Face Masks. Which one is best for me? How often should I use it?
Which one is best for me?
How often should I use it?
Both of these questions are multi-layered, so bear with me.
Firstly, which mask is right for me is answered depending on the two following factors. Your skin TYPE followed by any skin CONCERNS you are trying to address. So what is the difference between skin TYPE vs skin CONCERNS? Basically, your skin TYPE is determined through genetics, meanwhile your skin CONCERNS are influenced by your environment and how these environmental exposures are switching your genes on or off… think, the foods & beverages you consume, the skin care & cosmetic products you use, the water you bathe in, the amount of sun exposure you get, the weather, medications and more.
Skin Types are defined as:
Dry
Oily
Combination
Normal
The most common Skin Concerns are:
Ageing
Acne & Congestion
Redness & Rosacea
Sensitised or Impaired Barrier
Textured & Enlarged Pores
Dermalogical Disorders
Dark Circles & Puffy Eyes
So, what are the types of FACE MASKS available, what skin TYPES and CONCERNS they are targeting and how frequently should we be using them?
Cream - Suitable for all skin types. Especially beneficial for dry skin due to their soothing and moisturising qualities. Can be used 1 - 2 times weekly or in conjunction with
Gel - Suitable for all skin types. Most commonly used to soothe and cool sensitised or barrier impaired skin. For chronically impaired or sensitised skin daily use can be considered when working in conjunction with a qualified skin therapist - otherwise 1 - 2 times weekly is recommended.
Sheet - Suitable for all skin types. Adds an extra boost of hydration and nourishment. Once weekly will support your skin when used in support of your daily skin care routine.
Clay - Best for oily, congested and acne prone skin types. Absorbs oil and controls shine. Avoid if skin is dry or skin barrier is impaired. Over use of a clay & charcoal masks may cause the skin to react by producing additional oil, therefore exacerbating the problem you are trying to solve. Use 1 - 2 times per week.
Exfoliating - Avoid on sensitised or barrier impaired skin. Aids in the removal of dead skin, even texture and brightens skin. Do not use more than once a week, especially when combining with other desquamating treatments/products. The most common mistake I see in salon is clients that are exfoliating 2-4 times per week because they think their skin is dry. Their skin is in fact barrier impaired, therefore suffering from trans epidermal water loss. It is now time to look to repair the skin rather than refine - time to see your skin therapist.
Bubble - Best used on dry skin types. Boosts hydration, aids in supplying oxygen to the epidermis and soothes skin. When used to support your daily skin care routine you will not need to use a bubble mask more than once a week.
Charcoal - Most suitable for oily, acne prone skin. Helps to unclog pores and provides a deep clean. Over use of a clay & charcoal mask may cause the skin to react by producing additional oil, therefore exacerbating the problem you are trying to solve. Use 1 - 2 times per week.
Jelly - Designed to target specific concerns. When selected with skin type and concerns in mind jelly masks cater for all. Frequency will depend on skin type and concerns, but typically no more frequently than once per week.
In summary, it is highly unlikely that any one person would be looking to utilise all 8 types of masks, therefore once you have considered your skin type and concerns you would be looking to select 1 - 2 types of masks and be using them in combination no more than twice a week.
Our skin is our bodies largest organ that it has it's own microbiome. By over stimulating or continually stripping your skin of it's natural oils and disrupting the balance you will likely impair the skin barrier doing more harm than good.
