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?
The author Andi, of www.andibradshaw.com says that masks are designed to leave the different skin types looking and feeling polished so that additional skin care products can penetrate more easily, leaving the skin looking healthier and more vibrant. Basically they calm or stimulate the skin but if you have any skin concerns (rosacia or acne, etc.) and the mask for your skin type doesn't seem right for you then only use masks for sensitive skin. This type is soothing to any kind of skin.
- If you have Dry skin, you'll need a mask that hydrates and moisturizes (adds oil and water) after cleansing, to alleviate that flaky, dry, tight feeling. Look for masks that contain milk proteins, oils, amino acids, buttermilk, or lanolin; the intensity of these ingredients are designed to provide a mixture that will infuse those really dry skin cells with extra hydration. The re-hydration of those dry cells will minimize the look of shallow wrinkles or fine lines.
- Normal/Combination skin should use masks that focus on tired, dull looking skin that lacks the healthy, vibrant look. Look for masks with peppermint, eucalyptus or menthol, because they'll stimulate while they rid the skin of dirt and dead skin cells. Hardening or peel-off masks often produce the stimulating effects of these ingredients. They also produce a gentle tingling while invigorating and reviving the skin as well as leaving it looking healthier.
- Oily skin gets best results from deep cleansing, clay or mud masks that will cleanse the skin while drawing out dirt, excess oils and impurities. Clay masks increase perspiration and open pores. They absorb the excess oils as the pores release dirt and impurities. Deep cleansing and mud masks draw out imbedded oils and dirt and tighten the pores temporarily. They also have anti-bacterial additives that reduce the growth of bacteria as it leaves the skin clean.
- Sensitive skin needs masks that are gentle, mild and soothing. Ingredients like aloe, caffeine, chamomile, and honey are all comforting to the skin. Caffeine decreases redness and puffiness, while aloe reduces inflammation, chamomile soothes the skin and honey helps retain moisture. These masks are designed mainly to leave splotchy, dry, sensitive skin, looking smoother and feeling softer and healthier.
How do I use masks?
Using a brush or clean hands, slather product onto your face while being careful to avoid your eye and mouth areas. Choose a relaxing atmosphere to recline and put your feet up, maybe some soft music while you close your eyes and relax; be careful to note the suggested time. For removal, masks that are gel or creamy may be tissued or rinsed away. Peel-away masks should be removed in a downward strokes as that's the direction that your skin cells grow. Masks that dry to a hard or pasty finish may be rinsed off with both hands full of water. To finish, rinse until you've removed all signs of product, blot dry with a clean cloth and follow with your moisturizing routine. - 15683
What do They do?
The author Andi, of www.andibradshaw.com says that masks are designed to leave the different skin types looking and feeling polished so that additional skin care products can penetrate more easily, leaving the skin looking healthier and more vibrant. Basically they calm or stimulate the skin but if you have any skin concerns (rosacia or acne, etc.) and the mask for your skin type doesn't seem right for you then only use masks for sensitive skin. This type is soothing to any kind of skin.
- If you have Dry skin, you'll need a mask that hydrates and moisturizes (adds oil and water) after cleansing, to alleviate that flaky, dry, tight feeling. Look for masks that contain milk proteins, oils, amino acids, buttermilk, or lanolin; the intensity of these ingredients are designed to provide a mixture that will infuse those really dry skin cells with extra hydration. The re-hydration of those dry cells will minimize the look of shallow wrinkles or fine lines.
- Normal/Combination skin should use masks that focus on tired, dull looking skin that lacks the healthy, vibrant look. Look for masks with peppermint, eucalyptus or menthol, because they'll stimulate while they rid the skin of dirt and dead skin cells. Hardening or peel-off masks often produce the stimulating effects of these ingredients. They also produce a gentle tingling while invigorating and reviving the skin as well as leaving it looking healthier.
- Oily skin gets best results from deep cleansing, clay or mud masks that will cleanse the skin while drawing out dirt, excess oils and impurities. Clay masks increase perspiration and open pores. They absorb the excess oils as the pores release dirt and impurities. Deep cleansing and mud masks draw out imbedded oils and dirt and tighten the pores temporarily. They also have anti-bacterial additives that reduce the growth of bacteria as it leaves the skin clean.
- Sensitive skin needs masks that are gentle, mild and soothing. Ingredients like aloe, caffeine, chamomile, and honey are all comforting to the skin. Caffeine decreases redness and puffiness, while aloe reduces inflammation, chamomile soothes the skin and honey helps retain moisture. These masks are designed mainly to leave splotchy, dry, sensitive skin, looking smoother and feeling softer and healthier.
How do I use masks?
Using a brush or clean hands, slather product onto your face while being careful to avoid your eye and mouth areas. Choose a relaxing atmosphere to recline and put your feet up, maybe some soft music while you close your eyes and relax; be careful to note the suggested time. For removal, masks that are gel or creamy may be tissued or rinsed away. Peel-away masks should be removed in a downward strokes as that's the direction that your skin cells grow. Masks that dry to a hard or pasty finish may be rinsed off with both hands full of water. To finish, rinse until you've removed all signs of product, blot dry with a clean cloth and follow with your moisturizing routine. - 15683
About the Author:
Andi Bradshaw is licensed as an esthetician and as a makeup artist in the state of Maryland. She has helped to enhance the faces of more than 15,000 women. The factsin this piece was taken from Andi's book "Skin Care for Moms & Other Working Women". Visit andibradshaw.com for this and other affordable, age appropriate, stroke by stroke, illustrated makeup and skin care books. Affordable makeup and skin care books.
