals, such as decreasing the look of aging symptoms.

Once you identify your goals, it’s time to shop! Consider more than price and brand. Take a look at the instructions and use frequency to ensure you’re choosing a product that can fit into your skincare routine.

The Takeaway

A face mask can get rid of acne, moisturize the skin, and more. But there are times when you may need professional assistance. We offer a variety of facials to rejuvenate the skin so you get that perfect, glowing complexion. If you’re based in Ottawa, take a look at the facials we offer.