Face Masks 101

Why face masks?

Similar to a face serum you may have in your skincare routine, a face mask is designed to deliver highly concentrated active ingredients vitamins and nutrients to improve your skin's overall health. The right face mask for your skin type can feel like a treat and an instant pick-me-up but also a boost and a corrective step in your skincare routine.

Here's a quick overview of different types of skin face masks and their benefits:

CREAM MASKS

 Think of the texture of a rich moisturizer. That's the best way I can describe a creamy mask, these face masks do wonders for the skin, adding intense hydration, moisture and nutrients back into the skin, helping and maintaining a plump and young appearance. Keep in mind, a well hydrated skin will always look healthy. Cream masks work best for dry, dehydrated, and aging skin types. Cream masks add moisture and hydration back into the skin, and help maintain a plump and younger looking appearance to the skin. My favorite is the HydraCalm mask.

CLAY MASKS

Clay masks draw the excess oil out of your skin with absorbent and stringent like properties, and they're great for oily and acne prone skin types and can oftentimes double up as a spot treatment for acne. They're also purifying and sometimes exfoliating. Clay masks are a great addition to your skincare routine if you have an oily skin type. My favorite is the soothing clay mask by Face Reality.

EXFOLIATING MASKS

Exfoliating masks may contain AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) or BHA (beta hydroxy acid) to chemically dissolve the glue that holds dead skin cells together as well as physical exfoliating properties to slough off surface dead skin to remove and reveal fresh baby cells. These exfoliating masks are ideal for normal, combination, and oily skin types. My favorite is the Ageless Total resurfacing mask by Image.

Now, with so many options out there, how do you choose the right face mask for you?

Well, I highly recommend seeking a skincare professional's help as I see this time and time again in my clinic as an esthetician where people oftentimes do have a mask at home, but they don't know why or how to use it properly. I also find people who have a face mask at home, they actually have the wrong type of mask for their skin type.

How often should you be using a face mask?

 I recommend using a face mask one to two times per week depending on your skin type and its needs. You'll want to remove your makeup, cleanse your skin and then apply the mask, I recommend brushing it on with a fan brush or a foundation brush for an even application. Don't forget your neck, chest and the back of your hands. You want to leave your mask on for about 10 to 20 minutes. Then remove with lukewarm water and follow with the rest of your routine.

If you're missing a face mask in your skincare routine, be sure to look for one and if you're not sure what type or what product specifically is ideal for you or skin type; I'm here to help. You can send me an email to hello@urbanskincareclinic.com and I'd be more than happy to steer you in the right direction.